What year did Dodge stop using Dana axles?
There isn’t a single year when Dodge stopped using Dana axles. Over the decades, Ram trucks (Dodge’s truck line) have relied on Dana Spicer axles in many configurations, and Dana components have continued to appear in various Dodge/Ram models through recent years, with some model lines using alternative suppliers at different times.
The question invites a model-by-model, year-by-year look rather than a universal cutoff. Dodge/Ram’s axle strategy has evolved with each generation, influenced by payload needs, market requirements, and corporate restructuring. Below is a structured look at how Dana axles have figured into Dodge/Ram trucks across eras, followed by practical guidance for identifying the axle on a specific vehicle.
Historical use of Dana axles in Dodge/Ram trucks
Key stages in the relationship between Dodge/Ram vehicles and Dana axles, with a focus on how axle choices varied by era and model.
Early generations (1980s–1990s)
During these decades, Dodge’s trucks commonly relied on Dana Spicer front axles and Dana-based rear axles in several configurations. The lineage of Dana 44 and Dana 60 front designs, along with heavy-duty rear axles, established Dana as a core supplier for many light- and heavy-duty Dodge pickups and SUVs.
- Front axles frequently featured Dana 44 or other Dana family designs in lighter-duty variants.
- Rear axles included Dana-based assemblies that supported a range of towing and payload needs.
Conclusion: Dana remained a central axle supplier for Dodge/Ram trucks through the 1980s and 1990s, with choices varying by model and trim.
Modern era (2000s–present)
In the 2000s and beyond, Ram trucks continued to use Dana Spicer axles in many high-strength applications, especially on HD configurations, while some models saw the introduction of other suppliers or integrated assemblies as part of broader platform changes. The shift was gradual and tied to specific model lines rather than a uniform, brand-wide change.
- Heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500 variants have frequently used Dana/Spicer-type high-strength front and rear axles, designed for heavy payloads and torque.
- Light-duty Ram 1500s have seen more variation, with different axle packages offered across generations and markets.
- Corporate changes and supplier contracts (including alliances with other axle manufacturers) influenced which axles appeared in which models and years.
Conclusion: In the modern era, Dana axles remained part of Dodge/Ram’s toolkit for many configurations, but the exact axle depended on the specific model year and trim. There isn’t a universal discontinuation year for Dana axles across the Dodge/Ram lineup.
Current status and model-specific notes
Today’s Ram lineup shows a mix of axle configurations across models, with Dana Spicer components continuing to appear in many heavy-duty applications, while some lighter-duty or special-edition models may use alternative axles under contract with other suppliers. The broader trend has been toward a diversified supplier base rather than a single, brand-wide changeover.
Heavy-duty vs. light-duty distinction
HD Ram models (e.g., 2500/3500) typically rely on high-strength Dana Spicer-based axles or equivalent designs to handle greater torque and payload. Light-duty Ram models (e.g., 1500) may feature a broader variety of axle packages depending on year, market, and trim level.
- HD variants often emphasize Dana/Spicer lineage or high-strength equivalents.
- LD variants show more variation and can include non-Dana suppliers depending on the generation.
Conclusion: The current status is model- and year-specific rather than defined by a single stop date for Dana axles across the brand.
How to verify the axle on your Dodge/Ram
To determine whether a particular vehicle uses a Dana axle and exactly which Dana model (if any) is installed, use these steps.
- Inspect the differential housing tag on the axle for a brand name (e.g., Dana Spicer, AAM) and a model number.
- Check the vehicle’s build sheet, window sticker, or VIN-based specification documents, which often list the axle type and supplier.
- Consult the dealership or a trusted service manual for the exact axle configuration by year/model/trim.
Conclusion: The most reliable way to confirm the axle is to read the tag on the differential, review the build sheet or VIN data, and, if needed, contact the dealer with your VIN.
Summary
Bottom line: There is no single year that marks when Dodge stopped using Dana axles. Dana axles have been part of Dodge/Ram trucks for many generations, with later years showing a mix of Dana and other suppliers depending on model and configuration. For any given vehicle, the exact axle can be identified through the differential tag, build sheet, or VIN-based documentation.
What front axle is in a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500?
Dana 60 Front
All 2000-2002 Dana 60 Front Axles in Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks had a Bill of Material Number (BOM) stamped on a Axle ID Build Tag attached to the differential by two of the differential cover bolts when the vehicle was shipped from the factory but, unfortunately, these tags are often missing on trucks that had ...
What are common Dana 60 problems?
Dana 60 U-Joint Size
The most common axle failure that 4x4 enthusiasts encounter off-road is in the axleshafts and steering U-joints. The U-joints effectively become weaker when turned, which can become a problem when the front differential is locked and a tire gets bound up in the rocks or a ditch.
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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What Dodge trucks have Dana 60 axles?
Rear axle
- 1966–1970 Coronet & R/T.
- 1966–1972 Charger & R/T.
- 1968–1972 Super Bee.
- 1970–1971 Challenger.
- 1963–1993 Dodge Ram 250 and 350.
- 1994–2002 Dodge Ram 2500 (V8 only)
- 2004–2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10.
