[sebastian f7]

Ok so my 02 got smashed up last December. I've been trying to get funds together to fix it but I can't get enough saved at one time (just had to put a roof on the house) Anyway a mechanic buddy of mine picked up a 97 3/4 ton gasser and he wants the plow off it and a cylinder head. Then he's gonna scrap it. I worked out a deal with him so I can snag some parts off it before it goes to scrap. Thinking about it a whole axle swap would probably be the easiest way to go about it. The front yoke sheared off the diff so I have no idea what the damage is in there. Can I just throw a cad axle under it? It's not ideal but I'd really like to have my big boy truck back.

 

[me78569]

there are a number of differences.


The control arm bolts are different sizes, so you will need to run cam bolt eliminator washers, or grind down the later cam washers to fit the axle.

You will also have to adapt the steering components to make it work. It is not plug and play.

Current I have a 96 front in my 00 and it has been a HUGE pain to get everything sorted up front.

 

[Off-road]

i wouldnt swap it, it sounds much more expensive then staying 2x4 till the funds get there to fix 4x4....

 

[sebastian f7]

i wouldnt swap it, it sounds much more expensive then staying 2x4 till the funds get there to fix 4x4....

2x4 is not an option. Its not moveable the way it is, control arms are folded up.
I will also need to swap steering components as the gearbox output shaft is sheared right off.
Time isn't as much of a concern as money to get it on the road.

 

[me78569]

I'll say it again, having a 96 front in my 00 is the biggest PITA about my truck. You always have to do a ton of research to figure out what will work and what won't. Not even getting into the cost difference between early parts and late parts, early parts tend to be %50 more than the later.

Unless you are in a rush to get it put back together go with the right axle for the truck.

 

[sebastian f7]

I'll say it again, having a 96 front in my 00 is the biggest PITA about my truck. You always have to do a ton of research to figure out what will work and what won't. Not even getting into the cost difference between early parts and late parts, early parts tend to be %50 more than the later.

Unless you are in a rush to get it put back together go with the right axle for the truck.

That'd be the best option for sure. Dunno it may be a possibility down the road.
I just hate that it's been sitting for almost a year already.