Yukon Gear 1541H Alloy Rear Axle For 80-90 8.5in GM 4Wd Truck

Square-body K10s, full-size Blazers and V-series Suburbans with the GM 8.5-inch 10-bolt rear are old enough now that rear shafts are worn, pitted or broken from decades of big tires. Yukon YA G14039547 is a new 1541H alloy rear shaft for 1980-1991 GM 4WD trucks with the 8.5: 28 splines, 6 lug and 31-1/2 inches long.

What the rear axle shaft does in a GM 8.5 10-bolt

The 8.5 is a C-clip, semi-float rear. Each shaft is held in by a C-clip at the carrier end, behind the side gear, and the outer end runs on a roller bearing pressed into the axle tube. The shaft journal is the bearing's inner race, and the shaft supports the weight of that corner of the truck as well as driving the wheel. On a lifted K5 or K10 the 28-spline shafts are the weak link most owners find first, and a broken C-clip-style shaft can let the wheel slide out of the housing, so a cracked or grooved shaft is not something to keep driving on.

Symptoms of a worn or broken shaft

• A hum or growl from one rear corner that grows with speed, typical of a worn bearing journal and roller bearing.
• Gear oil on the backing plate or inside the wheel from an axle seal running on a scored shaft.
• Clunk on takeoff and one tire that stops pulling with an open carrier: stripped or snapped 28-spline ends.
• A wheel that wobbles or a pulsing rear brake after a hard hit, from a bent shaft or flange.
• The shaft moving in and out, which means a broken C-clip or broken shaft inside the carrier.

These trucks have no trouble codes for axle shafts. Diagnosis is mechanical.

How to confirm it before you buy

With the truck on stands, pull the wheel and drum and check flange runout. Drain the rear, pull the cover, remove the pinion shaft lock bolt and pinion shaft, push the shaft in and remove the C-clip. Inspect the bearing journal and the splines once it is out. Our GM 8.5 10-bolt rear end problems and rebuild cost guide covers the gear whine and carrier bearing noise that get mistaken for a shaft, and the chromoly vs stock axle shaft guide helps if you are deciding how strong a shaft you really need.

Fitment

Yukon's table lists the GM 8.5 in. rear, 28 spline, 31-1/2 in. long, in these 4WD trucks: 1980-1986 Chevrolet K10 and K10 Suburban, 1981-1986 K5 Blazer, 1987-1991 Blazer, 1987 V10, 1987-1988 V10 Suburban, 1988 Chevrolet K1500, 1989 V1500 Suburban, 1980-1986 and 1988 GMC K1500, 1980-1985 GMC K1500 Suburban, 1987 GMC V1500 and 1987-1989 GMC V1500 Suburban. Count splines and measure your shaft from the end to the outer edge of the flange before ordering; later 8.5 and 8.6 axles moved to 30 splines and will not take this shaft. Send us the year and VIN if you are unsure, or browse our hard parts collection.

Install notes

• Install a new axle bearing and seal with the shaft; a used bearing will ruin the new journal.
• Check the C-clip and pinion shaft; replace the lock bolt if it is stretched.
• If you are upgrading traction at the same time, the Dura Grip positraction for 28-spline 8.5 axles matches this shaft, and a GM 8.5 rear master overhaul kit covers bearings if the gears are noisy.
• Refill with 75W-90 gear oil and add friction modifier for a clutch-type positraction.
• A Hardcore 8.5 cover protects the ring gear on a trail truck; match the cover bolt size to your housing.

New, in stock and ships the same business day from the USA.

Does this fit a 2WD C10?

Yukon lists it only for 4WD K and V-series trucks, Blazers and Suburbans from 1980-1991. 2WD trucks use a different shaft; measure and count splines first.

My axle has 30 splines. Will it work?

No. YA G14039547 has 28 splines and only fits a 28-spline side gear. 30-spline 8.5 and 8.6 axles need 30-spline shafts.

Is it a pair?

No, it is one shaft. Yukon lists one 31-1/2 inch length for these trucks, so order two if both sides need replacing.

Does it come with a bearing?

Yukon describes the shaft only. Install a new axle bearing and seal, since the bearing rides directly on the shaft.

What gear oil should I use?

75W-90 gear oil to the bottom of the fill hole, with friction modifier added if the rear has a clutch-type positraction.