What vehicles use Dana axles?
Dana axles are used across a broad range of vehicles—from light-duty SUVs and pickups to heavy-duty trucks and military programs. The most recognizable consumer examples come from Jeep’s lineup (Wrangler, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee), but Dana components power many other brands and configurations depending on the model year and market.
Dana Inc. designs a spectrum of axle families under its Spicer brand to cover different load classes and vehicle applications. This article surveys which categories of vehicles typically rely on Dana axles and why the brand’s drivetrain technology remains a common choice in the global market.
Dana axle families and typical vehicle classes
To organize their products, Dana categorizes axles by the load they’re built to carry, mapping roughly to vehicle size and duty cycle. The following list outlines the main families and the kinds of vehicles they typically serve.
- Light-duty axles (for compact SUVs and light pickups). These include smaller, lighter Dana axle families designed for everyday on-road use and light off-road duty.
- Medium-duty axles (for mid-size to full-size SUVs and pickups). These axles balance payload, durability, and efficiency for a wide range of consumer trucks and larger SUVs.
- Heavy-duty axles (for commercial trucks and specialized equipment). These rugged axles are built to handle high loads, frequent heavy use, and demanding conditions common in commercial fleets and off-road/race applications.
In practice, the exact axle model and configuration in a given vehicle depend on year, trim level, regional market, and the manufacturer’s drivetrain choices. Always verify the specific axle code or build sheet for a precise match.
Representative vehicle types and brands commonly using Dana axles
Beyond Jeep’s well-known use of Dana axles, the brand supplies components to a range of vehicle types, from rugged off-roaders to luxury SUVs and commercial platforms. The following examples illustrate the breadth of Dana’s reach, with the caveat that configurations change over time and by market.
- Jeep brand vehicles (Wrangler, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee) rely on Dana/Spicer axles in multiple generations and trims, reflecting Dana’s long-standing relationship with the brand.
- Land Rover models (including Defender and Discovery in various generations) have used Dana components in certain axle configurations as part of their off-road and on-road capability packages.
- Other manufacturers’ heavy-duty and specialty platforms have incorporated Dana axles in select configurations, including some regional or era-specific trucks and commercial applications. Regional availability and model-year specifics vary.
Because axle assignments shift with model redesigns, market changes, and regulatory updates, it’s important to check the exact axle ID for a given vehicle. This prevents assumptions about which Dana axle is installed on a particular trim or model year.
How to identify a Dana axle in your vehicle
If you’re trying to determine whether your vehicle uses a Dana axle, use these verification steps. They apply to most makes and models that have Dana components in their drivetrain.
- Inspect the differential housing for a Dana/Spicer decal or stamped axle code that identifies the model family (and sometimes the exact part number).
- Check the vehicle’s build sheet, warranty card, or the original window sticker (Monroney label) and service manuals for axle specifications.
- Use the VIN to look up the factory drivetrain configuration through the manufacturer’s database or a reputable parts catalog that lists axle details by VIN or build code.
If you’re unsure after checking these sources, contact the dealer, a Dana Spicer distributor, or a qualified mechanic who can decode the axle ID and confirm the exact Dana axle family and configuration.
Summary
Dana axles power a wide spectrum of vehicles, from everyday SUVs and pickups to heavy-duty trucks and specialized off-road or military platforms. The most familiar consumer examples come from Jeep, but Dana’s axle families—spanning light-, medium-, and heavy-duty designs—appear across many brands and generations. To know exactly which Dana axle is in a given vehicle, verify the axle code or consult the vehicle’s build documentation, as configurations vary by year, market, and trim.
What vehicles have a Dana 30 front axle?
Common applications
- 1966-1971 Ford bronco.
- 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) (used until 2005 in Chinese XJs)
- 1987-1996 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
- 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler (TJ)
- 1972-1986 Jeep (CJ)
- 1972-1973 Jeep Commando (C104)
- 1971-1973 Jeep Wagoneer (SJ)
- 1971-1973 Jeep J-Series pickup (SJ)
Does Ford use Dana axles?
The Dana/Spicer Model 50 was an automotive axle manufactured by the Dana Holding Corporation for 25 years and was used solely in OEM Ford applications. Dana 50's were made as front axles only until it was revived in rear solid axle configuration in the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor.
What vehicles have Dana 44 axles?
Dana 44 axles are found in a wide variety of vehicles, including many Ford, Jeep, Chevrolet, and Dodge models, particularly 4x4 and off-road vehicles. They have been used in everything from half-ton trucks and SUVs to high-performance sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette and Dodge Viper.
Trucks and SUVs
- Ford: Half-ton trucks (1968+), full-size Broncos (1978-1979), and some other 4x4 models
- Jeep: Wrangler (optional on many models, standard on Rubicon), Grand Cherokee (1996-2004), Cherokee (1987-1990 with tow package), and Comanche (1987-1992 with "Big-Ton" package)
- Chevrolet/GMC: Blazer, various 4x4 pickups, and early Silverado/GMC Sierra models
- Dodge: Ramcharger and various 4x4 pickup trucks
- International: Scout and other 4x4 models
- Isuzu: Rodeo and Honda Passport
Sports cars
- Chevrolet: Corvette C3 (1980-1982) and manual C4 models (1985-1996)
- Dodge: Viper
- Pontiac: GTO (2005–2006)
- Classic Jaguars: Some models, including the E-Type
Which vehicles use Dana axles?
The Dana/Spicer Model 60 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Holding Corporation and used in OEM pickup and limited passenger car applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ford and Land Rover. There are front and rear versions of the Dana 60.
