Got a 04 3500 quad,5.9L, auto. trans, single rear wheels and I got a ?? In changing the oil in the rear end the book tells me I have a Dana 80..however, when I talked to parts people for the correct oil they tell me I have a American axle..anyone know about the american axle bit, what it is ?? Also one parts guy says put in the 8oz of friction oil, the other guy says no, the way I read the book says no..SO I didn't

 

It is a American Axle. unless it is an SO. Look on the valve cover if it says 305 or 325 HP then it is a American Axle. They do not require friction modifier.

 

ALL 3rd GEN 2500's and 3500's will have AAM axles.....some will be 10.50" and some will be 11.50". Perform a search for lots more info.
Greg

 

Its a "04" all 04s were H.O. and have the 11.5 in 04. AAM axel.No modifier.

 

Thanks everyone...Ask questions and you'll get the answers..great site..

 

Not all 04s are HO. In California they were SO prior to 04.5. If you have SW 3500 you have an AAM(American Axle and Manufacturing) 10.5. The 3500 DW will have the 11.5. My understanding is the 3500 SW has heavier leafs but same axle as 2500. Send an e-mail to AAM, they'll tell you how to identify your axle or pull up next to DW 3500 and look at both of the axles.

Regards
jeff

 

Why not look at the sticker in the Glove Box?

 

Not true, the 2500 gas have the 10.5, the 2500 diesel have the 11.5 and so does the 3500 SRW and the DRW. Only the 2500 gas have the 10.5 and the 1500 has the 9.5. This is for '03, I am not sure about newer models.

 

I got ripped! My 2500 3/4 ton Diesel has an AAM 10.5. !

Jeff

 

Some of the trucks are an odd mix. Don't know why Dodge did that other than using up parts?

Mine is a

2003 QC 4x4 SLT CTD California SO with 48re and 10.5 AAM axle with a passenger door lock.

 

It's nice to be able to tell which axle with a visual. But I kinda agree with you. I can tell a spicer 60,70,80 by looking. But, I don't work on my own trucks anymore and buy I everything new now. On used vehicles you never know what kind of swap out took place.

Jeff

 

That would not suprise me. However, did you ever notice you pay extra on your vehicle registration for axle rating. I'll tell you my story when I bought my dodge 2500 Deisel. I asked the salesman what axle was in the vehicle, he said "It's a Chrysler of course, they only use Chrysler parts in these puppies". I laughed and bought the truck anyway. I then found out that the axle was an AAM. I researched the axle and determined it was a 10.5 and didn't find anything negative.

Jeff