Hi there.
im driving a 1995 5.9 12 valve single cab long box 2500. My rear diff basically grenaded like 2 months ago. It was my daily but have had no time to look or fix it. I was hoping to just swap the whole axle with a used one. Just a simple unbolt/bolt up job.
I am looking for the exact same axle to go back in but don’t really know what I’m looking for. Research has shown it could be a bunch of different axles.
there are 2 badges on the diff/axle.

if anyone could tell me exactly what axle I need to be searching for to bolt right into my truck that would be great! Thank you.

 

Part number says Dana 70.

 

thanks for the reply! Does it mention gear ratio? I want to find the exact axle to put back in.

thanks again.

 

Gear ratio is 3.54, as stated on the tag, however, someone could possibly have changed the gear ratio, unless you're the original owner of the truck. Is this truck a 4x4? If so, what does the tag say on the front diff, as the gear ratios must match for 4x4 to work properly.

 

gotcha. It is 4x4. I’m just a parts replacer for now. Just getting into the technical side of these trucks.

Front diff id stamps

 

Looks like the tag states that 3.54 gearing is in the front differential, too (see the 3.54 on the second line of the tag). That's how it came from the factory.

Another way to fully verify what you have in the rear is to pull the inspection cover and look at the ring gear. The gear ratio should be stamped on the ring gear of the differential. I hate surprises when doing repairs/replacements of parts, so I tend to double-check what I'm working with to keep any surprises to a minimum, as they can be costly...

 

Awesome man that’s great. Ya I see it now.
So I can look for a Dana 70 rear end with 3.54 gears, and it should go right in?
the truck I was told is stock besides the exhaust

 

Any Dodge Dana 70 rear drum brake rear from '94 - '01 will fit without issue. You could also install a Dana 70 rear with disc brakes (typically available in model year 2000, I believe), but depending on the wheels you have, you might need to use a different set of rear wheels for possible clearance issues. Does your current rear have limited slip? You can check by jacking up the rear and turn one rear wheel by hand with the transmission in neutral. If the other wheel turns in the same direction, you should have a limited slip unit in the rear. Limited slip is great for enhanced traction. The Dana 70 rear you have may or may not have a limited slip unit in it. If your rear already has it, I'd suspect that it would be a feature that you'd want to keep in your replacement rear. If you existing rear doesn't have limited slip, it may be something to find with your replacement rear.

You can find a replacement Dana 70 rear via car-part.com, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, local salvage yard, etc..

 

Take note your original axle is a limited slip( The LS top right) look for one that has it.

 

Thanks guys, this info has been great. I’ve been putting this on the back burner mostly because lack of knowledge about what I needed. Thanks a million!