What trucks have Dana 70 axles?
The Dana 70 rear axle has historically appeared in heavy-duty, 3/4-ton to 1-ton pickup trucks from major brands, especially in older model years. Today it’s less common as original equipment, but it remains a popular choice for swaps and rebuilds in rugged applications.
Overview: where the Dana 70 shows up
The Dana 70 (also known as Spicer 70) is a robust, heavy-duty axle designed for high-load use. In automotive history, it found its way into several generations of 1-ton and near-1-ton pickup configurations from Ford, Dodge (Ram), and General Motors. While newer factory lineups have shifted toward other axles, the Dana 70 persists in the aftermarket and in vintage fleets, particularly where durability and aftermarket support are valued.
Trucks known to have used Dana 70 axles
Below are the manufacturers and general truck categories where the Dana 70 axle has been documented as part of the factory configuration at various times. Exact years and trim levels vary by market and option packages, so use this as a guide and verify on the vehicle itself.
Ford
- Older 1-ton F-Series pickups (roughly mid-20th century into the 1980s) where a Dana 70 rear axle appeared as part of heavy-duty configurations.
- Some heavy-duty variants of the Ford F-Series in the 1960s–1980s era, where the Dana 70 was used in certain 1-ton setups.
In Ford applications, the Dana 70 is most associated with early heavy-duty F-Series configurations before newer axle families became standard on all 1-ton models.
Dodge/Ram
- D-Series/early Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickups (roughly 1960s–1990s) that required a robust 1-ton rear axle occasionally utilized the Dana 70.
- Various Ram 1-ton/near-1-ton configurations in the late 20th century where rugged loading and aftermarket compatibility justified a Dana 70 option.
Ram/Dodge heavy-duty pickups from this era favored axles that could handle high load and torque, with the Dana 70 sometimes appearing in factory specs for certain builds.
GM/Chevrolet/GMC
- 1-ton and near-1-ton Chevrolet/GMC C/K (Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra lineage) configurations in the 1970s–1980s where a Dana 70 was selected for rear-duty duty in specific trims or packages.
- Other GM heavy-duty variants in the era where high-capacity rear axles were required and the Dana 70 was a viable option.
GM’s 3/4-ton to 1-ton trucks in this period occasionally used the Dana 70 rear axle, depending on the market and the intended payload/resale position of the model.
Current status and aftermarket use
Today, the Dana 70 is predominantly found in older trucks, restoration projects, and as a choice for axle swaps in heavy-duty builds. It remains a popular option among enthusiasts who value its strength and the availability of compatible parts and aftermarket gear. For owners seeking to confirm their axle’s identity, the presence of a Dana 70 tag or casting number on the differential housing is the clearest indicator, followed by matching the axle’s gear ratio and spline count to factory documentation or reputable source references.
How to identify a Dana 70 axle
If you’re trying to determine whether a vehicle has a Dana 70, start with the differential housing markings. Look for a “Dana,” “Spicer,” or “70” stamping on the cover or on a tag attached to the axle. Cross-reference the casting numbers and the number of splines on the axle shafts with Dana/Spicer catalogs or a trusted axle-number database. Confirming the exact model (e.g., Dana 70 versus Dana 70U) helps you understand compatibility with parts and gear ratios.
Summary
The Dana 70 axle has a storied role in heavy-duty pickups from Ford, Dodge (Ram), and GM during the 1960s through the 1990s, particularly in 3/4-ton and 1-ton configurations. While not as common as modern factory axles today, the Dana 70 remains relevant for vintage trucks, restorations, and aftermarket swaps due to its proven strength and parts ecosystem. If you’re evaluating a truck for this axle, verify with axle tags, casting numbers, and cross-checks against Dana/Spicer references to ensure accuracy.
