I am in the process of converting my truck to AWD. I would really like to beef up the front end a little. Ideally I would like a clutch type posi unit in the front but it appears that they don't make one due to it being too weak. Does anyone have any advice to making it stronger? Has anyone swapped to a 9.25 on a lowered truck? I can't even find what all is involved in the 9.25 swap. Thanks

 

One member on here who is selling a 9.25 front diff said only the frame mount needs changing to bolt it into a 1/2 ton. Haven't done any research myself on it though.

 

Thanks. I did read on another site where the 2500 CV shafts slide right in the wheel bearings, but nothing to confirm it.

 

I did a ton of reading on this long ago. I think you'll need custom CV shafts or 2500 shafts with an 8 bolt setup up front.

 

Ok thank you. Im looking into it now.

 

Being able to transplant in the heavier 2500 9.25 would be the cat's azzz. Wish I had the opportunity to look into what it would take to retro the 6 bolt spline cv shafts.

When I did my 4.56 install, my tech advised against any form of "posi" in the weak 8.25" front as it just didn't have the structural ability to contain the torque loads created during hi loading situations, (ie; I could expect the front alum. housing to split wide open with modest 35" tall tires.)

I've got an older 5" Rancho on my truck that was installed by the dealer in AZ when it was new, so I'm familiar with the frame and unit mods to make it work, however I'd have to throw down for another set of 4.56's and probably a new set of shafts in the 6 bolt pattern as well as eliminating the Rancho aluminum shaft spacers and build them heavier to boot. Could get a bit pricey.

 

It looks like I will be picking up a 9.25 tomorrow with 3.73's. I will do some side by side measuring and pics to see what all needs to be done.

 

This is the thread I found on another forum. Cliffs Notes, the custom CV shafts die in the end.

Ultimate IFS Build Thread: Eaton Locked AAM 9.25 With Hydro Assist! - Chevy Truck Forum | GMC Truck Forum - GmFullsize.com

 

Well hopefully they were short lived because of the lift kit and 35's.

 

Reading that write up makes me think it wouldn't fit at all in a non lifted truck. It was very close to the oil pan even with the lift brackets which move it down.