Difficulty of front differential and rear axle swap?

[Chewy1576]

I have 2 K2500 RCLB trucks. One is a 1990, the other is a 1992. The '90 has a 383 (originally a 350), SM465, and 3.42 gears. The '92 has a 350, NV4500, and 4.10 gears. I picked up the '92 to swap the NV4500 with the SM465 to go behind the 383. I have been thinking the 4.10 gears will be really nice to have too. How big of a PITA would it be to swap the entire front differentials? The entire rear axle would be fairly easy I imagine? When it's all said and done, the NV4500 and 4.10 front and rear would be in the '90, and SM465 and 3.42 front and rear would be in the '92. Crazy or doable?


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[cjman250]

rear isnt bad, i did it on my truck without power tools and had it done in a few hours. as far as front i have no clue

 

[Chewy1576]

I have been thinking if I unbolt both CV shafts, front driveshaft, and any linkages/connections for the 4WD, then any framework holding it in and it should come out. I have air tools so I'm not worried about rusted bolts.


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EDIT: I have been looking at installation guides for a few different lift kits for tips on how to get the front differential out. Looks like I have to take out the control arms and steering also. May be a good time to replace all the old rubber bushings with polyurethane and finish replacing the worn steering parts.

 

[Chewy1576]

Looks like the front won't be so hard after all : http://www.truckmodcentral.com/forums/f63/how-remove-gm-8-25-front-differential-ifs-11936/