What size is the Rear Differential?

Tiny
OLIVERERIC423
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 565,000 MILES
I've been looking everywhere and cannot find out what size my rear differential is. I have not yet opened it up but might have to. I was told that is all that's wrong with it now, and I'm wanting to get it fixed due to having an event coming up soon that's 75 miles away. The truck has had a service bed put on it and may have had a lift in the past. I'm hoping someone can help a little or give some insight on where to look. It is a 2001 Chevrolet 2500hd 8 Cylinder 6.3 liter.
Monday, July 3rd, 2023 AT 2:09 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,940 POSTS
Determining the exact size of the rear differential in a specific vehicle often requires referencing the vehicle's specifications or using a few different methods to measure the differential. However, I can provide you with some general information about the rear differentials commonly found in 2001 Chevrolet Silverado trucks.

The 2001 Chevrolet Silverado was available with several different rear differential options, depending on the specific trim level, drivetrain configuration, and towing capacity. Here are the most common rear differentials used in the 2001 Silverado:

10-Bolt 8.5" Rear Differential: This is a popular rear differential option in many Silverado trucks. It features a 10-bolt cover and an 8.5-inch ring gear. It's a relatively sturdy differential commonly used in trucks with V6 or smaller V8 engines.

14-Bolt 9.5" Rear Differential: This differential is found in Silverado trucks equipped with higher-torque V8 engines or heavy-duty configurations. It has a 14-bolt cover and a larger 9.5-inch ring gear, making it more robust and suitable for increased towing or hauling capabilities.

To determine the specific size of the rear differential in your 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, you can try the following methods:

Look for the RPO Code: Check the glove box or the inside of the driver's side door for a sticker or label that contains a series of three-digit codes. Look for codes such as "GT4, " "GT5, " "GU4, " or "GU6." You can then cross-reference these codes with a Chevrolet vehicle specifications guide or contact a Chevrolet dealership to find out the corresponding rear differential size.

Measure the Ring Gear: If you have access to the rear differential, you can measure the diameter of the ring gear. Use a measuring tape or a caliper to measure the outside diameter of the ring gear. This will give you an accurate measurement of the rear differential size.
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Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 AT 10:25 AM

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