The other question I have is whether the 4WD front differential/axle assembly is the same as the AWD? If not, do they use the same gears? I can only find a refernce to the 4WD, but not sure if they're the same???:
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/catalog/frameset.cfm


1) OUTPUT SHAFT 2) AXLE ASSY 3) DEFLECTOR
4) OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL 5) OUTPUT SHAFT BEARING 6) TUBE
7) ENGAGEMENT SWITCH 8) ACTUATOR 9) WASHERS
10) CONNECTOR 11) SLEEVE 12) SHIM
13) FORK SHAFT 14) SPRING 15) FORK
16) INNER SHAFT 17) AXLE HOUSING 18) ADJUSTER
19) SLEEVE 20) SIDE BEARINGS 21) DIFFERENTIAL CASE
22) RING and PINION 23) PINION SHAFT 24) SIDE WASHER
25) PINION GEAR 26) REAR PINION BEARING 27) SPACER
28) FRONT PINION BEARING 29) PINION SEAL 30) DEFLECTOR
31) COMPANION FLANGE

Description Year MSRP Price Your Price
Ring and pinion, silverado, sierra, 1500 series, 3.08 ratio - 4wd - 4WD
07-10 $454.84 $269.50


Ring and pinion, silverado, sierra, 1500 series, 3.42 ratio - 4wd - 4WD
07-10 $457.25 $271.06


Ring and pinion, silverado, sierra, 1500 series, 3.73 ratio - 4wd - 4WD
07-10 $836.95 $496.14


Ring and pinion, silverado, sierra, 1500 series, 4.10 ratio - 4wd - 4WD
07-10 $724.11 $429.25


Ring and pinion, silverado, sierra, 2500, 3500 series, 3.73 ratio - 4wd - 4WD
07-10 $744.65 $542.11


Ring and pinion, silverado, sierra, 2500, 3500 series, 4.10 ratio - 4wd - 4WD
07-10 $809.44 $479.84

 

The center section of the front differential is the same between the 4WD and AWD 8.25" units, so it's pretty easy to find gears. The passenger side axle and axle tube is what sets the two apart.

 

Since you run relatively low speeds I think youll be fine iwth the 4.10s, ought to be a fun ride

 

Thanks, man. That's good to know. I'm pretty sure I'm going to do this in the next couple of months, and I will report back with the results.