I am a first timer and recently spun the wheel bearings on the right rear side of my 1993 D250 diesel LE, 4x4. The axel broke about 4 inches in from the spline and the hub welded itself to the spindle and bent the tube. It happened on a long gentle downhill grade and I was going about 60 mph. Was able to safely get off the road and extinguish the fire that started from the rear end lube running out over the hub.

The axle is a dana 70, 354, axle code 605509-8, with antilock brakes and a speed sensor on top of the pumpkin. (I have been given all of this terminology by my mechanic friends!)

My question is: would a dana 70 from a newer model, 94 -96, we are guessing, fit under my truck. Seems like everything in the specs changed beginning in 94?

Finding a used axle here in Alaska is slim pickins! I have located an axle at one wrecking yard but it will be some time until they can get to it. I also found an axle on a newer model, but we do not know if it would work and haven't found anyone who can answer the question.

Before I spend a lot of money for something I don't know if it will fit and go retrieve it I would like some assurance I am on the right track.

 

Thanks for the guidance on the help forum. I am dead in the water. truck has been tied up for 2 weeks now while we are searching for the replacement part. Meanwhile without wheels and the camper is less than secure where it is parked outside of the shop. Would sure like to get some use of my vehicle as summer is fast turning into fall here in Alaska.

 

D70s and 80s were both in these trucks up until the 2003-4 timeframe IIRC. Many have upgraded 1st Gen's to D80 status, althought at a heavy weight penalty of an additonal 100 pounds or so. Haven't done it myself, but it is my understanding the 80s will bolt in with minor modification including a shortened driveshaft. The perches although not perfectly aligned, are supposed to be "close enough" to fit.

I'd take a rough measurement just to be on the safe side.

 

If I remember right the second gen axle is a little wider than the first gen. It makes the wheels stick out a little past the wheel wells.

 

Excuse you? Do you think people are paid to sit here and wait for you to ask a question? Have a little bit of patience!

 

I went over and looked at the truck today to get a better idea of what the mechanic was telling me. With the cap off of the floating axle I could see the end of the axle about 6" into the tube. He said they could not get the nut off that holds the assembly together that is inside the cover that is held on by about 8 bolts over the end of the axle. The tube is messed up and something is seized up on the spindle. The wheel will turn with the tire on as it turned to move the truck and on and off of the slideback wrecker bed. I have found a replacement rear end assembly at a wrecking yard that checks out and it looks like paying the kings ransom for the unit it the way out of this mess.

 

Pull the cover and make sure you have no side play in bearings. Dana 70's are known for spinning the race in the housing. 0 side play if you have any movement donot buy it. If the magnet in the cover is covered with fine metal particles and looks like a chia pet donot buy it. If the fluid is black and smells burnt donot buy it. Turn the front yoke by hand, if there is any roughtness in bearings while turning donot buy it. Check the threads on the axle tube, any damage threads or is the axle tube blued or grooved where bearings ride. Donot buy that one. Pitted bearings or noisy gears can be replaced but will greatly increase the cost to replace your diff.

 

Many thanks. I'm headed over to the shop to talk w/ the mechanic. Have 2 rear ends on hold. Both appear to meet the spec #s, 605509-8. One we know is a 1994 vintage. Will take final measurements today. Both located a couple of hours out of town. Mechanic has not been able to get the nut off of the tube on mine to get the drum off. Said tube was messed up. Didn't look messed up to me but what do I know.