Would I be correct in saying the only difference between the Dana 80 in a 2500 (5 or 6 spd) and a Dana 80 in the 3500 (both 2002) is on the wheel mounts (allowance for the training wheels)? Any other differences? Would weight ratings be the same? I dont want to get into limiting factors (tires, etc)

 

Unless you have the HO, then they are the same. I think.

 

Dana 80 2500 axles and 3500 axles are identical except for the outer wheel spindle and hub assembly. You can only get the Hybrid Dana 80 in a 2500 manual. The regular 80 is in the 3500 with both tranny's. 3500's can hold 1000lbs more. Look here http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/a...RBI_specs.html
Chase

 

The spindles on the 2500 are different than the 3500 for the single wheels. The inner bearing on the 2500 is slightly smaller than the 3500. Everything else is the same.

All of the Dana 80 rear axles in the Dodge are Hybred. They have that designation because they have Dana 80 housing and gears while the spindles and axles are Dana 70.

The full Dana 80 rear axle has a higher load rating as is used on campers and other heavier vehicles.

The size of gears in transmissions and rear axles are not determined by the weight that they carry but by the torque that the engine produces. Hense the Dodge has the Cummins and needs the Dana 80 gears but does not need the heavier axles and hubs due to the lower weight design. Also you will find that the dually pickup rear axles are wider than the commercial or camper rear axles. This is due to the fact that a commercial frame is 34 inches and a dually pickup of any make is 38 inches. The only exception that I have seen is the Dodge 3500 cab and chassis which is really a heavier 3500 dually setup. Chevy and Ford cab and chassis frames are 34 inches. In the Chevy and GMC this creates a weakness at the point where the frame narrows and kicks up and a lot of them bend at that point, right behind the cab, under heavy loads.

 

Thanks for all of the good information. I believe the Dana 80 is a very stout axle; I didnt realize that all manuals have the Dana 80 when I bought the truck in 2002, but I am certainly glad I have it now.

 

So are the brakes,hubs & axles the same on a 70 & 80.If i buy a 80 housing can i put my 70 disc brakes & hubs on it.Kurt.