Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) axle upgrade question...

[rMetzger]

Had to have a "new" rear axle about a year ago (replacement of OEM, which went over 200K). It didn't last very long. Got new internals about 3 months ago. Don't know if new will go 2000 miles or 200,000 miles, now. My customizing guy doesn't like the Dana as much as the new AAM.



If I ever need a new axle, can an AAM be retrofitted to my 2nd-Gen truck?

 

[HBarlow]

Most folks consider the old Dana axles better than AAMs. The Gen II duallies had a very tough rear axle and 2001. 5 and 2002 offered rear disc brakes. I would change to a Dana 80 from a dually rather than an AAM.

An AAM would require changing to 17" wheels to clear the large disc calipers.

 

[BDaugherty]

I agree with Harvey on this one. Disc brake D80 is the way to go.

 

[rMetzger]

Was there a production year with D-80 SRW/disc brakes?

 

[HBarlow]

I don't remember. A Cummins powered Ram 2500 with HO/six speed may have also had the Dana 80. Someone will know and post.

 

[NIsaacs]

Was there a production year with D-80 SRW/disc brakes?

With a manual transmission, they were installed on 2500/3500 from 01. 5-02. You should already have a D-80 with drum brakes. They are a good axle if set up right and use Dana ring and pinions.



Nick

 

[rMetzger]

With a manual transmission, they were installed on 2500/3500 from 01. 5-02. You should already have a D-80 with drum brakes. They are a good axle if set up right and use Dana ring and pinions.



Nick

My truck's a '98 and had an automatic, originally, so it's a D-70/drums. As for the mention above about 17-inch requirement for disc clearance, I've already got 19. 5" Ricksons, so I presume that would be a non-issue, unless there was a bolt-hole arrangement change when the bigger rear discs were finally available.



It's nice to know what the options are.



BTW, the first (totally OEM) axle crapped out due to bearing-spin. I was told that installing a Detroit would have prevented the internals moving-around that contributed to that. True or false?

 

[NIsaacs]

Okay, yes if your truck was originally an auto it has a D-70 and yes they were prone to left hand carrier bearing coming loose. I am not a fan of Detroit Lockers but thats just me. I do like the factory limited slip. They are way heavier than the non and use 4 pinion gears rather then just 2 on the open diffs.



Nick

 

[Balzac]

I replaced my Dana 70 with an AAM from 03 Ram 2500. Had to change brake booster and master cyl. etc. cut and joined emerg. brake cables with cable clamps. Had to relocate shock mounts. Used 95 springs as the 03 springs are a little longer. Also used 17" wheels from 3rd Gen.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

Balzac-- Isn't the AAM wider than the 2nd gen rear?



4x4 guys-- is there an AAM that would be a better front end swap than a D60 with Ford knuckles, etc? Or just as good but cheaper and easier?



I like big rears and big brakes, and sliding a 4x4 frame and drivetrain under my 2wd truck has been running thru my head lately. I just experienced the 2nd occasion in 20 years of truck ownership that I could have used 4x4... The 2wd got the job done both times, but it'd have been smoother with 4x4.

 

[Balzac]

I am not sure of the exact measurement, but is very close if not the same!