3/4 ton front axle question

[jonzcustomshop]

I have an 87 3/4 ton. the u joint on the rh axle is all wiped out. so I need to change that axle, ...or I have an 84 3/4 ton that I could just swap out both the front and rear differentials... ( the truck right now has the brakes disconnected, so that part is not an issue)...


the issue: the 84 is a full time 4x4, and the 87 has locking hubs....
is it pretty simple to put the locking hubs on the 84 axle?
or not?
will it interchange?

thanks for any info!

[79Betty]

If they are bot the same axle (I.E. both 10 bolts) yes they will.
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[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by 79Betty

If they are bot the same axle (I.E. both 10 bolts) yes they will.
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thanks, will have to see, I know the 87 is a 10, will have to check the 84

[BONUSCAB]

Um, if it needs a u-joint, why not just put a u-joint in it?

[Zane M]

Originally Posted by BONUSCAB

Um, if it needs a u-joint, why not just put a u-joint in it?

Now why would you want to present what seems to be a logical and easy answer to the problem?

[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by BONUSCAB

Um, if it needs a u-joint, why not just put a u-joint in it?

Originally Posted by Zane M

Now why would you want to present what seems to be a logical and easy answer to the problem?

maybe I should have explained it better, the axle is trashed, the once round holes for the ujoint are egg shaped...
so, I looked into what it would take to change the axle... and since I don't have the tools to take the inner hub apart, and don't know what spline the axel is , or have a spare besides the 84 I was thinking it might be cheaper and easier to just swap the differentials.....

this is a point A to B vehicle , nothing special, I just need 4X4 that works...

[Rubble]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

I have an 87 3/4 ton. the u joint on the rh axle is all wiped out. so I need to change that axle, ...or I have an 84 3/4 ton that I could just swap out both the front and rear differentials... ( the truck right now has the brakes disconnected, so that part is not an issue)...


the issue: the 84 is a full time 4x4, and the 87 has locking hubs....
is it pretty simple to put the locking hubs on the 84 axle?
or not?
will it interchange?

thanks for any info!

You sure the full time is not just the auto hubs? I didn't think GM offered full time 4x4 after 1980. If you can post a transfer case picture,that will pretty much tell too...
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[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by Rubble

You sure the full time is not just the auto hubs? I didn't think GM offered full time 4x4 after 1980. If you can post a transfer case picture,that will pretty much tell too...
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hmmm, I will look and see, this 84 still has the hubcaps on it, and the hubs just have the chrome cap with the 4X4 sticker on it.

(just did a quick google search of "auto hubs" and I am sure that is what it has!)

[Rubble]

Ya,believe it was available from 81 on in the 1/2&3/4T models.It's not to hard to convert to full manual locking hubs,done a couple of mine.
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[andrewmp6]

Is the gearing the same on both axles?

[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Is the gearing the same on both axles?

not sure.. I was just going to swap the front and rear out of the 84 into the 87 to keep the factory ratios together..