Does anyone know if the rear axle from a 3rd gen will fit under it? Only difference is they are disk brakes, I found a rear end with the same gears and limited slip but off a newer truck, it looks like the brake caliber bracket is just clamped on the axle tube so im thinking possibly the brake drum mounting spots are still there just not in use?

 

Different mounting holes between drums and disc brakes. Physically the whole axle will fit under your truck. I do know the driveshaft mounts differently is used a flange style mounting where early second gens used u joint straps. You can but the flange though. The issue is the leafs I believe all 3rd gens used 3in wide leafs whereas the 2nd gen 1500s used 2.5in leafs. There are a few ways around that

 

Yes it will work as you suggest. You can re-use the ring gear and install it onto the re-built/new LSD unit. You just have to worry about side pre-load adjusters on a 9 1/4. The dana use shims and you will have to pull the side bearings on/off (another special tool). I just bought extra set of bearings and grind out the inside some so it would slide on/off easily.

As for your 3rd gen rear into a 2nd gen, I'm not sure that they are the same width. I can go measure up my 4th gen and see. I bought a kijji special brand new mopar LSD for $400 for my 2020 ram, included new side bearings. Its has alot more tighter lock up than my 2016 ram 1500.

I know that the 4th gens use rear springs, so that a bunch of different pieces. I found an entire 2018 ram 1500 frame, tcase, front/rear axles (3.92), brakes and rims/tires for $500. I'm just too lazy to try that much of a chassis swap into my old 2nd gen.

 

q1


This is a 2002 3rd gen the rear caliber bracket is just clamped on the axle im thinking the axles are identical, I could see if the drum brake mounting spots were there tho

 

The disc brakes on it should work just fine on a second gen. I swapped out the drum brake Dana 60 rear to a 2001 disc brake Dana 60 rear onto my '96 2500 4x4 truck and didn't change the master cylinder or proportioning valve and it all works just fine. Stops great..