Swapping 02 rear end into 97

[Strato_54]

Good day, I just discovered my parts car 02 rear end has an LSD while taking the axle shafts out to do the rear disc swap on my pathy. However, I've realized the entire rear end is all around beefier than the 97. I know the shock mounts are in a different location slightly, but are there reasons why I can't just build the 02 rear end brand new with disc then just swap my rear end once its complete? Both are HG43 though the parts car has 3x the milage mine does. I have no issue using my rear end just wanted to see if it was worth it. Thanks. 

 

Side note: i know the R50 LSD is crap but its still better than nothing since i have it so might as well right?

[hawairish]

2 hours ago, Strato_54 said:

However, I've realized the entire rear end is all around beefier than the 97.

 

The axle is the same with the exception of the shock mounts.

[XPLORx4]

The shock mounts on the axle on the later model (99.5-04) R50's are different than 96-99. The upper shock mounts on the body are also different, so without significant mods on the unibody/monoframe to alter the top shock mount. I would recommend sticking with the same axle housing, but just replacing the third member and its guts.