2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Axle Swap

[Jong]

Anyone here have any luck swapping in a 2003-up Ram 3500 with the 11. 5" ring gear for a Dana 70 rear with discs? I have been looking everywhere for a Dana 80 rear with discs, but am not having any luck finding one that is not completely across the country. I figure that I can find a '03 and up AAM axle a lot easier, get it to fit, and be a little ahead of the game when it comes to axle strength over a Dana 80. So has anyone done this and if so, how is it working out? I do realize I'll have to change my front axle gears to match, but that's just a good excuse to upgrade the front diff at the same time. :-laf Thanks for any input!!!!!!!!!

 

[RyanB]

I think it might be best to just try to find the Dana80. Reason being... if you ever get into any preformance mods and were to break the AAM you will have a harder time finding parts for it. Currently the only posi's are the stock units and there are no lockers yet for them. The spring pearches I think are spaced differently with the newer axle (not hard to change but can be a pain to cut off!) Also, not sure if you thought about this or not but you will have to run 17" wheels for it which will suck if you currently have 16's.



All in all, I think the 80 is your best bet... its going to be a bit cheaper, you don't have to swap your front gears! you don't need to change wheels and parts are cheaper... .



Good luck! Ryan