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AAM Axle differences (GM & Dodge)

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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 03:22 AM
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AAM Axle differences (GM & Dodge)

I'm looking for some insight from anyone who actually knows the differences between the AAM 11.5 in the GM and AAM 11.5 in the Dodge. There much be something significant in the carrier to not allow Eaton's G80 locker to be used in the Dodge version? Has anyone tried fitting one of these Eaton units in their Dodge AAM?

Has anyone considered using a GM AAM 11.5 axle under their Dodge? I have the AAM 10.5, anyway...so I'm looking to upgrade in both respects. Here in Maine, the Chevy Duramax trucks are everywhere, so a junkyard piece would be easy and relatively inexpensive to come by.

Thanks!
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 08:27 AM
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From: Dakotas
I believe the axle shafts flare down on the chevy where on the dodge they don't witch makes them a little stronger on the dodge. But I have never seen it first hand..

There is now a locker availabe for the Dodge 11.5
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 12:23 PM
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I know the GM model has a drain hole and ours doesn't!
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 12:39 PM
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Send a request for information to AAM and ask them. I've seen several guys do this sort of thing and then they posted back with the facts from the source. The one that stands out in my mind was a guy was looking for info. as to how much these AAM 11.5's were actually rated for. IIRC it was 10K or so. So chances are you e-mail them they will get back with you soon.

I alway's wondered about the carrier as well. I have heard that the axle tubes are much smaller on the GM versions. When my wife gets home I'll have to measure the tubes under her Duramax.
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 01:29 PM
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I plan on asking AAM as soon as I have a chance & I'll be sure to post the information here...just thought I'd get the discussion started here in case someone already knows

I found the locker that is now available for our axles...it seems to run about a $1000. In my case, I have the 10.5" to begin with, so a grand for the locker, plus a junkyard axle that probably needs brakes and a rebuild is getting pricey.

There is a powerwagon locker available for the 10.5" but there is some confusion if it is the same unit. I also don't really want to spend all that time and money improving the smaller axle, anyway.

I'm sick of the open diffs and have no use for a limited slip...this should be an interesting little project
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 10:13 PM
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Although I never seen inside a GM, I'm told the GM has a tooth wheel on the carrier for a speed sensor. Dodge does not have the tooth wheel.
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 10:18 PM
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verry interesting.
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 10:37 PM
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The ring gear also has a hampster wheel hooked to it for that extra ooommmppppfffff. Thats why Chevys are faster.
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Crude dude
The ring gear also has a hampster wheel hooked to it for that extra ooommmppppfffff. Thats why Chevys are faster.
I knew it...very sneaky.



...Email sent to AAM...we'll see how long this takes

I also found this interesting thread on another forum...somewhat unrelated to my project, but interesting anyway.

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/su...e-ratings.html

To save you the reading, someone asked AAM what the 11.5 is rated for...10,120 lbs

There is also some discussion about different axle tube diameters...we'll see what they say.
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Old Oct 26, 2009 | 03:53 PM
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Have you heard back from them?
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Old Oct 26, 2009 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Robert373
Although I never seen inside a GM, I'm told the GM has a tooth wheel on the carrier for a speed sensor. Dodge does not have the tooth wheel.
The Dodge does have a toner ring (tooth wheel) that makes the speedometer work.
Jim O
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Old Oct 27, 2009 | 12:32 PM
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I spoke with AAM about a year ago and got the above listed rating.. That is for Dodge/Chevy/SRW/DRW..

The center section is supposed to be the same, the axle tubes are smaller for the GM, just based on spec, makes no difference in ratings.

Dodge does spec 3x life bearings (not sure what 1x is equal to) where as GM only specs 2x life bearings..

So the Dodge unit is going to last longer, but is no stronger.
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Old Oct 27, 2009 | 07:50 PM
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the powerwagon locker is electric and requires a module to operate
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Old Oct 27, 2009 | 09:51 PM
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ARB has released the air locker for Dodge and GM 11.5" diffs...why not use it?

Tony
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Old Oct 27, 2009 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by mwdean
the powerwagon locker is electric and requires a module to operate
I believe it cna be operated minus the module
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