Which Dually Rear Axle?

[The PIG Smith]

Well, seems to be a few folks building Dually Flat bed rigs and I am one of them.

My question is about rear axles.
While I am not actively shopping for a rear axle, I want to know what to look for if I run across a deal.

What rear axle should I be on the look out for?
1. Dana 70
2. Dana 70 HD
3. Dana 80

What should I expect to pay for such an axle?

I understand that I will need to inboard the springs, no matter what axle I go with.

[rustyolred]

Here is what I found locally with just a quick look. Should have the same stuff up your way.
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/pts/1323588440.html

[Stuka]

The cheapest would be a 14 bolt. You will pay more for a Dana axle. But you do have more gear and locker selections with the D70.

[gotmike]

be careful with the dana 70 though... it comes in several configurations... including a dana 70-U which has undersized pinion bearings... stay away from those... a dana 70 HD though has the same bearings as a dana 80... but the sterling (ford) rear axles, and the AAM (dodge) rear axles in newer rigs are still pretty stout axles...

[COLOFIREMAN]

I vote for a Dana 70HD. 11.25 ring gear, 35 spline axles, larger center section, extra webbing, large axle HD tubes, big brakes. All the reasons I went for one myself.:thumbsup: As far as cost, don't pay more than $200.00 for one, way to many out there to pay more than that.:D

[The PIG Smith]

I vote for a Dana 70HD. 11.25 ring gear, 35 spline axles, larger center section, extra webbing, large axle HD tubes, big brakes. All the reasons I went for one myself.:thumbsup: As far as cost, don't pay more than $200.00 for one, way to many out there to pay more than that.:D
I see several Dana 70 for sale locally.
How does one tell the difference from a Dana70 and a Dana70HD
What donor rigs should I be on the look out for that would have a Dana70HD

Like others, I will need to widen my existing flat bed.
I also know the Dually axle will be wider.
How much wider will the Dana 70HD be?

I do not want a grossly wide axle to make my rig out of proportion.
My goal to build a super kewl tow rig.
I am thinking of a fifth wheel in the center of my flat bed, thus the dually axle for stability and extra capacity.

[sungoesdown]

http://www2.dana.com/pdf/XGI.PDF

look through that, you will see listing for what had a d70HD in the right column

[Elliott]

You can get the C&C which is pretty narrow (63" WMS?) the D70DH for the pickups were 74" WMS, same as the M715 D70.

[jpcoutts]

What are your plans for the front? A matching set would be nice if you can find some that fit w/o too many mods. Might not be necesary to inboard the springs unless it becomes easier/cheaper to do it that way. I also wonder if you can find front hubs to swap on from a dually Ch*vy or F*rd? Elliott what do you think?

[Stuka]

Well, you can't go with a very narrow axle because J-Trucks have such wide frames. the C&C axle wont clear the frame rails. You need the dually W/ bed axle. They are like 74" wide as Elliot said, but remember the inner tire points inward.

[robert cowan]

dont forget the gm 14 bolt, its a great dually axle and has the most ratio,s available

[madmikeX3]

I want to do a Dully axle under my Cherokee. I think it would just look tough as H#ll!:cool:

[gotmike]

dont forget the gm 14 bolt, its a great dually axle and has the most ratio,s available

sorry... no... the dana 70 comes in ratios from 3.07 all the way to 7.17... the 14 bolt only goes up to like 5.88 or something... and only goes down to 3.54 IIRC

[COLOFIREMAN]

the dana 70 comes in ratios from 3.07 all the way to 7.17...


I remember a set of Dana 70 axles a guy tried to sell with that 7.17 ratio in them for my CJ, since at the time I wanted a narrow set for it. When I arrived at his house I saw these things.....they meased out at 48 inches WMS to WMS!!:eek: Found out later they come off a Ditch Witch..:thumbsup:

[drduckman]

I have a Dana 70 U in my Dodge 2500, pinion bearing whines like crazy.

[robert cowan]

A 14 BOLT GOES DOWN TO 2.73, ALSO THERE IS 2 DIFFERENT WIDTHS FOR DANA AND 14 BOLTS . CAB & CHASSIS AND DUALLY PICKUP WIDTHS. DANA,S ONLY GO DOWN TO 3.54 RATIO.
BOB

[gotmike]

dana 70's in early 90's dodges come with a 3.07 gear ratio... in the auto w/ the cummins...

[Carleysjeep]

Like others, I will need to widen my existing flat bed.


Why not extend your fenders over your tires like this. I always thought these looked really sharp. They are the same width as the cab, like yours is, which looks cool. It would be less work than widening the whole bed.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss317/Carleysjeep/bedcollage.jpg

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss317/Carleysjeep/bed.jpg

[The PIG Smith]

Why not extend your fenders over your tires like this. I always thought these looked really sharp. They are the same width as the cab, like yours is, which looks cool. It would be less work than widening the whole bed.
All of those are great looking beds.

My bed has some rust and the front section has been hacked for some type of tool box or fuel tank.
The bed need to come off and be repaired.
Cutting and welding will be required, so it would be an good time to widen it some.
Also, the floor of my flat bed is wood, so it would be super easy.

http://fullsizejeeps.com/gallery/albums/uploads/1963-1987-Pickups/USMCJ20_008b.jpg

[robert cowan]

THE 14 BOLT HAS THE LARGEST SELECTION OF GEAR RATIOS AND HAS A EXTRA BEARING ON THE END OF THE PINION GEAR THAT DANAS DONT.....

[shackwrrr]

THE 14 BOLT HAS THE LARGEST SELECTION OF GEAR RATIOS AND HAS A EXTRA BEARING ON THE END OF THE PINION GEAR THAT DANAS DONT.....

dude settle down no need to start arguments. The title reads which dually axle to use not witch one is the end all be all axle. If you want gear ratios get a ferd 9". I dont think Bryan would want to go much lower than a 3.73 or a 4.10 so it doesent matter if such and such axle goes into the negatives whats it really useful on?