Rear End - 97 Tahoe

[jmeccia]

Ok, quick and basic question here.

I picked up a 97 2-door Tahoe about a year ago knowing it needed some rear end work (there's a whine that was only noticeable on the highway, but now it's present throughout).

It's the 350 - not the duramax. It is 4x4. I don't think there were any other options then that would have dictated rear end gear ratios, etc.

So, my questions are:

1. what is the gearing ratio (373's?)
2. would anyone like to recommend a retailer for gears?
3. i need a pinion shaft bearing too, anyway I can look up that part #?

Thanks for the info.
-J

[mudmonkey]

Quote:1. what is the gearing ratio (373's?)

Assuming it still has the stock ratio, you could look on the sticker in the glove box and get the RPO code for the axle. I *think* GT4 is for 3.73 gears.

Or you could jack up one tire on the rear and spin it 20 times while someone counts the number of times the driveshaft goes around. Divide that number by 10. It helps to mark the driveshaft with something to make it easier to count.

[quick10ss]

i had 3.42s in my 95 tahoe. personally i would go out and find a 14 bolt semi float axle out of a 3/4 ton chevy. 88 to 98 will bolt right in. ive personally experianced and heard of 10 bolts grenading. but if you want to keep it try drive train depot.com or drive train specialists. they have gears and master install kits at decent prices. good luck

[Bosco]

if you are going to spend money on the rear end. it would cost just as much to upgrade as it would to repair it

[mudmonkey]

Quote:On 2007-06-23 15:19, quick10ss wrote:
. ive personally experianced and heard of 10 bolts grenading.

And here is some photographic proof of this alleged occurance

This is what happened to my 10 bolt with a Gov-Loc... I'm currently looking for a 14 bolt. If I can't find a 14 bolt SF rear, I will SAS the 'Burb.

[1BadK10]

wow..good thing i got a 12 bolt rear...lil bit better..not by much..

[jmeccia]

wow, great pics - and thanks for the feedback. Yes, I was looking at a 12-bolt complete rear on ebay but missed it by an hour.
if i hadn't just dropped $250 on new brakes i'd be very tempted, but since cash is a bit tight, I may just look at new gears.

i'm off to check out the recommended links.

thanks for all the help.

[American]

I broke 2 10bolts on stock tires, and 1 on 33's. I also broke a 10b front on 39.5's but that's a whole different story haha

[outalne94z71]

actually the 12 bolt is weaker, the pinion bearings go out on the 12 bolt and it has smaller shafts

the 10 bolt is fine if you dont have the g80 or the 3:42 gears(pinion head snaps off)

[outalne94z71]

Quote:On 2007-06-23 17:00, mudmonkey wrote:

And here is some photographic proof of this alleged occurance

This is what happened to my 10 bolt with a Gov-Loc... I'm currently looking for a 14 bolt. If I can't find a 14 bolt SF rear, I will SAS the 'Burb.



http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h199/r...-07001.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h199/r...-07002.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h199/r...-07003.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h199/r...-07004.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h199/r...-07005.jpg

which 14 bolt sf you need 8 lug or 6?