Front/Rear differentials swap?
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So I own a 02 Chevy TB Lt, it has a GU6 gear ratio, my mom owns a 04 GMC Envoy EXT with a GT4,G80. I want to swap it with mine before she sells it!! Will the rear axle and front differentials just be a strait swap? And will I need anything else like gaskets or other parts?
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Edubarajas - Cruiser
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I'm sure someone more inclined will answer your question, but since this has been discussed so regularly and you have 15 posts already 
Once lifted 03 Trailblazer on 35's, gave it up to travel the USA with my family.
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mikekey - Lifer
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That's such a wonderful and evil idea, I can't imagine anybody being in a better position to do that. Lots of work, though, for the front swap.
The EXT has a desirable upgraded rear axle, but the downside is if your mother sells it with the weaker SWB axle in it, and the buyer finds out, there's a possible lawsuit on your hands.
So at the end of the post, I have to recommend against it. GT4 is such a minor improvement you might as well go big or go home. If you have a mission that needs better gears, go for 4.56.
The EXT has a desirable upgraded rear axle, but the downside is if your mother sells it with the weaker SWB axle in it, and the buyer finds out, there's a possible lawsuit on your hands.
So at the end of the post, I have to recommend against it. GT4 is such a minor improvement you might as well go big or go home. If you have a mission that needs better gears, go for 4.56.
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The Roadie - Founder
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I agree with Roadie, Unless the new owner is fully aware of the swap and it's been well documented you could be held liable if something was to go wrong. You wouldn't be gaining anything as far as gear ratio. If it's the G80 you want then find a 8.6 open and swap the rear carrier. But your still looking at setting up two rears? 
If you decided on it then I would change out the outer seal on the front diff, drain and change out the gear oil gear on both and check your rig for worn front end parts
If you decided on it then I would change out the outer seal on the front diff, drain and change out the gear oil gear on both and check your rig for worn front end parts
Last edited by Aries on Sun Feb 23, 2014 3:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Aries
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I think you guys have a point! I'll probably just stick with swapping out GU6 with GU6/G80, and it will be less work. I don't plan on doing any hardcore off-roading anyways. I probably go with a front LockRight that should be good enough for me!!
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Edubarajas - Cruiser
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Edubarajas wrote:I think you guys have a point! I'll probably just stick with swapping out GU6 with GU6/G80, and it will be less work. I don't plan on doing any hardcore off-roading anyways. I probably go with a front LockRight that should be good enough for me!!
Why would you install a front LockRight if you're not going to wheel hard? That seems like unnecessary work and money spent on other parts that could be used in your mission.
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Moots1288 - Veteran
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djthumper - Moderator
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Let me rephrase that wheel hard not extreme!
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Edubarajas - Cruiser
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I would forgo the front locker until after you get the rear locker and know for sure. I would also look at getting the 8.6 rearend and put a better locker in there than to just upgrade to the G80. Unless someone hands me a G80 for next to nothing because of an upgrade I would probably not waste my time with it.
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djthumper - Moderator
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That would be an open 8.6 correct not a G80?
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Edubarajas - Cruiser
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That would be an open 8.6 correct not a G80?
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Edubarajas - Cruiser
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