'97 2500/3500 front gear case question

[RSG72]

Hello everyone,
New member here. Great site, lots of useful information.
Can anyone out there tell me if the front differential case or center section is physically different between the 3/4 and one ton trucks? I realize that front suspension parts are heavier on the 1 tons but how about the front case? Truck is a 1997.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[letitsnow]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I think there should be a red/silver tag on the transfer case that tells you what it is. The tag is out in the open and easy to read while laying under the truck.

 

[86454k30]

Hello everyone,
New member here. Great site, lots of useful information.
Can anyone out there tell me if the front differential case or center section is physically different between the 3/4 and one ton trucks? I realize that front suspension parts are heavier on the 1 tons but how about the front case? Truck is a 1997.

Thanks in advance for any help

The only difference between a K2500 and a K3500 is the transfer case. The K2500 has a new process and the K3500 has a borg warner. The frame, front differential and rear axle....if the K2500 has a 454 are identical and interchangeable. The K2500 with a 350 has a semi floating 9.5" 14 bolt rear axle.

 

[454cid]

The only difference between a K2500 and a K3500 is the transfer case. The K2500 has a new process and the K3500 has a borg warner. The frame, front differential and rear axle....if the K2500 has a 454 are identical and interchangeable. The K2500 with a 350 has a semi floating 9.5" 14 bolt rear axle.

I don't think its engine dependent, but gvw dependent.

 

[smdk2500]

I don't think its engine dependent, but gvw dependent.

I do think it might be engine dependent. My 95 is a 8600 GVW and has the semi float and a 350. I wish i knew if the is a rpo code to tell me what rear end was supposed to be in it when new so I know for sure.

 

[RSG72]

Thank you for the info Gentlemen

 

[Gibson]

According to this site; https://www.drivetrainshop.com/GM_9_25_IFS_s/113.htm the 2500/3500 both used the same 9.25 in. diff,, the 1/2 tons used the smaller 8.25 unit.
Having had a '94 K3500, the outboard parts, like the A arms and brakes are bigger.

 

[86454k30]

I don't think its engine dependent, but gvw dependent.

Rear axle is engine dependent on K2500, 350 get 9.5SF, 454 and 6.5 diesel got 10.5FF

 

[Smith]

Both are a 9.25 diff, will swap

 

[Schurkey]

I learn something new every day. I was sure that the 2500 got the 8.25 front differential, and only the 3500 got the 9.25 front.

That's what the service manual for my '97 implies, anyway. I was surprised, since I have the 10.5 full-float rear axle.