Rear End Question

[HoustonGM]

I own a 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 and I am going to put a 502 in it with a Turbo 400 transmission. I want to know if anyone knows what type of rear end I should run with it and where I can purchase this at. I was looking on moser for a rear end but I can't seem to find one that will mate with my truck. Can anyone assist me in this.

 

Thank you,

[Chris]

In my opinion I would saw a Ford 9" or a GM 3500 axle

[Mckenzie]

14 bolt rear end !

[ATMINF]

The GM corporate 14 bolt, 10.5 or 11.5 should do the trick. Check local junk yards.

[doverarjim]

A well built GM 12 bolt will work with that power plant. Gear changes are a pain but if you plan ahead its not to bad to get it set up and working good. Next best bet would be the Ford 9 inch, or if you have deep pockets get a Dana 60 and then don't worry about it.

[kstruckcountry]

Corp 14, very durable axle

[ATMINF]

Just to put things in perspective, the GM 12 bolt is about a 8.75, Ford 9 is well 9 inches, a Dana 60, is 9.25, the GM 14 bolt comes in a 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5. Of course a 14 bolt is heavier, but when you add it all up its not much more, I think it was maybe 50-70lbs more? But since your putting it in a truck, they track width and the spring perches maybe very close to the factory locations of your truck. Also I believe in the old 454SS trucks they used a 14 bolt 9.5 SF. Good luck.

[Badass69]

Simplest hands down is the 9.5" 14 bolt. Get one from a 2 wheel drive 7200 GVW 3/4 ton from 88-98 and it's a bolt in with a conversion u joint for the driveshaft. The spring perches are in the exact spots, as are the shock brackets. It will be a 6 X 5.5" lug pattern and have the big goofy 3/4 ton brakes....... but you can change that if you want. The 454 SS housing is the exact same housing as the 2 wd 2500 version. Just in that case it had the 5X5" lug pattern and the half ton brakes attached. No you cannot buy new 5X5" shafts either...... GM discontinued them ages ago and no one makes them in the aftermarket. It's just as simple to have a machine shop redrill the existing shafts and brake drums. 15" wheels do fit over the 2500 brake drum btw. Your 502 will not break the stock shafts..... period. I would just ditch the either open or Gov Lock carrier, add a Detroit locker and the gear ratio of choice.

 

This is by far the simplest choice and it is very strong. You can get an aftermarket setup Ford 9", Dana 60 or whatever but it will be more of a pain in the long run. If you didn't care about mismatched lug patterns....... or simply added the 6 X 5.5" 2500 rotors up front this diff is plug and play.