I have a 1997 Z28 a4, 2:73 10 bolt rear end and have an oppurtunity to aquire a 2000 3:42 10 bolt rear end. Assuming everything is fine mechanically with this unit, are there any pitfalls I should be aware of to install the newer rear? I have heard about these reluctor rings, what are they?? Do I need to swap out the brakes or backing plates for my brakes?
Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone,
Aaron

 

I'm in the same boat...I've got a 96z28 with a 2.73 and have a 98 rear with 3.23 with only 18k on it...couldn't pass on it...been collecting dust for 2yrs now. Anyway, traction control equipped rears have 4channel abs; IE, a sensor and reluctor at each wheel. Non-traction control rears have 3-channel abs with the sensor in the pumpkin, the reluctor next to the ring gear. They can be converted...more trouble then its worth IMHO. You should be able to use the 97's backing plates?, calipers and disks on the newer rear-end, or you could splice in the later model brakes via the brake hoses. I haven't done that and will probably try and sell the later model rear brakes to keep things consistent.
My 2cents,
Doug

 

Bump. I'm interested to know as well.

 

I originally got the 98 LS1 rear end (no back plate or brake) LS1 rear end is about 1/8 shorter in length that the lt1 version. When I swap it out, I use my lt1 backing plates and brakes. Because of the length difference, the calipers grinded on rotors, eventually. Some peoples say to just swap out the axels, I just picked up a LS1 rear brake kit (rotors, caliper, backing plates, and e-brake cables) off of eBay. If you can get the whole rearend, I would get that.