DANA 80 Swap?

[LorenS]

I believe my DANA 70 housing is damaged and while searching CL for a replacement I found a DANA 80 SRW from an 02. What are the downsides to swapping out? Weight and rotating mass, anything else? Should it bolt up?

[Towrigdually]

It should be a straight swap, the pinion might be longer so that might affect driveshaft length. 

[Mopar1973Man]

Might be change in brakes. 1989 to 2001.5 is all drum brakes. After 2001.5 and up is disc brakes.

[Joe_Pool]

Upper and Lower U-bolt plates are different (due to larger diameter of axle).

Is yours currently disc or drum rear brakes?

 

[LorenS]

Currently discs, as would be the donor axle.  The listing says the axle is from a 2500, was that an available upgrade?  I read that it was, but it wasn't what I'd call an irrefutable source of information, either.  I think my dad talked me out of buying it since I don't actually KNOW that I need it.  Of course I would think it would be just as easy for me to resell it later if I don't need it.  If I didn't have so much on my plate for the next two months I'd drive the 4 hours round trip to go get it.

[Joe_Pool]

Automatics got D70 (10.5" ring gear with 3.5" tube diameter)

Manuals got D80 (11.25" ring gear with 4" tube diameter) [Actually a Hybrid D80 with reduced outer ends)

 

On 2500 SRW trucks both axles use the same calipers, rotors and pads as far as I know.  The DRW are different as is the axle housing.