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Does Ford use Dana axles?

Yes. Ford has used Dana Spicer axles in a number of its four-wheel-drive vehicles over the years, especially in heavy-duty trucks and off-road variants.


The relationship spans decades, with Dana serving as a major supplier for certain axle families while Ford develops and sources other components elsewhere. The current picture is selective rather than universal, with Dana axles appearing on specific configurations rather than across the full lineup.


Historical role of Dana axles in Ford vehicles


Below are notable contexts where Ford deployed Dana axles across its model history.



  • Bronco family and other 4x4s from earlier generations benefited from Dana Spicer front and rear axle assemblies (Dana 30/44/50/60 families) for off-road capability.

  • Full-size pickup and heavy-duty trucks—most notably in certain configurations of the F-Series Super Duty—used Dana front axles as part of the drivetrain stack to meet load and capability targets.

  • Performance-oriented models and special editions across Ford's truck line occasionally incorporated Dana components to bolster strength and durability for off-road use.


Overall, Dana axles played a meaningful role in Ford's off-road and heavy-duty platforms, but they were not the standard across every model or year.


Current status and modern applications


In the modern Ford lineup, Dana's role is more selective. Ford continues to source specialty axle assemblies from Dana Spicer for certain high-strength or off-road configurations, while many mainstream axles are designed and produced by Ford or other suppliers. The exact axle part numbers and configurations vary by market and model year.



  • Selective applications: Dana Spicer axles used on specific Ford Performance and 4x4 variants (off-road/trail packages).

  • Mainstream trucks: Ford's core axle assemblies in most F-Series and other models are produced in-house or sourced from other suppliers, rather than relying on Dana across the entire lineup.

  • Continued collaboration: Dana remains a major axle supplier for Ford in certain regions and applications where high-strength, off-road capability is required.


So, does Ford use Dana axles? Yes, but only in particular configurations, not as a blanket across the entire vehicle lineup.


Summary


Ford's relationship with Dana has been longstanding and targeted. Dana axles have appeared in Ford's four-wheel-drive and heavy-duty offerings, especially where off-road durability and load capacity mattered. For most mainstream models, Ford relies on its own axle designs or other suppliers, and the use of Dana components today is selective and model-specific. For the exact details on a given Ford model, consult official Ford parts catalogs or Dana's supplier literature.

What is the Ford axle issue?


Frequently Asked Questions. What is the issue tied to this recall? Certain 2021–2023 F-150 trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package may experience a broken rear-axle hub bolt. Over time, this can result in unintended movement while the vehicle is in Park if the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) is not applied.



Does Ford still use Dana axles?


Ford still uses the Dana 60 front axle. Manufactured in both Kingpin and Ball joint variations, "standard" (low pinion) and "reverse cut" rotation (high pinion) variations and open and limited slip, and locking variations. The housing material is Gray iron in early axles and Ductile iron in later axles.



What rear axle does my F-250 have?


Standard: Ford Sterling 10.5" Rear Axle. Axle Tube Diameter: 3.5 inches.



When did Ford stop using King Pin Dana 60?


Ford and Chevy stopped in 1991. However, We still love building them!


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.