What trucks came with Dana 70?
The Dana 70 rear axle is a heavy-duty, full-floating unit that showed up most often in 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks and some commercial builds. It was not the standard rear axle on most light-duty pickups, but it did appear in select configurations from a few manufacturers. To confirm if a specific truck has Dana 70, check the axle tag or the Dana/Spicer model designation stamped on the housing.
The following overview highlights where the Dana 70 has historically appeared, with notes on typical use and how to identify it. Keep in mind that axle availability varied by year, trim, and market, so a given model may or may not have this axle depending on configuration.
Ford trucks that used the Dana 70
Ford’s heavy-duty lineup includes models where the Dana 70 showed up as an optional or standard rear axle in select 1-ton and cab/chassis configurations. The axle is associated with high payload and towing capabilities in Ford’s heavy-duty family, though it was not universal across all 1-ton models.
Key Ford applications to look for
- Ford F-Series 1-ton pickups (F-350 and related cab/chassis configurations) that required a robust rear axle
- Certain Ford commercial or heavy-duty chassis configurations used with specialized bodies or fleets
Identifying notes: The Dana 70 is larger and heavier than the more common Dana 60s found in lighter-duty Ford trucks. Check the differential tag for a “Dana 70” designation or the model number “70” stamped on the housing to confirm.
Dodge Ram trucks that used the Dana 70
Dodge Ram’s heavy-duty line has included Dana 70 rear axles in some 3/4-ton and 1-ton variants. As with Ford, this was not a universal feature across every Ram 2500/3500 model, but it did appear in certain configurations aimed at higher payloads and towing capacity.
Typical Ram configurations to inspect
- Ram 2500/3500 heavy-duty pickups equipped for max payload or specialized towing needs
- Cab/chassis and commercial Ram builds that demanded a strong rear axle
How to verify: Look for a Dana 70 tag or stamping on the rear axle housing, or cross-check the axle code with Dodge/Chrysler technical documentation for the exact build year and model.
GM and other manufacturers
In mainstream GM pickups, the Dana 70 was not a common option, with many 3/4-ton and 1-ton GM trucks using other heavy-duty rear axles such as the 14-bolt or alternative designs. Beyond American manufacturers, certain international and commercial applications did employ Dana 70 variants in select heavy-duty trucks or fleets, but these are less commonly encountered by typical pickup owners in the U.S. market.
GM and non‑US applications
- GM heavy-duty trucks (where present) occasionally featured non-standard or fleet-ordered configurations with Dana 70, but this was not common in the mainstream 2500/3500 line
- Commercial and certain international heavy trucks outside the core 3/4- and 1-ton pickup market sometimes used Dana 70 variants
Due diligence is advised: If you’re assessing a GM or overseas vehicle for a Dana 70, verify via the axle tag and factory documentation, since GM’s typical heavy-duty rear axles for most pickups diverged from Dana 70 in many eras.
Other applications and how to verify
Beyond standard pickups, Dana 70 axles appeared in some commercial, chassis-cab, and fleet-oriented builds where extreme payload and durability were required. For enthusiasts or buyers, the surest way to confirm a Dana 70 is to inspect the axle casting and tags on the differential, or check the build sheet/invoice for the Dana 70 designation.
How to check a vehicle for a Dana 70
- Look for a Dana 70 model number or “D70” stamping on the rear axle housing
- Read the axle tag where available; it may list model, gear ratio, and case type
- Cross-reference the VIN or build sheet with manufacturer documentation or a trusted parts catalog
If you’re buying used, bring a knowledgeable mechanic or refer to a dedicated axle identifier resource to confirm the exact axle model before purchase.
Summary
The Dana 70 rear axle is a heavyweight option found primarily in select heavy-duty 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks, notably in some Ford F-Series 1-ton configurations and certain Dodge Ram 2500/3500 builds, with limited or fleet-specific use in other brands. It’s not universally installed across all models in these lines, so verification via the axle code, casting, or build documents is essential for an accurate identification. For collectors and owners, understanding the Dana 70’s presence helps with maintenance decisions, parts compatibility, and restoring or upgrading heavy-duty trucks.
Is a Dana 70 better than a Dana 60?
The main differences are that the Dana 70 is stronger and heavier than the Dana 60, primarily due to a larger 10.5-inch ring gear compared to the Dana 60's 9.75-inch ring gear. The Dana 70 has a heavier housing and thicker, stronger, and heavier axle tubes. This makes the Dana 70 better for heavy-duty, high-load applications, while the Dana 60 is still a robust axle suitable for many heavy-duty and off-road uses.
| Feature | Dana 60 | Dana 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Gear Size | 9.75 inches | 10.5 inches |
| Strength | Very strong | Stronger than a Dana 60 |
| Housing | Lighter than a Dana 70 | Heavier and stronger |
| Axle Tubes | Thinner and lighter | Thicker and stronger |
| Typical Use | Heavy-duty applications, off-road | Heavier-duty applications, high-load trucks |
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How to tell if you have a Dana 60 or 70?
One way to tell if you have a Dana 60 or Dana 70 is to measure the cover flange height (yellow arrow). The Dana 60 flange height is approximately 1" high. The Dana 70 flange height is about 1¼" high. Not all Dana axles have the model number cast on the housing.
What truck came with a Dana 70?
GM began making 4x4 Chevrolet Kodiaks and GMC Topkicks that utilize a Dana 70 front axle for the 2005-2009 models. These Dana 70 axles had open knuckles and ball joints. The Dana 70 axle only came with 5.13:1, 4.88,5.31gear ratios and had a GAWR of these axles were rated at 7-9klbs as seen on 5500 door stickers.
Is a Dana 70 the same as a 14-bolt?
The 14 bolt axle and the Dana 70 each have axle shafts that measure 1.5″ at the splines. The 14 bolt has 30 splines while the Dana 70 has 35. However, the shape and design of the splines is different on the 14 bolt than on the Dana 70, so having only 30 splines is not considered a weakness.
