Search yields too much to sift through with little answers

[ellessroy]

89 k1500 10blt gov lock finally gave it up. I've LS swapped and rebuilt trans. Makes sense to upgrade to something stronger and gear down a bit from the stock 3:08 or what ever freeway worthy set is in it now. I'm thinking 3:73 or 4:10. Figured I'd find a donor later model and get both front and rear diffs and swap them them out. Now I know there is a lot to look out for in doing this. Drum to disc, spring perch width, yolks, u joints, front diff style, lug pattern, the list goes on and I'm prepared to convert what I have to for the best fit vs. Strongest vs. Cost effective combination to piece together. 1 ton full float, 3/4 ton semi float, 89-2019, suburban, long bed, 2wd 4wd, I dont care I'll get it. Any simple suggestions for a donor vehicle to look for to get all/ the bulk of what I need from?

 

[evilunclegrimace]

You are going to have to stay with a K 1500 /2500 LD (7200GVW) truck if you are swapping front and rear diffs, 2wd and 4wd rear diffs are different widths. Look for a LD 2500 with a 9 1/2 inch semi float axle that way you can keep your six lug wheels on the rear diff

 

[JWOK]

Like evil says, stick with the gmt400 9.5sf out of 4x4. The 9.25 front diff from a 3/4 or 1 ton will not bolt in without a lot of work. I have a 9.25 in my 1/2 ton Yukon with BDS lift and it is easier than many make out, but not a bolt in by any means.