Front Differential Problems ('94 Olds Bravada)

The front differential is toast on my '94 Bravada. I did not open the case to see what was wrong.

What I did do however, was take the front differential out of a wrecked '96 Chevy Blazer. They were exactly the same (outside appearance) as my Bravada with the exception of the 4wd actuator. I just swapped the trumpet housing and thought all was good.

I was told by the junkyard that it is the same, and GM originally told me the same.

However after installing the '96 diff in to the Bravada I experienced unusual loss of traction, and a quite noticeable popping noise.

The first thing that came to mind was the front diff was slipping, and that the gear ratios were not the same. I am trying to confirm this is the case, and what my next step should be?

I called GM again and they stated the gear ratios were not the same after all.

Bravada: 3:73
Blazer: 3:42

Can anyone confirm this? or at least point me in the right direction of what I should do next?

Thanks,

Nate

Is it a AWD?

You can get in a world of hurt using a part time front end in a full time AWD.
And you will have to stay with the same gear ration front and rear
Is there a gear ratio tag on it?

Is it a AWD?

You can get in a world of hurt using a part time front end in a full time AWD.
And you will have to stay with the same gear ration front and rear
Is there a gear ratio tag on it?

Yes it is AWD;

Why would it cause a problem using a 4x4 diff in an AWD diff?

They are the samething, other then the gear ratio in this case.

The only option I am seeing is finding ring and pinion with the 3:74 gear ratio.

The gear ratio tag should be inside the front diff, on the ring and pinion.

Yes it is AWD;

Why would it cause a problem using a 4x4 diff in an AWD diff?

They are the samething, other then the gear ratio in this case.

The only option I am seeing is finding ring and pinion with the 3:74 gear ratio.

The gear ratio tag should be inside the front diff, on the ring and pinion.

4W and AWD have different cases and axels housing.
http://www.differentials.com/install.html

4W and AWD have different cases and axels housing.
http://www.differentials.com/install.html

Looks like they are the same, just like GM says... :popcorn:

Looks like they are the same, just like GM says... :popcorn:


If they are the same than why so much changing and many problems?

Get the right one and be done with it.
Good luck

If they are the same than why so much changing and many problems?

Get the right one and be done with it.
Good luck

Because they are a different gear ratio