I have a 96 Ram 2500,4WD, 5.9L gas with 8800GVW and camper spring option. The rear differential is beyond normal repair (diff. case and carrier damaged) for a reasonable cost. I located a Dana 70 with Power Lock option for a good price. I have searched the forum and it appears to be a direct bolt in swap, except for drive shaft yoke. Does anyone have the specifics on this swap, I like the idea of the power lock diff. I am not looking to do a lot of modifications, otherwise I will continue to look for a Dana 60, who knew Dodge had so many axle combinations.

 

Do you know what year Dana 70 you are planning to use and did it come out of a Dodge truck? If it came out of a second gen Dodge truck, it should work fine. If the yoke is different, there should be a conversion U-joint available.

 

The Dana 70 is out of a 97 Ram 2500 with diesel engine and auto trans. The ratio is actually 3.54, I think because of the power lock diff. case.. I think the 3.54 rear and 3.55 front ratios will be compatible.

 

Should bolt right in, and hook right up, aside from the u-joint, and even that may be the same.

 

It's likely slightly different due to the larger ring gear size of the Dana 70, not due to the Power Loc. Using that Dodge Dana 70 should be a pretty straight forward swap. Is your truck 4WD or 2WD? If 4WD, the front gearing ratio should match, however, a .01 difference is likely fine.

 

I have a Dana 70 sitting out back. I'll check to see if that yoke is different from a Dana 60 and let you know.

Just checked and the yoke sizes are the same.