I got a rear axle off a 98 to put on my 97 ram but I just noticed there's a bolt stuck in the flange not sure if its supposed to be there, does anyone know? Also could I change it with the one off my old axle if it's not supposed to be there?

 

No, drill and EasyOut time....if you are lucky a left handed drill bit will grab it. You can change it for a yoke of the same size, i.e. yours, but you'll lose the preload on the pinion bearing, have to reset. Not a big problem, good luck.

 

Dana 80 is an 11,000 lb axle, but factory ratings are a whole lot less! Make sure you put bigger spring suspension on it too ! Be sure the gear ratio are the same if you got a 4×4 . You may need to find a larger more expensive U-joint. They do make cross fitting U-joints too. Your 46re is going to war with all the weight you intend to pull! That transmission might just faint from the looks of that axle?