Rear axle help

[GRudy]

Well, the son in law blew the rear axle on my '92 W-350 while plowing the other day. So I need a 3:54 ring and pinion set for a Dana 60 rear. But my question is, will a Dana 80 axle bolt up to my springs etc? Just thought it would be a good upgrade if it's possible. And, if anybody has a ring &pinion to sell let me know.

 

[nmanalo]

George 00, the dana80 will bolt up, but the driveline will need to be cut down 1 3/4 inches or so, the brakeline junction may need to be swapped with your old dana 70, custom or longer u-bolts, 2nd gen u-bolt mounting pads(you will need to find another way to mount your shocks, the 80 uses a staggered system while the old 70 mounts both shocks behind the axle in an A style), reconfigured parking brake cables and rim modifications. Is your truck a single wheel or a dually? Mine is a dually. I had to grind off the centering or pilot rings off the stock rims to get them to seat to the axle hub flange. The center hole in the rim fits perfect on the 80 hub. On first gen duallies, the rims are stud piloted, they are hub piloted on the second gen duallies. I hope this helps some. The u-bolt/shock mounting pad on your first gen won't work with the second gen axle, as in my case. Good luck! Noel

 

[GRudy]

Thanks Noel, that's the info I needed. I was told the original axle was a Dana 60. So it's a 70? Either way I don't thing I'll be making that swap, not on this truck, to much involved. Now to find that ring & pinion set. I found one on Ebay but they say it's for a 9-1/4" rear.

 

[DPKetchum]

I bought mine from a company called GEARS AND REARS. They supply to NASCAR. Had complete major overhaul units. Gears/bearings seals etc at a great price. Bought mine several years ago and don't have their number any more. Also had a tech line to walk you threw repair if needed.

 

[Hutchew]

http://www.ring-pinion.com/home.shtml

Had the best prices when I bought mine. You will need the BOM (Bill of Materials) #'s when (and regardless of who) you call. They are stamped and located towards the rear of the truck on the right hand axle tube. They are sometimes faint and hard to read, try buffing it with your wife's nail file or a little fine sandpaper and they'll usually show up better. Stick with a Dana/Spicer gearset, as the aftermarkets aren't as strong.

You may be in for more than just a gearset, though. When I busted mine, I had to replace the carrier and most of the bearings, too.