Front Differential Problems ('94 Olds Bravada)

[BravadaGuy94]

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

[MT-2500]

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?

[BravadaGuy94]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

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.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by BravadaGuy94

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

[BravadaGuy94]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

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... opcorn:

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by BravadaGuy94

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

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

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

[BravadaGuy94]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

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