2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front axle interchange..years??

[Texis]

Hi Guys,

Pondering some newer truck options. Will a 97 front axle bolt directly into an 06? May seem like a strange question, as I believe most guys are trying to go the other direction!

I am looking at a 2006 2500 4x4 5. 9, but I have a chunk of change tied up in my 97's front axle (Moser 1. 5" shafts, lock-free hubs, etc)... SO I don't want to lose my really strong, nice, free wheeling front axle!!

Hoping I could swap the axles out and then sell the 97 with the 2006 front axle (upgrade) Of course assuming the ratios are the same. The anti-lock brake system on the 2006 could be an issue?

Let me know if you guys think this is "do-able"

Thanks

 

[NIsaacs]

I see in your sig you have 3. 54's, that was not an option in '06.

Nick

 

[Texis]

Ouch.

So what ratios were offered in 06? What is the most common ratio seen in the 06 trucks? (STD)

Thanks

 

[Ram4Sam]

Also, the 97 doesn't have speed sensors for the antilock brakes that the 06' probably has.



Sam

 

[Texis]

A bit of reading says the 06 would either have 3:73 or 4:10. So, I guess my sled pullin front axle would sell with the truck ... oh the pain!!

The idea of having another set of unit bearing is not exciting, suppose I would add another set of the lock-free hubs onto the 06. At least the 06 has soild axles.

 

[HHhuntitall]

The free spin hub kit upgrade for the '06 axle will end up saving you money by the time you modify the four link on your current axle to fit the '06($5-1500?), change the gear ratio($350 in parts alone), and end up trying to find a way to signal the ABS... IF you had Spyntec hub kits, you could modify it to work with the '06 speed sensors, but I'm not sure what the cost would add up to there... ... You should be able to get a hub kit for the '06 for $1000-$1500, and then upgraded axles will be close to $150-300ea, depending on manufacturer..... Lots less labor there..... Just my thoughts.....

 

[Texis]

I upgraded my 97 front axles because it had the 2 piece crappy passenger's side, and min-Dana 44 sized drivers's side axle. Is the 06 axle challenged as well? I thought the 06 trucks had 1 piece front axles from AAM? Are they under-sized, like my 97 was?

 

[HHhuntitall]

Well, they're undersized compared to what you CAN put in them... . They're much better than the older Dodge. I only suggested it as I thought you might have some huge tires and need the axle strength... . The AAM axles seem to be a little better than the old Dana. I think they're around 1. 45" in the smallest section. I haven't broken any... ... ... ... ... yet.....

 

[Texis]

I never broke any of the 97 Dana 60 tennie tiny originals... but they bothered me! I run 98% highway, 2% east Texas logging roads and have never had anything larger than 305's on the truck. If the AAM is 1 piece and 1. 45" I would never even get a load on it. The nearest rock is 200 miles LOL, nothing but sand and mud down here... . real easy on running gear.

Thanks for the feed back.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I've broke several of the Dana 60 axles... . More of the CAD collars, but I did away with them with an axle shaft from Dodge for an '02 that didn't have the CAD... ... Then I broke the short shaft 4-5 times in my '97 3500, and I'm not sure how many times in my '95..... I finally ordered some dynatrac hubs with axle shafts and I haven't broke anything but locking hubs since then... . And they just strip out. I have a set of drive flanges so I can pull the hub and put them on if I really have to..... I really need to order something heavier than the Warns... . Orielly's won't warranty them anymore!! I pull a trailer full of horses or cows through some really sandy country, and when you gotta go, you gotta go!! And winching out 120' at a time sucks!!! I'm not sure why the short shaft breaks, I'm guessing it has less flex than the long shaft, and when the long shaft flexes or rebounds, it overloads the short shaft, and it shears, just flush with the back side of the U-joint yoke..... That's a show-stopper, right there!!! :-laf The '95 was a play-toy, with 38. 5" Boggers on it, so it's no surprise to break crap on it.....



I guess it's not too bad when you do it with a trailer full of horses..... Usually, at least one is saddled, so you can at least get somewhere for supper.....