M1009 front/rear carrier swap question

[Miah]

Hi guys.

Been working on my M1009 all weekend swapping out the front axle since it had multiple balljoint/wheel bearing issues & then figured out some of my noise/twitching issues were Gov-bomb related instead.

Crazy question time then.

Short on cash & time so can I use front carrier to make open diff to replace the Gov-lock rear carrier?

 

[Cucvnut]

What will keep the front axles in if you take out the front carrier ?

 

[DriverSideImpact1008]

I think he means using the carrier from his old front axle. He said he swapped out the front axle.

As far as I know the front and rear carrier are the same and will work interchangeably as long as the spline count is the same (which shouldn't be a problem since its they are both stock axles). Have you done differential work before? It can be a time consuming/pain in the ass thing to do and get it right if you are inexperienced. If you swap diffs you should buy a differential install kit (comes with various shims to set the play and gear mesh).

I think the simpler way to go would be to find the whole axle and swap it out. You should be able to find one in a junk yard or on craigslist. Just about every 4x4 K10, K5 Blazer, and 1/2ton Suburban had either a 10 or 12 bolt rear...as long as the gearing is the same you're good to go.

 

[Miah]

Sorry I hadn't quite made it clear enough. Yes I wanted to verify that the carrier from my old take-out steering axle could be used in the rear. It took me most of last Sat night cruising various forums to verify that they are interchangeable. Because of time/financial/availability situation the CL/JY purchase just wasn't realistic for me. Got the blazer on the road tonight.

 

[DriverSideImpact1008]

Awesome man! Sounds like you know what you're doing when it comes to diff work. Glad you got it back on the road.

 

[Miah]

Credit where credit is due to my old-school diesel mechanic father for the speed i was up & running. I'm an adaquate wrench turner at best.