if it is a GM 14 bolt, make sure to replace it with a full-float model, they also made semi-float 14 bolts. as far as i know, all full floats are 8 bolts and the semi floats are 6 bolt hubs. also, i haven't confirmed this in person but supposedly there is a difference in axle width from a 2wd to a 4wd axle.
is this friend up here or down in GA? if he doesn't mind it being down for a little while and waiting for me to finish my current project, i'm always looking for side work. and if we can work out it getting to my area.