I have a complete rear disc brake housing minus the ring and pinion. Has anyone tried to install this generation diff into the older trucks? Any thought on just using the brakes themselves on the older housing?

 

Have you measured the rears, to the same place on each rear? That's where I'd start. Also check the pinion yoke. You may need a different u-joint to fit it. One way is to compare the rear joints in the catalogs, but pulling it out and measuring is the absolute method. If the mounting locations are the same, and the axle tube size is close, you should be good. You'll have to be prepared to change some fittings for the brake lines, but the rest of it should work the same.

Chris

 

If it's only missing the ring and pinion, install those and run the entire rear end.
Doesn't matter if it's a 70 or 80 it will bolt in.
If it's out of a Diesel truck the pinion yoke will be the same; a 1410 sereies.

 

What are the differences between a D70 and D80 anyway?

 

Ring gear size, axle diameter, maybe more.

Chris

 

I recall when Dodge first introduced the D80 to the Ram trucks, it was referred to as an 80 hybrid. Supposedly a larger/beefier center section with appropriate internals as GLHS mentions and D70 axle tubes.

 

Dana 70; 10.5" ring gear, 32 spline axles and a 2nd gen version is 4-6" wider than a 1st gen.
Dana 80; 11.25" ring gear, 35 spline axles and about 125-175 lbs heavier.

 

I got one in 1991 model, made my D-250 into a duel wheel truck. Mine does not have the disc brakes. You need the u-bolts and plates that the u-bolts go through for Dana -80. Weld metal pieces on the back of plates for the shocks to bolt to. And shorten the driveshaft inch and half or inch and three-quarters.