Are these the same differentials?

[hitempguy]

I'm looking at replacing my front diff, it is making growling noises when in 4 wheel drive. I have found a used diff to replace it.

My truck is a 04"Sierra Z71 Crew, VIN (last 10) T641352263 and the donor truck is an "06 1500HD VIN- U96F183496. Both are 4.10 ratio and GT5 option number. My concern is the splines for the axles not being correct. Any one out there an expert on this matter?

Thanks

[Carder09]

Unless you know what your doing, I would let a shop swap them out for you. Most shops will warranty their work incase of failure so weigh your options before you jump the gun.

[newdude]

A 1500hd would have the 9.25" front axle from the 2500hd, where as a regular 1500 would have the 8.25" front axle. Whether they mount the same, I am not sure.

[hitempguy]

You are correct. I got my helper to pick up the diff, as soon as I saw it, you could tell it was a 9.25. I cleaned off the build tag and that confirmed it. It does have 6 bolt stub shafts, which makes me wonder if the mounting lug positions and the u-Joint are the same as mine. It does look clean with no oil sweat around the seals, usually indicating good bearings. Oil is dark, but no shiny stuff. I'll have to sit back and consider the effort vs. worth chasing this....... $300 vs $1500