i have the front and rear drivshaft coming. i have no idea if it will fit or what would be required. what i do know is it is a similar design, just looking at it there is a chance that it could bolt right in. the 2500 diff is flanged just like the 1500 one. if the unit is the same width as the 1500 then i think i can make it work. mounting it and conecting the flanges shouldnt be all that hard.

hoping it just bolts right in though

 

"Models equipped with the Vortec 8100 or Duramax 6600 have a new aluminum "Powerdense" case with extra ribbing that provides significantly more strength for the front axle’s external housing structure."

 

I see that was put out in 2001. I have had my front diff out and a 2002 8.1 front diff out and they look the same. I wonder if they are all the same after 2001? My truck is a 2001, but was one of the last made before the 2002 model year?

 

Maybe some how my address will pop up on those packages!

 

we looked into upgrading the front diff on the older body style truck 88-98 and it couldnt be done. The mounting points were different. IM sure it could be done with some custom work, but it would not have been a simple bolt on job. Also the axles would not be interchangeable. In order to do it, youd probably have to upgrade the whole front suspension. And probably end up with an 8 lug front end

 

An 8 lug front end would be cool with a 10.5" rear axle too! Then you'd have a 2500HD disguised as a lowly 4.8 powered (according to the vin) 1500.

 

What are your plans for the rear end?

Did your last truck just have the stock 10 bolt?

 

Yeah it definately would be different. A 10.5" axle would be overkill i think though. Those things are really heavy. A good axle to put under there without having to do much work to it would be a 9.5" 14 bolt. Its a semi floater with a 9.5" ring gear and they can be found relatively easily in 8 lug

 

last truck had the stock 10bolt, it held up fine and didn't have any of the extra stuff you can buy for it like the oversized studs and the special cover. i plan on running that stock 10 bolt till it gives me trouble. got to remember i am running stock or near stock tires so there is only so much power it will have to take before it peals out.

the front will be taking a beating though, i am hoping to just swap the center part and use the 1/2 ton cv joints/axles whatever they are called. i am waiting for the motor to show before i pay for the front end so it will be a few weeks before i even get the thing.

 

man, all i can say is, it must be nice to do projects like this. i hope to see the days like this.