The rear end in my '99 (7.5, 3.73 traction-lock) 2x4 standard cab is bound up. Took the cover off and found the spider gears chewed up and one axle so messed up it won't come out.

I found a 8.8, 3.55 non-locker. Will it fit without changing the drive shaft?

Thanks,

Bob

 

See title. n/m

 

I would have taken my drive shaft to a shop where the can check the balance, as they can balance them to a point where it doesn't matter how you install it. The Chilton's always said before you remove the shaft, "match mark" positions on the shaft and the yoke on the diff. Don't know if it is fact or fantasy, just "something" we've always did. Now, what do you "do" when changing differentials. Put it in and hope for the best? Or does it REALLY matter? Not being a smart ***, I really WOULD like to know!

 

I believe that matching is all crap. That drive shaft was balanced separately when it was manufactured. It probably wasn't made in the same plant as the the rear axle. And I have yet to see any factory witness marks on these assemblies. Go to one of the online parts houses and see what u-joint each rear end calls for that will give you a clue. My guess is they are not the same. But you can usually buy a conversion joint if you search hard enough. I have done this before. Precision had an extensive line of conversion joints. Of course you may have to have a drive shaft modified / made to compensate for length issues.