2wd vs 4wd drive shaft?

**blueZ71** · 02-27-2009, 01:21 AM

Here's the low down.. my rear driveshaft is royally done for. I have a 2000 silverado 1500 series z71 ext cab. I found a replacement on craigslist but the vehicle is a 2000 silverado 1500 series 2wd ext cab. So.. is there any difference between a rear driveshaft on a z71 and 2wd silverado ext cab?

**bzboardco** · 02-27-2009, 10:42 AM

I would assume that the Z71 shaft would be better built considering what you do with a Z71 vs a 2WD. Not sure though I am sure someone will know

**blueZ71** · 02-27-2009, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by bzboardco

I would assume that the Z71 shaft would be better built considering what you do with a Z71 vs a 2WD. Not sure though I am sure someone will know

That's what I was thinking but I don't know how to go about confirming or disproving that..

**adampaul1964** · 02-27-2009, 04:59 PM

I may be wrong but the Z71 driveshaft is going to be shorter because of the transfer case!

**R Dub** · 02-27-2009, 05:02 PM

Yeah the 4x4 drive shaft is shorter because of the transfer case and I am almost positive it stronger as well so to answer your question NO the 2wd shaft will not work.

**tbplus10** · 02-27-2009, 07:45 PM

Z71 is mostly a cosmetic package, it has better shocks and different spring rates from no Z71 trucks but for the most part your paying more money for shiny stickers.
The driveshaft in question is the same part# for a Z71 or a non Z71 truck of the same body style, i.e excab, single cab.
A driveshaft from a 2wd truck wont fit your 4wd truck, it's a few inches to long because as someone pointed out the transfer case.
You need a driveshaft from a 4wd excab truck, thats the only one that'll fit.