I'm sick of the rear end noise on my 97' 2500 van! As luck would have it I've found a good deal on a super low mileage rear axle from a 2001 1500 van. I know the gear ratio is a bit different 3.25 compared to 3.5, but will the rear axle bolt in without any problems? And how far off is the speedo going to be if I change from a 3.25 to a 3.55? Thanks for any help. John.

 

Any van axle from 71 to 2003 will bolt up. The 1500 donor vehicle might have the 8 3/8 ten bolt axle. Your van might have the burlier 12 bolt 9.25 axle.

The yoke on a 9.25 is 1/2 inch wider possibly making a conversion U joint neccessary.

Check to see if both axleshave the same number, 5 or 8, lugbolts on the rims.

I justgot a junkyard 9.25 upgrade, but had to have it straightened and all new bearings installed anyway.

Google Randy's ring and pinion for a speedo conversion chart.

 

There are ways to mate many of these rear ends to your van. The Dana rears are funny since some are half support or floating. Be sure to check into things first.

Remember, you're not limited to just the Ram Vans, check out the Ram Truck rears too.

 

I'll second this. I just put the drive shaft from my 83 1/2 ton van (109"WB) intomy 85 1/2 ton RC(106"WB) both are 2wd. The special thing? The 83 had a 4speed manual transmission, the 85 has a A727 Torqueflight Automatic 3 speed. Miracoiusly they were the same length and the yokes had the same splineing! Just bolt in and go!


Twisting the drive shaft in half was a "Hey, Watch This!" type of moment.