2 vs 4 wd rearend

[doberman]

I have a ‘99, S10, 6 cyl, 4 wheel drive truck with a ruined differential carrier.

Rearend Specs:
7 & 5/8” (7.625”) ring gear dia
41 teeth on ring
12 teeth on pinion
3.42 ratio
XMC 0 341 1 stamped on axle tube
GM - 14085339 - 12 : 41 - 7 5/8 stamped on ring gear
A 14085344 - 12 - 41 - GM - 7 5/8 stamped on pinion gear

The questions:
1 - Will a 2 wheel drive rear end directly and without any modifications replace the above axle if the same gearing ratio is maintained?
2 - If a 2 wheel drive would fit are there any strength or other differences.

Thanks

[madcatter]

As far as I know they're identical with one exception. The 4x4 front axle is wider, therfore they widened the rear axle. Notice 2wd's have dished rims, 4 wheelers don't. 2 wheel rear end will be narrower.

[doberman]

Ok, so if I understand, the 4 WD rearend is wider, wheelplate to wheelplate. I will assume that means it's NOT acceptable to try to substitute a 2 wd rearend for a 4 wd.

So, are the guts of a 2 wd differential EXACTLY identical to the 4 wd differential if the ratio & ring gear diameter are the same? If so, then the guts of a 2wd differential would replace the trashed carrier in my 4 wd differential?
Thanks

[HDChvyTrk]

I would check that width. I believe the diffs are the same and yes the internals are the same. Have you tried Randy's Ring & Pinion for a nea carrier? They are much cheaper then a dealer and have great service.