Drive shaft question

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ON THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT OR AXLE, IT GOES HERE.
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imncrxtc
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Drive shaft question

Post by imncrxtc »

Hi guys, im trying to help my old man out, and i believe ive come to the right place.
He has a 98 awd drive hes trying to get on the road....its needs a drive shaft (thats how it came from the prev owner).
We figured out that he needs a 3.73 shaft. We have a parts truck, but cant figure out what it has. If i post the vin #....can some tell?
There is no tag in the glove box or passenger door jam. Please help.
Thasnk you
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Mmusicman
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Re: Drive shaft question

Post by Mmusicman »

imncrxtc wrote:We figured out that he needs a 3.73 shaft...
Welcome to the site.
What is a "3.73 shaft"... and how did you "figure out" this is what you need?
Also, are we taking front drive shaft or rear?

Or... are you actually referring to "drive train"... or the "differential"?
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Topic author
imncrxtc
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Re: Drive shaft question

Post by imncrxtc »

Sorry...my terms are not clear.
Its the front drive shaft. We know its 3.73 because the mechanic told us.
Make sense?
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Re: Drive shaft question

Post by Mmusicman »

3.73:1 typically describes a "differential" gear ratio... not a drive shaft.
The driveshafts "should" be the same, regardless of the differential ratios... but I can't say for certain.
If you simply need a driveshaft, then you should be able to find one easily at a junkyard.
Most vans will have the RPO code sheet in the glovebox or door, but you apparently already know this.

When it comes to differentials... with AWD you need the SAME ratio front and rear.
This is where it would be vital to know the correct matching ratios.
3.42 is probably the most common by far... followed by the 3.73.

I could be mistaken about the drive-shafts... I am not aware of any differences.

I doubt you can find equipment options from a Vin #.

Sorry I was of no help.
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Re: Drive shaft question

Post by Captn. Crunch »

there may be a difference in front driveshaft as GM changed from the BW4471 transfer case to the NP136 in 1999. Also be ready to find out there is something wrong with either the transfer case or the front differential. People find it easier to pull the front drive shaft when something goes wrong with their AWD. Good luck
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Re: Drive shaft question

Post by AstroWill »

They are all the same up to 98, in 99 they definitely changed.

Topic author
imncrxtc
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Re: Drive shaft question

Post by imncrxtc »

Sorry guys...I meant to say differential....I need to know if the parts truck differential is the same. They are both 1997, one is a safari and the other is an astro.
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Re: Drive shaft question

Post by Stroverlander »

Have a dealer run the VIN and check the RPO codes for you.
2004 Astro LT AWD Stroverlander
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