3rd gen rear end; I'm swapping my whole axle. can I use an A03A when mine is an A04A?

[Pitzer1015]

I have found a rear end that has a a03a I'm trying to find out if it will work. My code is a04a.

I have a 4.30 locking diff with abs. I'm trying to get it fixed asap with not a lot of money.
Please help. Thanks, John

 

[rjaudi]

No, you have a 4.3 rear diff and an A03A is 4.10. It would drive, but you could never use 4wd. What is wrong with your axle?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Well, I don't know about the A03A specifically, but you should check the ratio on the new axle. You can't really trust the axle code to tell you the ratio. Quite a few guys here have a different ratio than what matches their axle code.

 

[Yota Yeti]

Definately verify the ratio by the spin test. I unfortunately did not and now I am in the boat of having different gears front and back and no 4wd.

I did the full axle swap, but upgraded to locked diff.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Definately verify the ratio by the spin test. I unfortunately did not and now I am in the boat of having different gears front and back and no 4wd.

I did the full axle swap, but upgraded to locked diff.

Ouch, that sucks. What ratios are you in front and back?

To the OP, Why are you swapping the axle? I have swapped my whole rear axle because of rust; just curious why you are doing it.

 

[Pitzer1015]

Figured swapping whole would be easier.

No rust. I think I'm going to change the chunk if needed. I most definitely need new bearings on the spindles. I almost drove it to complete failure during a long trip. Rides horrible now. I'm going to post pics. Any advise is more than welcome. Thanks for ya'lls help. John

 

[Nelsonmd]

No rust. I think I'm going to change the chunk if needed. I most definitely need new bearings on the spindles. I almost drove it to complete failure during a long trip. Rides horrible now. I'm going to post pics. Any advise is more than welcome. Thanks for ya'lls help. John

If it is just bearings and seals, then you don't need to replace the axle assembly at all, just replace the bearings and seals. What do you mean by chunk?

It sounds like you just have bad bearings. If you have somehow damaged your diff or axles as well, then I think it will still be cheaper to replace just the axles, or have a shop replace whatever gears have been damaged.