85 gear set, 95 housing.

[1995_lifted_k1500]

I have a 1995 chevy k1500 with a 10 bolt 8.5" with 3.42 gears. My buddy has a 10 bolt rear axle out of a 1985 k10 with 4.56 gears also 8.5". I am curious if I can just change out internals (gear set, shafts, and pinion) and it work like new. The reason I am going this route is to save cost. Any input will help. Thank you in advance!

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[sewlow]

If the rear ends are the same width, & have the same spring perch locations, why not just swap the complete rear end?

 

[1995_lifted_k1500]

If the rear ends are the same width, & have the same spring perch locations, why not just swap the complete rear end?

The difference is the shock mounts. I would have to buy and weld up some on the axle. Also I just out all new rear brakes on my axle.

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