I have a 96 2500 4WD the rear end is open, non posi. I want to change to a closed, posi. can find 1st gen diff. but very few 2nd gen. Are there any 1st gen rear end that will fit my 2nd gen. The whole thing or inner parts?

Thanks

Floyd

 

First thing to do is identify your axle and gear ratio. I would guess a dana 70u.

If it's a 70, finding a posi is not too hard, they are all over the place in Ford and Dodge vans and pickups. There are two common limited slips in these- the powerlock and traclock. The Powerlock is a four pinion diff and has squared ends on the cross pins. They are the ones to look for. EXCELLENT support for them, and full steel clutchpacks are available. The guts share with dana 60 plock guts which means you can swap the side gears to get the spline count you need.

If you get a junkyard posi, *be aware of the carrier split* and be prepared to deal with carrier bearings and shims. Just check the backlash before you pull it and set it so the carrier is snug going back in and has as close to the original backlash as possible.

Not sure on the interchangeability of earlier D70's into the newer trucks, but I sure wouldn't be surprised if it was simple. Mebbe someone else knows about that detail. Beware of reverse thread lugnuts on the D70's too though.

 

Leaf spring perches on the axle are in the same place / width 1st to 2nd gen.
The leaf springs AND spring perches are 2 1/2 wide for the 1st gen
The 2nd gens have a 3 inch wide leaf spring pack and perches.
The 1st gens axles are an inch or so narrower as well for SRW axles.

Basically a bolt in affair.

 

Yes, it is a Dana 70 with 3:54 gears and I think 35 spline count. Are you thinking that parts out of a D70 should fit other D-70 even out of different makes of trucks. I understand I should be looking for the "Powerlock" any guess as to years I should be looking at? I don't know what Carrier split is.

Thanks

Floyd