I need to replace the axle in the Rodeo and I was wondering what GM makes and years if any are interchangeable with what Isuzu used. Any help or guidance greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I assume you are talking about your rear GM 10-bolt axle, as the front is also a 10-bolt, but a very different Isuzu made axle.

The rear GM 10-bolt will interchange with the D44 offered in later model rodeos from 94-97. just make sure to match up gear ratios.

-Rob

Thanks Rob. Yes I was refering to the rear. Just didn't know if there was by any chance it was interchangable with anything General Motors. Thanks for the info.

GM never really used anything with that low of a ratio, and the pinions may be different. I went through this, and found one from a 97 2wd 4cyl that literally bolted in place. The brakes swapped right over and everything. Now swapping to a disc brake equipped D44 is possible, but you will have to buy new pads, rotors, calipers and brake hoses. But they will all bolt up. Even the master cylinder is the same. The only things that need to be fabricated are the e-brake cable mounts. Good luck and if you need more info PM me, I may be able to help you a little more if you need it.

Dan

I believe the GM 10-bolts in the Rodeos were all geared at 4.56. You won't find a disc braked, 1st gen Rodeo Dana 44 with this ratio, they are all 4.10 or 4.30. But like you found out, if you go to the 2wd 4cyl 1st gen Rodeo that had the drum braked Dana 44, it is possible to get 4.56 that makes for a nice swap without regearing. you just give up the disc brakes. So even though the thought of picking up rear discs when you do this swap may sound nice, be careful of the gear ratios... as the need to regear complicates this somewhat easy swap a lot more.

-Rob

Thought I'd btt this one instead of starting a new thread - I remember going through numerous old posts and coming to one in particular that was a big help, but can't seem to find it now. It was talking about swapping in a 91 Trooper axle -

I'm looking to do this as economical as possible and trying to get the best of all worlds. Right now my GM 10 bolt is open, drum braked, and 4.30 geared. I want limited slip (don't have the $$ to do it separate) and 4.56; disk brakes would be a nice bonus. The 95 Rodeo's have the 4.56 w/drums...but has anyone ever come across one with a LS? The 91 Trooper has disk, 4.56, and LS.
Aside from the e-brake bracket can any tell me if it would be a direct swap (spring perches matching, driveshaft) and how much additional width it would give the rear?

thanks,
matt

if your 10-bolt is 4.30... why not get a later model D44? you'll have no problem finding that ratio, disc braked, with LSD? and won't have to regear your front end to match. The small jump from 4.30 to 4.56 is hardly worth having to tear into the front IMHO. I'd rather have the parts available of the D44 as opposide to that extra .26 in gear reduction.

I doubt you'll find the D44, drum braked, 4.56 with LSD. these came out of the base model 2wd Rodeos, which I gather are unlikely to have an option like LSD.

-Rob

I'm taking my truck with me to the beach at the end of the month and am getting some new ball joints in the front. My mechanic told me that he'd basically have to drop the cv's, so I thought it would be a good time to regear the front. I've got 4.30 with 32's and have a hard time getting around on these hills and would like a little better gas mileage. I can find a 12 bolt with disk,4.56 and ls for around $150.

That's what I figured about the 95 2wd Rodeo, but knowing that isuzu does some odd things, was just wondering if anyone might have come across one that had the ls.

The swap to the 12 bolt seems like it would be excellent for me. Better braking, gas mileage, and ls. Just wondering what headaches I may run into. I can swap the axle and deal with the brakes myself, but once it gets into welding new perches or fabbing a driveshaft flange, that's where I stop.

Thanks again

Unless there is something else he plans on doing, you dont have to drop the CV's or diff housing to do ball joints. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> If you're replacing the CV's, then that's different.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

Not exactly sure about that, I know there's very limited space under there; I didn't really question futher. He's a trusted friend so I'm not worried about him ripping me off - is there an easier way of doing the ball joints that wouldn't involve removing the cv's that I could pass along to him?