Hello,
I have to replace one of the axle shafts on my 97 and it would appear that 93-96 are different and 98-02 are different. What makes the 97 a 1 year only thing? I want to try a wrecking yard first but I want to know what years will work.

So, to add to this confusion. On GMpartsdirect the 93-97 drum brake shaft is the same as the 97 disc brake shaft but the 93-96 disc brake shaft is different. Has anyone had experience with this?

Thanks
Brian

 

So I hit the wrecking yard and pulled a shaft from a 94 drum brake car and they match other than shaft diameter. The one I pulled out of my car measures 1.3875 from the hub then tapers down to 1.25 about 6 inches before it goes into the diff . The drum brake one measures 1.3875 near the hub then tapers down to 1.25 about 6 inches from the hub. I put it in and so far so good. We'll see what happens long term but I'm sure it will be fine.

Brian