Boatnik

I have finally killed the grimlins in the A518. Now I need to upgrade the rear end. I want to find a Dana 80 that will fit W350 DRW. I tried to get an accurate measurement from flange to flange on my Dana70u but the the best estimate is 59 3/4 inches. Does anyone know which Dana 80 will fit under a First gen pickup dually with the least amount of fabrication?

NJTman

Oliver Foster just did his not too long ago.

I'm sure he has one lying around as well.

oliver foster

I installed a SRW Dana 80 from a '97 2500 under my white crew cab called the Vanilla Gorilla.

It pushed my wheels out about 2 inches per side if I remember right.

Making the lower U-bolt brackets took most of my time. The leaf spring perches are the same width apart from each other, but the springs go to 3 inches wide on the 2nd gens.
I welded up a set of 2nd gen U-bolt plates then re drilled them to the needed 2 1/2 inch width for the crew cab. I then cut off the shock mount from the 1st gen plate and welded them to the 2nd gen plate.

I have a few Dana 80s still in my collection if you can't locate one in VA..

u2slow

Spring spacing stayed the same. DRW pickup axles are ~72" across where the wheels bolt on; 1st or 2ndgen. You probably need the newer hub-piloted wheels too.

My hangers and leafs were shot, so in went 2ndgen leafs and hangers. I mounted it all so the stock driveshaft worked. For shocks I simply welded a stud to the 2ndgen spring plate.

Boatnik

Sorry for not getting back sooner but other more pressing things took up my time. I had to redo the head gasket. Second time was the charm. No leaks. Thanks to everyone that replied to my post.

My Dana 70u DRW is spinning the cup on the pinion shaft inside the housing. I cannot keep preload for longer than six months. Closest measurement I have been able to get with the axle still under the truck and wheels on is about 59 3/4 inches between brake flanges. going out isn't as big of a concern as getting shorter. I need my air bags.