The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Anyone know if the 99+ IFS front ends are the same as the 88+?

Russell · 10-13-2007, 08:53 PM

I had 20 minutes today to spare, so I pulled the diff out of the hulk. It was actually really easy to pull, only took about 10 minutes from start to finish. Winds up the diffs are indeed the same unit, but there are two significant differences. First is the mounting bracket on the passenger side of the diff, on the 2000, it is flat, and on the 96 it is at an angle.

Second difference is in the the way that the output shafts are sealed.

The passenger side axle tube unbolts from the rest of the diff housing, and is the same length etc as the old one. If I can bolt an old style passenger diff housing up, and use the old style axle, the diff will bolt in no problem.

So, I am going to wait and see if I can find a free IFS diff from an 88-98 truck, and make the switch after I get everything changed to the way I need it, have gotten a new master cylinder, and have found out exactly how I'll bolt the e-brake up.

10-13-2007, 08:53 PM	#4
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: Anyone know if the 99+ IFS front ends are the same as the 88+? I had 20 minutes today to spare, so I pulled the diff out of the hulk. It was actually really easy to pull, only took about 10 minutes from start to finish. Winds up the diffs are indeed the same unit, but there are two significant differences. First is the mounting bracket on the passenger side of the diff, on the 2000, it is flat, and on the 96 it is at an angle. Second difference is in the the way that the output shafts are sealed. The passenger side axle tube unbolts from the rest of the diff housing, and is the same length etc as the old one. If I can bolt an old style passenger diff housing up, and use the old style axle, the diff will bolt in no problem. So, I am going to wait and see if I can find a free IFS diff from an 88-98 truck, and make the switch after I get everything changed to the way I need it, have gotten a new master cylinder, and have found out exactly how I'll bolt the e-brake up. __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)