Competition How strong is the Dana 80hybrid?

[F8LDOSE]

Has anybody ever switched their dana80 for a the bigger gm. 14bolt? What is the weak point of the dana, and how much abuse can it take. . hooked up to the sled..... What mods will help it live??? Thanks for any input.

 

[HillCountrykid]

As far as I know, the 14 bolt is equal or smaller in every aspect. Ring gear is bigger in 80, axle shaft diameter are the same I think, and I think the tubes may be thicker on the 80. The only advantage of the 14 bolt that I know of is the pinion shaft has an extra bearing.



These Dana 80 hybrids have been taking alot of abuse with few breakages. I don't see any reason for swapping. I'm glad we have this axle.



Brian

 

[F8LDOSE]

What brands of lockers are you guys that are pulling using?

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

IS the 14 bolt rear made by american axle??

 

[fj40charles]

Yes, the 14 bolt is made my American Axle. 14 bolt is a very strong rear end because, like Hillcountykid said, of the extra bearing support.



Lots of 14 bolts are used in offroading, due to the strength and ease of availablity (read cheap) and cheap detroit locker. Downside is limited gear selection (I believe the lowest is 5. 38) and low pinion.



Also, I'm not sure about the strength of the rear axle. I believe they neck down so it is not really 1. 5" inches all the way through.



D80 on our trucks has a stronger axle IMHO.



Charles

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

The Isuzu NPR trucks that I used to drive at work had an all GM drivetrain. I don't know who made the axles but if it was american axle they totally suck. Every winter without fail at some point everyone would get stuck on some ice or snow and ruin the spider gears and the whole rearend. At 2k a pop this was not a good thing

 

[Todd G]

I assume the NPR's you were driving had the Chevy drivetrain. I believe the diesels have stronger axles.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Dear old Dad's old truck had a big ole 14-bolt in it.



In some engineer's infinite wisdom... . they designed the thing so that the axle shafts have to come out to take off the brake drums.



Makes taking a quick look at the rear brakes a not-so-quick job... .



They're strong, but it's not worth removing an already stout piece in our Dodges to replace it with one of those things... .



Matt

 

[JoeyD]

There are brake inspection holes for the front and rear shoe on the 14 bolt. You need to remove a clip covering the hole. But I agree the axle should not have to come out to pull a drum.