AXN 14bolt swap to gmt800 interchangeability??

[Lykos]

I did the search function but since AXN is too short a term to search I got frustrated. Here I am. lol

What years tahoe/burb with the AXN option are a direct bolt in to gmt 800s?
I’m familiar with the Escalade swaps but I’m seeing that later model AXN axles are more easily available and some available with the g80 locker.
Thanks!

 

[1stDeuce]

I'm pretty knowledgeable about GMT800 but I had to google AXN axle... So that's the six lug 14 bolt Semi-floater 9.5" axle with smaller axles and wheel bearings that came on SS and Max package trucks. I don't think either of those packages were available on the Tahoe or Burb, so I'm not sure there is a AXN Tahoe/Burb axle... If there is one, then it should fit all '99-06 GMT800 tahoes and burb's. Driveshaft length might need to be a bit shorter, so if you're pulling the axle, it would be good to get the driveshaft too...

I got a good article from performancetrucks.net...

 

[Lykos]

I'm pretty knowledgeable about GMT800 but I had to google AXN axle... So that's the six lug 14 bolt Semi-floater 9.5" axle with smaller axles and wheel bearings that came on SS and Max package trucks. I don't think either of those packages were available on the Tahoe or Burb, so I'm not sure there is a AXN Tahoe/Burb axle... If there is one, then it should fit all '99-06 GMT800 tahoes and burb's. Driveshaft length might need to be a bit shorter, so if you're pulling the axle, it would be good to get the driveshaft too...

I got a good article from performancetrucks.net...

Thank you! I was c searching used car parts and some nnbs 1500s popped up as options hence my confusion.
Any thoughts on the h2 rear axle? I know it’s 2” longer and 8 lug but it’s also available with an e locker.

 

[1stDeuce]

I don't think the H2 axle will bolt into a half ton burb, only the 3/4 ton. I would guess that the brackets and geometry are different, and I know the control arms are different... I don't know that you're going to find an H2 axle cheap either... ???

Also, given that the hybrid axle evidently has 8.6" sized axle shafts and wheel bearings, it seems kinda pointless. I've rarely seen an 8.6 eat the ring an pinion but if you run it hard with a locker and big tires you can break an axle if you lose your cool... The hybrid axle doesn't improve the axles from what I read...

If part of the reason for changing is to get 4:10's, you might just have to settle for a 8.6 for an easy swap, or head to the junkyard with a camera and tape measure and see if a GMT800 axle is close enough to a GMT 900 axle to work, or get the axle from a GMT900 and swap the brackets. (Yuck...)

 

[Lykos]

Sounds reasonable. 8.6 is a pretty robust size for a rear end. If the shafts are no different in the AXN it sounds pointless to swap them out.
That’s for the response!

 

[Watt maker]

Try looking for Avalanche with the "vortec max" or "max tow" package. They came with a 6.0 or 6.2 in the later years and had some max tow goodies, including the HD 14-bolt, 6-lug axle. Some Escalades and Denali's may possibly have this axle as well. Most had the GT5 (4.10) gear ratio and G80 locker, some may be GT4 (3.73) and the later ones will probably be 3.42 ratio. Supposedly, they bolt into the 1500 suburban and tahoe although some may need a different u-joint.