nytrdr24
+1y
actually you could get lsd in the 81-85's if it was a gsl model, the gsl-se was only offered in 84-85, the difference is the brakes are 10" compared to 9.5 on the gsl, the bolt pattern is smaller, the gsl used lug studs instead of lug nuts, and the gearing in the chunks were slightly different.
also, the lug pattern being 4 lug would be hard if not impossible to do on the front hubs, a 5 x 4.5 is very hard to do, a 5 x 4.75 would probably be more feesable so you don't run into issues with a stud ending up in another hole....
the axle will work fine in the truck either with a leafspring setup or in a link type setup, as a matter-a-fact, it would be easier to use the link type since the link tabs are already on the axle, and the coil spring perches could be modifyed and made into bag mounts..... whereas putting it on the leafsprings requires removal of all the link tabs & perches, and installation of new perches for the leafs.....the wheel mounting surfaces are exactly the same as our trucks...
there are pics of my 85 gsl-se rear in this post