Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dana 80 in a 2500

[Texas Diesel]

Can someone tell me (exactly) what is a "hybrid" Dana 80 as used in the 2500 trucks?



What parts are different compared to a Dana 80 in a 3500?



TIA

 

[Hale on wheels]

Here ya go!



http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/axle/rear_axle.html

 

[Tcolesanti]

I believe the hybrid means a Dana 80 center section with Dana 70 axles. I have seen a conversion kit somewhere to convert to 80 axles with a SRW.

 

[RustyJC]

From the link above:

Dana 80 2500 axles and 3500 axles are identical except for the outer wheel spindle and hub assembly.

Rusty

 

[Texas Diesel]

Thats what I was thinking but not according to the tech site posted here earlier.

 

[RustyJC]

I cut that statement directly from the link in post #2. It's in the verbiage about the Dana 80 in the 3500.



Rusty

 

[Tcolesanti]

Belay my last.

 

[Cooker]

Is a Dana 80 and Dana 70 from a 2500 series trucks a direct replacement for one another? That is too say is there anything special that needs to be done or swapped out to remove a Dana 70 and install a Dana 80 (assuming both are from a 2500 series Ram truck). Or is it a direct R+R?



Are the driveshafts and U-Joints the same size?



Thanks.

 

[KSmid]

I put a 80 under mine and it was a simple bolt in setup. Will need longer u bolts because of the bigger tube diameter. (took off top overload spring pack and got to work until I get new ones)And I shortened the drive shaft about 1 1/2" . Had problem with em. brake cables. The axle was a 90' and one side the cable goes out the back and one out the front of backing plate. Also had a cut off one ear tab by abs sensor but it still worked.

 

[Cooker]

KSmid,

Thanks for the info. I have new U-Bolts so that will not be a problem.



I wasn't aware the driveshaft needed to be shortened, it that because the snout (pinion area) is longer on the 70 than the 80. I wasn't planning on shortening the driveshaft, that is a little snafu in my quick R+R of the axle.



I think I will be able to sort something out with the e-Brake cable, the 80 I will be installing still has cable attached to it.



Why did you have to cut an ear off the tab near the ABS sensor?



Thanks again.

 

[Pinion Twister]

I also shortened my driveshaft about 1 1/4 . i did manage to make my emergency cables work and did not do anything to the speed sensor plug. Did have to order another brake line and i also done away with my proportioning valve. Pretty easy swap though.

Keith

 

[Cooker]

Well, I got the 80 under the truck today. Here is what I found on my swap (1996 truck, swapping in a 1998 Dana 80)



The biggest PIA was the bottom U-Bolt plates need to be replaced. The Dana 80 axle tubes are larger in diamter and the originals won't allow the U-Bolts to line up right.



Brake lines were ok.



E-Brake cables won't reconnect up. I will have to do a little checking on what I need to make this work. It is not a big deal for me at the moment.



Drive shaft bolted right back up and no need to shorten it. I have a reg. cab long bed so maybe this is why?



Thanks.

 

[Cooker]

I did a little more checking today.



The driveshaft will need to be shortened. I guess I thought I was lucky for some reason



The RWSS needed to be swapped between the two. I'm sure this is more of a difference between years than 70 vs. 80.



One other little thing, because of the difference in axle tube diameter I got a 1/4" of rear lift

 

[BWillard]

I wanted to do this same swap on mine but wanted to retain my disk brakes. Does anyone know if the 70 disk backing plates will bolt on an 80 with drums?