GMT800 2500 axle swap in 1500?

[Lykos]

I've seen on here somewhere that someone has swapped 2500 axles into a 1500 Suburban.
My search function **** is weak and I can't find the thread.

I have a rear coil sprung 2003 Burb and am trying to figure out what rear axles are a direct swap.
I know the front diff needs massaging to fit and I'm not interested in a SAS.

Any help?

 

[bknudtsen]

Many GMT900 1500 Avalanches and Yukons came equipped with 6-lug 9.5” semi float rear axles. Same coil setup.

If you want 8-lug than an H2 axle will work, but may need the shock mounts moved. I think it’s wider as well, but not certain.

I don’t think there is a way to get 8-lug stuff up front, but I think the 2500 cv’s fit the 6-lug unit bearings.

 

[Lykos]

Many GMT900 1500 Avalanches and Yukons came equipped with 6-lug 9.5” semi float rear axles. Same coil setup.

If you want 8-lug than an H2 axle will work, but may need the shock mounts moved. I think it’s wider as well, but not certain.

I'll check out the H2 axles. Thanks.

 

[bknudtsen]

I'll check out the H2 axles. Thanks.

See my edit^

 

[Lykos]

See my edit^

The fronts can be fine with enough work.

 

[rayra]

you seek mccustomize.

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/116830-2003-Silverado-Z71-solid-axle-build

 

[bknudtsen]

The fronts can be fine with enough work.

Not talking about the diffs, just the unit bearings, knuckles and control arms. 9.25” front housing can be shoehorned. Thinking 6-lug vs. 8-lug wheels when using an H2 rear.

 

[bknudtsen]

Here’s the build thread you were asking about.

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/153444-(Another)-Forest-Living-Suburban-Build-Thread

 

[Lykos]

Here’s the build thread you were asking about.

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/153444-(Another)-Forest-Living-Suburban-Build-Thread

Thank you sir!

 

[02TahoeMD]

You need to find a used GM 14 bolt axle with the code AXN, and then also the applicable code for your gear ratio - in my case I had to find one code GT4 for 3.73 gears. If you are patient and look around you can find these, I think it took me about 3 weeks of digging until I found one in good shape and had it shipped up. Direct bolt in swap with a U joint adapter called a 1350 to Mechanics 3R. I did a writeup about it in my thread but all the pics are broken thanks to the highway robbery attempt by Photobucket.

A really great thread that had a ton of information about the GM 14 bolt swap is found over at Performance Trucks, it is where I got a lot of my information prior to doing the swap.

 

[2025 deleted member]

I've seen on here somewhere that someone has swapped 2500 axles into a 1500 Suburban.
My search function **** is weak and I can't find the thread.

I have a rear coil sprung 2003 Burb and am trying to figure out what rear axles are a direct swap.
I know the front diff needs massaging to fit and I'm not interested in a SAS.

Any help?

Wouldn't it be easier just to get a 2500 burb?

 

[Lykos]

Wouldn't it be easier just to get a 2500 burb?

Shopping for another and dealing with that headache and then selling mine?
No. For me it's easier to spend a few hundred bucks and a weekend installing stronger components.

 

[Lykos]

You need to find a used GM 14 bolt axle with the code AXN, and then also the applicable code for your gear ratio - in my case I had to find one code GT4 for 3.73 gears. If you are patient and look around you can find these, I think it took me about 3 weeks of digging until I found one in good shape and had it shipped up. Direct bolt in swap with a U joint adapter called a 1350 to Mechanics 3R. I did a writeup about it in my thread but all the pics are broken thanks to the highway robbery attempt by Photobucket.

A really great thread that had a ton of information about the GM 14 bolt swap is found over at Performance Trucks, it is where I got a lot of my information prior to doing the swap.

Good info! I'll check out that thread. Thank you.

 

[Burb One]

Good info! I'll check out that thread. Thank you.

Hey,

REAR-
02TahoeMD is right. It's pretty much plug and play for the REAR axle that fits. I'll try and find a link to a post I placed that helps you find the right axle in your area. Seem to go between 700-1200 for the rear. I used the opportunity to regear to 4.10's. Also, make sure to find one with the G80. It's a decently strong locker. Best option, because it's pretty much free because you're getting an axle anway, unless you intend to also go to a selectable.

FRONT- a little more involved...
For the front, any NBS 2500 front axle will fit with some minor welding, shortening of the front drive shaft, simple off the shelf CV spacers,2500 CV's AND a six inch diff drop lift. I do not see how it could possibly fit in a non-lifted non- diff-dropped 1500 because of the proximity to the steering components.. Look into my build thread and you will find some pictures.

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...g-Suburban-Build-Thread?p=2303902#post2303902


If you need any help, more pictures, etc feel free to PM me or post in my thread (so I get a notification, I'm on and off on reading on the forum)

It's a process but in the scheme of things, it's almost all bolt on. I love the 2500 reliability and strength with a coil rear. and the mpg of the 1500. The truck simply floats (especially with coilovers in front)

 

[Lykos]

Are the axles in those rear ends the same as 2500 axles but with 6 lugs or are they smaller?