I read and seen a lot about "bombing" the engine and other mods to engine and tranny. But I have not read of any rear end mods. With the increased horse power on some modified diesels is no one beefing up the differentials and axles?

 

The Dana 80 is a well built rear end and can handle LOTS of power. Some folk upgrade when they are running over 500 hp, and a few more upgrade when they are over 700 hp. But unless you plan on bombing to this level, your rear end should be fine.

 

These rear ends are tuff. It would help if you fill in your sig so we know what year of truck you have. It could have a dana 70 or 80.

 

Agreed

Dana 70s(10.5" ring gear) are found in the automatic trucks

Dana 80s(11" ring gear) are found in the manual tranny trucks

These are both very heavy duty rear ends. You shouldn't have to worry about durability.

 

What type of mods would you do to the rear axle short of replacing with a heavier unit?

 

Bigger axles with more splines? Maybe some hardened gears. Different traction unit. Shield it from a nuclear bomb?

 

Pretty sure the stock axles and differentials can handle anything the CTD can throw at it,
well maybe 99% of the time.

The only thing I can think of doing is adding a much better system than the stock limited slip.
(if you're lucky enough to even have it)

Detroit Locker for the rear, and a selectable locker such as ARB for the front.

Speaking of the front, some lockable hubs would be a very good thing as well.


phox