So... we all know how much the factory rear end sucks, right??? My buddy has a 2000 GMC Sierra Z71 with 185,000 miles on it. Engine runs strong, Tranny is solid... His factory 3.42's blew about a year ago, so he bought some Richmond 4.10's and weinstalled them. They took a crap and we figured it was a bad install job, so he bought another set and had them done professionally... The planetaries in the rear locked up and broke about 2 months ago. Guess it was just its time.

So... instead of going the same-old route, we went looking around junkyards for something with a little more beef to it. Three weeks and $1,000 later, we had a 14 bolt corperate axle in it. 4.10 gear ratio and a locker, 8 lugs and the whole she-bang... Don't think he has anything to worry about now.

By the way, it was a direct fit. All you need is 8 lug wheels for the rear, and a custom driveshaft. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Changing gears will certainly give you a very notacalbe power increase. I agree with you 100% on this one MrLM7.

 

It's crazy, you should see how big the pumpkin is on this damn thing... He's running 285/80R16 and the bottom of the pumpkin is like four inches off the ground. Massive. I think he said he got it off of a 2500 HD.The brakeshave dual calipers, too.

 

That is funny as hell!! Looks like he is going to have to geta lift and some bigger tires!! I bet he could pull a damn house off the foundation with that set up!!

 

50 years from now the truck will have gone through a motor and some trannies, but that rearend will survive a nuclear explosion..in fact when they dropped over hiroshima....that bomb was hidden inthe pumpkinof that rearend you have now!

 

LMFAO No doubt that is a bad *** set up!

 

sick setup...i have the 9.5 " 14 bolt in my truck.6 lug. broke a spyder gear due to that timex watch style lsd in itso i threw in a detroit trutrac...indestructable.

 

I think that the factory rearend is the weak link in Chevy 1500's for the past 12 years. Just my .02.

 

I couldn't agree with you more MrLM7. They do decent with towing, but I feel they could go a little bigger for a base model. If I ever decide to get a new truck I will certainly choose the 4:10 option.

 

I agree with SC_CHEVY_LOVER about the 4.10, but I don't believe it is that much stronger part wise. It will tow better though.