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Wondering what rear end I can Swap out don’t want to mess with changing ring and pinion. Rather just swap whole rear end. Will a 2003 rear end work out of a 2 wheel drive? Same gear ratio
Replacing the pinion bearing is not overly difficult if you have good mechanical skills. Unless you have symptoms (gear whine), your ring and pinion gears are probably fine. If that is the case, you can reuse the shims and won't have to change the setup. That greatly simplifies the job. Might as well do a full rebuild while you are in there. Will cost you about $100 in parts plus shop fees to press the bearings. Much easier if you pull off the truck and put on a stand.
If you do opt for an axle swap, get the 5 digit axle code off the metal tag on your differential cover. The salvage yard will use that code to look up compatibility, and most used parts websites will let you search by that code too. You will be surprised how many different axles from different vehicles will swap into your vehicle. You don't have to match the code exactly, BTW. For example, I had an S852A and replaced it with an S862B to get a different gear ratio.
97-03 wheels for our trucks all have 15mm lug holes. This means your wheels will fit. Your lug nuts will not so if you go newer rear axle do not confuse your lug nut position.
11-18-2018, 02:46 PM
1997 F150 4x4 pinion bearing going out.
