I was wondering if anyone has ever changed the front ring & pinion on the GMT 800 platform (1999 to 2006 Tahoe, pick-up, Escalade, etc...). I need to install 4.11 in a Tahoe project and was looking for some help.

Am I better off changing gears or the whole assembly?

Is it harder to set backlash up front because of the split case design?

I was considering just swapping the assembly, but they seem to be pricey in the salvage yards $700 - $1250 for a low mileage/recent unit.

Any help and/or suggestions will be much appreciated.
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I have heard a few people swaping gears with no problem. If you were to just swap units out, I would go with a 2500 that way you have more beef to it.

 

I thought the 3/4 and up trucks used a different front axle mount design, so using it in a 1/2 is not an option. You might finagle one in there with some custom work, then on to custom axles.....yeesh. As for the first ?, finding a used front axle might be a better choice. Maybe cheaper too. I know GM gears arent cheap..........

 

So what did you finally decide to do about your gears? I am curious as I may be changing out front gears also from 4.10 to 4.56