Hi guys. I'm new to the forum so I guess an introductory "Howdy" is in order.

Now, on to my mystery.

To my knowledge nobody has ever done anything to our 96 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup that required any "rear end" work.

Before I go farther I'll tell you that this truck has been in our family since new but it's been used by our son from 16 through 20. He has sometimes had it for extended periods and drives it like he doesn't own it, natuarally.

Well, as he tells it, one day the rear end just broke. I took the cover, which was split where the ring gear came through it, off to find the pin and one gear in two pieces. There was red permatex all around the case and there was no tag on the rear dif.

Took it to my mechanic and thought, simple enough. But not so........ I'm told that without the tag they don't know what parts they need to fix it.

The only stamping is "DANA" and it's a 12 bolt cover.

I've been trying to find a complete rear end for it but I cannot find ANY with a 12 bolt cover. Everything I'm finding is 10 bolt.

I don't much care what gear ratio is put in it but I'm stumped, stymied and baffled about this particular rear end.

Was there a 12 bolt rear end option in 96?

Has the rear end been secretly replaced along the line to sidestep an a$$chewing?

Are there cross over rear ends that will work?

Is there a difference between the rear end in a Dodge Ram 2500 PICKUP as opposed to a VAN?

Is there some reason this rear end has to be replaced with the exact same rear end?

Will a 10 bolt rear end work?

Do I even NEED a complete rear end? I've had the gears in rear difs changed before.

Is there a way to track this puppy down to get new guts rather than the whole thing?

I know it's allot of questions but they all pertain to the same issue.

Can anybody here help a guy out with this? Thank you in advance.

 

What engine/trans do you have in there? This post lists what came from the factory in the various combinations. If you have a v-10, with a manual trans, you would have a dana 80. (which by the bolt count, is what I suspect..... what do you actually have?)

 

As HeyYou stated, the axle depends on what engine/tranny you have.

You are correct, if the axle/carrier is in good shape, you can just get the broken "guts" replaced.

As far as not caring what gear ratio you get, if its a 4x4, you do have to pay attention to it. If there are different gear ratios in the front and rear, your axles will tear themselves up when you go to engage 4x4 some winter. If its a 4x2, you don't have to care as much.

From my very limited experience, the only time I've heard of the gears actually braking is from abuse, but I am by no means an expert.

 

Thanks for the replys.

Yeah,.... I'm pretty sure it was abuse. Getting a 19 year old to admit it is another thing though, L.O.L.

Engine is a 5.2, automatic T w overdrive and it's 2wd.

Dodge did a hybrid rear end for some 2500-3500 that was a Dana 80 dif with Dana 70 tubes but the gearing would still be for an 80.

I looked at the Dana 80 and the ones I've found have a 10 bolt pattern unless I'm just going cross eyed looking.

I'll take a few pics of the cover. It's different from most of the ones I'm looking at for a Ram 2500 PU.

The rest of the axel and housing are fine. If it's a Dana 70 or 80 wouldn't the only question be what the original gear ratio was?

I don't know if this helps but here's the cover.

 

Take a look at this
http://www.ringpinion.com/DiffList.a...=208&Side=Rear
and inspect which diff you've got.
There is many different places you can get replacement part for your axle.
Above link should help you figuring out what is under your ride.

 

Thanks for the link Beater. I see my cover now. Chrysler 9.25 12 bolt.

I can even get it in Posi.

Which brings me to another Q.

This truck used to have horrible traction. It would lose traction to the drive tire on damp grass on even a slight slope.

I'm thinking about replacing it with Posi traction.

Any thoughts?

 

Well, it really depends on several factors:
How much can you pay for Posi or Limited Slip?
What will you be using the truck for? (Daily driver, weekend ride, strictly off-road)
Are going to do install by yourself?
I went with POWERTRAX. I don't really like the limited slip and the truck is pretty much off-road only. Some street driving. I did all the installation myself. It was an experience. If you don't feel comfortable with it - Don't do it.
And from all the posi setup I've read about this one (POWERTRAX) was still in my budget. Do some reading here regarding different Lockers and LS. Look at you options and wallet. Then decide what you like and can afford. Don't spent tons of cash cause you'll never get it back - just a thought.
Good luck