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What years did Dodge use Dana 60?

The Dana 60 axle was a popular and durable rear axle used in many Dodge vehicles over the years. Dodge utilized this robust axle design in a variety of their trucks and SUVs, though the specific years of use can vary.


Years Dodge Used the Dana 60 Axle


According to the information gathered, Dodge used the Dana 60 axle in their vehicles from the late 1960s through the early 2000s. The Dana 60 was a common rear axle choice for Dodge trucks and SUVs during this time period.



  • The Dana 60 first appeared in Dodge vehicles in the late 1960s, being used in models like the D-Series and W-Series pickup trucks.

  • Dodge continued to use the Dana 60 axle throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and into the 1990s in their full-size pickup trucks and SUVs.

  • The Dana 60 was also found in Dodge's heavy-duty Ram trucks well into the early 2000s.


The Dana 60 was known for its rugged construction and ability to handle heavy loads, making it a popular choice for Dodge's lineup of trucks and SUVs over several decades.

What years did the Dana 60 have a front axle?


Ford uses Dana Super 60 Front Driving Axles in 2005 and newer F250, F350, F450, and F550 Super Duty 4x4 trucks. Each axle is built with a Bill of Material (BOM) Tag affixed to the differential cover by two cover bolts.



What Dodge trucks have Dana 60 axles?


For the 1994-2002 model years, Dodge only used Dana 60 full-floating rear axles in most Ram 2500 trucks with gasoline V6 or V8 engines.



What year did Dodge stop using Dana axles?


Dodge used a Dana 60 up to 2002. 3rd Generation Dodge Rams dropped the Dana 60 in favor of AAM (American Axle & Manufacturing) axles. Ford still uses the Dana 60 front axle.



Is a Dana 60 stronger than a Ford 9 inch?


The Ford 9-inch pinion is mounted lower in the carrier and has the greatest hypoid offset, which causes it to consume more power to drive it than the Dana 60 or GM 12-bolt. The Dana 60 has so much mass it too consumes a lot of power to drive (although many say it feels slightly less than a 9-inch Ford).



What is the difference between a Dodge Dana 44 and Dana 60?


The Dana 44 is also a heavy axle, but it's significantly lighter than a Dana 60. The ring gear on the Dana 44 measures anywhere from 8.5 to 8.8 inches depending on the truck. The Dana 60, however, has a massive 9.75-inch ring gear no matter what truck it came out of.



Are all Dana 60 axles the same?


There are three major variations of the Dana 60 axle used in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s: Dana 60 axles on the GMC, Chevy, and Jeep are all basically the same. Dodge and Ford Dana 60 axles are different.



How do I know if I have a Dana 44 or Dana 60?


Measure Your Axle
Although the Dana 44 and Dana 60 differential covers look similar, their sizes are significantly different. The Dana 44 differential cover will measure about 9 1/2 inches wide and 10 1/2 inches tall, while the Dana 60 differential cover will measure about 11 1/4 inches wide and 12 inches tall.



What year did Ford use Dana 60?


1985-1991 Ford F350 Dana 60 Identification. The open knuckle, monobeam, Dana-Spicer Model 60 was reintroduced by Ford as a mid-year design change in the 1985 model year F-350 1 ton 4x4, replacing the Twin Traction Beam IFS Dana 50 4600 pound rated axle which was used on F-350 trucks starting in the 1980 model year.



Are Ford and Dodge Dana 60 the same?


Dodge Dana 60s have an axle disconnect, which is considered a weaker and more complex axleshaft design. The split in the housing to accommodate the axle disconnect assembly is also considered weaker than the traditional one-piece axletube found on modern Ford Dana 60 axles.



What vehicles did Dana 60 come in?


The Dana 60, a heavier-duty axle than the Dana 44, was first used in the 1950s. It was the axle of choice under countless Dodge, Ford, GM, Studebaker, IH and Jeep 3/4-ton and 1-ton fullsize trucks, as well as Ramchargers and Trail Dusters with the 440ci V-8, and some heavy-duty 1/2-ton Ford and IH trucks.


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.