Who builds Ford axles?
The axle supply chain
Major external suppliers
Several outside firms play a central role in supplying Ford with axle assemblies. The two largest and most consistently reported partners are:
- Dana Incorporated (Spicer brand) — supplies front and rear axles and differential assemblies for a variety of Ford models, especially in light- and heavy-truck applications.
- American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) — provides axle and differential components and complete assemblies for Ford trucks and SUVs in certain markets and model lines.
Beyond these two, Ford works with other regional suppliers to meet local production needs, and the mix can change with new platforms and regional sourcing strategies.
Ultimately, Ford's axle lineup reflects a blended approach: core engineering is done in-house, while the heavy lifting of production is contracted to specialized axle manufacturers around the world.
Ford's in-house design and integration
What this means for owners and repairs
For consumers and independent repair shops, this supply chain means parts availability is tied to the vendor network. OEM axle components are typically sourced through Ford dealers or authorized channels, with Spicer/Dana or AAM-branded parts commonly used in maintenance and replacement. Understanding which supplier supplied a given axle can help with sourcing compatible gear ratios, seals, and bearings.
Summary
Ford's axles are built by a mix of in-house design and external manufacturers, most notably Dana Incorporated (Spicer) and American Axle & Manufacturing, with regional suppliers adapting the supply chain by platform and market. This collaborative model supports Ford's global product lineup while allowing specialized axle expertise to reside with specialist manufacturers.
