So I finally go around to install my Gov-loc unit that I got for free from an 03 Z71 Avalanche.

Now, since I used a 8.625 Carrier in my old 8.5 Rear end, diffrent bearings were required to perform the swap. See info here: (or below)

8.5 and 8.625 Swap info

I got the rear carrrier installed and reinstalled my original 3.08 gears. Then installed my T/A Performance cover. Now, this cover in my case is pretty much a band-aid on a bullet wound. But here is my break down on cost.

Pinion Bearings-Looked fine when disassembled. Reuse as well as pinion seal.
Gov-Loc unit- FREE
"Swap" carrier bearings-$45
3.08 Gears- FREE
T/A Performance cover- $155
GM Synthetic Gear lube- FREE
Axle shafts and axle bearings/seals- Fine, reused.

So, I have $200 total into this rearend.



Installing the RH axle shaft, I accidently hit my truck with it. Chipped the paint right to the metal. ****!



8.5 and 8.625 Carrier Swap info
Mid year 1999 GM switched from the 8.5" axle to the 8.625" axle.

The difference between the 8.5" and the 8.6" carriers are the carrier bearings. Anything but the carrier bearings (locker, gears etc..) can be swapped between each other..

I've got a few pics I found online to help see the diffrence.

Please notice the sizes of the inner diameter and outer diameter of the bearings.

This pic is of the stock 8.5" axle with the stock bearings:
Bearing part #LM501349 Race part #LM501314


This pic is of the stock 8.625" axle with the stock bearings:
Bearing part #LM603049 Race part #LM603012



8.6 carrier assy in a 8.5 housing.
Bearing part #LM102949 Race part #LM102911


8.5 carrier assy in an 8.625 (ex: If you are using an open diff from an 8.5 to swap in a lockrite to your 8.6) The inner diameter of an 8.6 axle but the outer diameter of the 8.5 axle
Bearing part# LM603049 Race part# LM603012

 

This is some really good info to know, I had to find it out the hard way this summer when Zippy and I swapped a Detroit out of an 8.5 into and 8.6 and a gov loc into the 8.5 out of the 8.6, lol.

 

i will try this!!

 

Hi, I'm new to this site, and have a couple questions about these swaps.

First, I have the 8.625 rear end, and it blew up on me. I destroyed the ring, pinion, and carrier on it. I bought a carrier from a couple year older truck, not knowing of the 8.5-8.625 difference. Got everything back, and realized the bearings were different.

My question is, what bearings and races did you use, exactly, to get the 8.5 carrier to work in the 8.625 housing?

I was looking at your last picture from your original post, and it showed both bearing and race part numbers for the stock bearings and races for the 8.625. Did you use the 8.5 bearings, with the 8.625 races?

Thanks for the help!

 

I know this thread is WAY old, but from what i've been reading you can't put an 8.5 carrier in an 8.625 housing because no bearings are made, u'll have to buy a yukon different PN 20084 from summit. It's a 8.5 carrier but uses 8.625 bearings. That's your only option as of now.

 

He is correct. You can't put an 8.5 in an 8.6.

 

I was going to order bearing to go from 8.6 carrier into 8.5 lm102949 off amazon .In the description .IT say will not fit stock carriers ? Any one with insight