04 to 97 rear axle question

What’s up TW. I’m normally able to find all the answers to my questions on here just by searching but can’t seem to find much regarding this.

I currently have a bone stock 1997 4x4 and have an opportunity to grab a whole elocker rear axle and re-geared differentials (front and rear) off of a 2004; along with all the other suspension components both front and rear.

Trying to figure out what trouble I might run into if I do this swap.

I know the brake line setups and the internals of the drum brakes are different between the 95-00 and the 01-04 rear ends. But that should be fine since I’d be swapping everything and not just the housing?

Mostly wanting to know about the leaf setups. I believe the springs from the 95-97 are slightly shorter than later years. Will the spring perches on this 04 line up and work fine? And would I have to order new 95-97 specific springs or would I be able to use these 04 springs?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

How much fabrication do you want to do??

new springs for your 95-97 would just be a replacement .

The 04 you would need to move the spring hangers . Without looking I no longer remember just how much or if the shackles need moved.

 

You can't use the 04 leaf springs unless you relocate your spring hangars on your frame...the 04 ones are longer. I would just get new ones for the 95.5 - 97 model year. As far as I know there's no difference in the perch on the housing, it's just where the hangar is mounted on the frames that's different

 

I can confirm this. I did the same swap. Straight bolt on.