Whats the difference????

[97ttpuller]

Ok I did not find this one in the stupid question sticky. I need to change gears in my tow rig, so I start searching for used axles in local junk yards. My truck is a 1997, K1500, 4X4 and guess what, there are 3 different axles listed for that year model. I'm looking to go to 3.73's or possibly 4.10's so this is the list

#1) 4X4, 10 Bolt Cover 3.73 Ratio (opt GT4)
#2) 4x4, 14 bolt cover, 3.73 ratio (opt GT4)
#3) 4x2, 3.73 ratio (opt GT4)

My question is What is the difference between the "4X4 10 Bolt Cover" and the 4X2 ??????? Are the ring gears both 8.5"? My neighbor has a 97 C1500, 4X2 and it has a 10 bolt cover as well. One thing I can say is the 4x4 axle is 200 -300 bucks more. I can get the 4X2 in 4.10 but the 4X4 only goes to 3.73, WHY??

 

[oohunter04oo]

The axles and axle shafts are longer. So a 4wd axle is about 3" wider than a 2wd axle.

 

[97ttpuller]

Thank You, that makes that decision easy. Now one more question. The front axles have 2 options also:

one shift actuating switch on housing (actuator only), 3.73 ratio (opt GT4)
OR
two shift actuating switches on housing (switch & actuator), 3.73 ratio (opt GT4)

How do I tell which one I have? My front has an actuator and what looks like some type of junction block or relay with like 3-4 wires on it.