I have a 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 with a DANA 60 rear differential/axle. I would like to swap a DANA 80, is/will it be too much for my 46RE? I am unsure as I get conflicting answers. Thank you.

 

I wouldn't think so. The Dana 80 is a much heavier rear axle than the Dana 60. I have a friend that has one in his 2000 Ram 3500 4x4 with a 5.9 motor and a 46RE transmission. His transmission was recently rebuilt, but that was after numerous miles & years were put on the truck.

 

Did your friend swap? Because all 5.9’s came with 60’s I could be wrong though. I’ve never seen a 3500 5.9 period. (they do exist) Most 3500’s are Cummins, or V10’s which come with 70/80. At Max, the axle would be a 70.

 

3500 V8s came with a factory Dana 80 if it was a stick. The 70U (autos) was also a Dana 80 with 70 axle sleeves (they bottle neck down towards the wheel). You can swap the 80 in, it won't hurt. The true Dana 80 is a dually though and was the only rear axle available on a 3500

 

I would like a true 80. But how can I change the hub to a single rear wheel?

 

Why do you want to swap to a larger axle?

 

Bigger is better.

 

You should be able to just pull the outside tire off and take the dually adapter off. Again key word is SHOULD

 

My friend's 2000 Ram 3500 4x4 truck is a factory installed 5.9 gas motor, 46RE transmission with a Dana 80 dually rear.

 

I reread that and it's confusing. The only axles that come under a 3500 are 60/80. As the 80 is the only dually axle Dodge had at that time