Axle Identification - CDM Fabrication

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Axle Identification

Please note that my "can be found in lists" are not complete lists, and remember different vehicles had different axle options. Basically don't assume you have a Dana44 in the back of your XJ, just because it says 87-89, it was an option from 87-89.

AMC 20
	Ring Gear Diameter: 8.875" Cover Bolts: 12 Carrier Breaks: 2.76 / 3.07 Max Recommended Tire Size: 35" with 1-piece shafts Notes: The AMC 20 can be found underneath early CJs. The ring and pinion are nearly as large as a Dana44. The weak point of these is the two piece axleshafts, when converted to one piece axles, it is considerably stronger. Also note that the FSJs that got the AMC 20 got a slightly stronger housing than the CJs.
Dana 30
	Ring Gear Diameter: 7.20" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: 3.54 / 3.73 Axle Shaft Diameter: 1.16" Axle Spline Count: 27 Max Recommended Tire Size: 33" - 35" Notes: Dana30 can be found in both high and low pinion versions. The Dana 30 is actually surprisingly stout for it's size. It can easily handle a 33" tire, with aftermarket shafts its usually pretty safe to run 35s on them. Can be found in the front of: 84-01 Cherokee 87-95 Wrangler 97-06 Wrangler
Dana 35
	Ring Gear Diameter: 7.562" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: 3.31 / 3.55 Axle Shaft Diameter: 1.16" Axle Spline Count: 27 Max Recommended Tire Size: 33" Notes: The Dana35 is an all around weak axle, not getting around it. I would consider a 33" tire the upper limit of this axle. Its not if this axle will break, its when. Its generally recommended that you avoid putting money into the Dana 35. Running alloy shafts will pretty ensure when something breaks, its a ring and pinion, or carrier, or spiders, the axle just isn't strong enough to handle oversized tires. Spare stock shafts are never a bad idea, typically I try and make sure at least one person in our group is carrying spare Dana35 shafts. Its a Jeep enjoy it, when it breaks upgrade. Can be found in the rear of: 84-01 Cherokee 87-95 Wrangler 97-06 Wrangler
Dana 44
	Ring Gear Diameter: 8.5" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: 3.73 / 3.92 Axle Shaft Diameter: 1.30" Axle Spline Count: 1972-newer 30 Max Recommended Tire Size: 37" Notes: Dana 44s can be found in both front and rear, high and low pinon versions. It should be noted that the Rubicon Dana 44s have a weaker housing than other 44s. Most all 44s are 30 spline shafts, but be careful some early 44s came with dinky 19 spline axles. Can be found in the front of: 73-79 1/2 Ton Chevy Trucks 73-79 3/4 Ton Chevy Trucks 72-93 1/2 Ton Dodge Trucks 72-93 3/4 Ton Dodge Trucks 67-79 1/2 Ton Ford Trucks 67-79 3/4 Ton Ford Trucks Can be found in the rear of: 87-89 Cherokee
Dana 60
	Ring Gear Diameter: 9.75" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: 4.10 / 4.56 Spline Count: 16, 23, 30, 32, 35 Max Recommended Tire Size: 39" Notes: Dana 60s are available in front and rear versions. The Dana 60 is a a very strong axle in stock form and can safely handle a 39" tire, as long as you have one of the larger spline versions. With some aftermarket parts it can run larger tires. Can be found in the front of: 77-87 3/4 Ton Chevy Trucks 77-87 1 Ton Chevy Trucks 72-93 3/4 Ton Dodge Trucks 72-93 1 Ton Dodge Trucks 74-77 3/4 Ton Ford Trucks 78-79 1 Ton Ford Trucks Can be found in the rear of: 72-93 3/4 Ton Dodge Trucks 67-69 1/2 Ton Ford Trucks 67-79 3/4 Ton Ford Trucks
Dana 70
	Ring Gear Diameter:10.25" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: 4.10 / 4.56 Axle Spline Count: 23, 32, 35 Max Recommended Tire Size: 44" Notes: Most commonly the Dana 70 is used as a rear axle on heavy duty trucks, however front Dana 70s do exsist. It has a bit better gear setup than the Dana 60, but unfortunately still uses a small diameter Dana 60 size pinion. Can be found in the rear of: 77-87 1 Ton Chevy Trucks 72-93 3/4 Dodge Trucks 72-93 1 Ton Dodge Trucks 76-77 3/4 Ton Ford Trucks 78-79 1 Ton Ford Trucks
Dana 80
	Ring Gear Diameter: 11.2" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: 3.73 / 4.10 Max Recommended Tire Size: 44"+

Ford 7.5
	Ring Gear Diameter: 7.5" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: None Axle Shaft Diameter: 1.2" Axle Spline Count: 28 Max Recommended Tire Size: 31" Notes: I only mentioned this axle as it is sometimes mistaken for an 8.8, the Ford 7.5 should be avoided.
Ford 8.8
	Ring Gear Diameter: 8.8" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: None Axle Shaft Diameter: 1.31" Axle Spline Count: 28, 31 Max Recommended Tire Size: 37" Notes: The Ford 8.8 is stronger than a Dana 44 and they are easy to come by. Axle strength of a stock Dana 35 shaft is 4000-4300 lb. ft. A Dana 44 shaft is 4600-5000 lb. ft., while the 8.8 is rated 6500 lb. ft. They are available in full width versions, but most people hunt for Explorer 8.8s as they are nearly stock width, and already stock bolt pattern for Jeeps.
Ford 9.75, 10.25, 10.5
	Ring Gear Diameter: 9.75", 10.25", 10.5" Carrier Breaks: None Axle Shaft Diameter: 1.5" Axle Spline Count: 35 Max Recommended Tire Size: 44 Notes: The 9.75, 10.25, and 10.5 all look the same, they are just different internally. Specs below are from a 10.5". Many Ford 10.5s are disc brakes. These are slightly larger than a Dana60, and a fair amount stronger.
Chrysler 8.25
	Ring Gear Diameter: 8.25" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: 2.45 / 2.56 Max Recommended Tire Size: 33 Notes: The Chyrsler 8.25 can be found in the rear of many XJs. Strengthwise, its stronger than a Dana 35, but weaker than a Dana 44. The biggest problem with this axle is lack of aftermarket support. Can be found in the rear of: 91-96 Cherokees with 27 spline axles 97-01 Cherokees with 29 spline axles
Chrysler 9.25
	Ring Gear Diameter: 9.25" Cover Bolts: 12 Carrier Breaks: None Max Recommended Tire Size: Can be found in the rear of: 75-93 1/2 Ton Dodge Trucks

GM 10-Bolt
	Ring Gear Diameter: 8.0", 8.2", 8.5", 8.6" Cover Bolts: 10 Carrier Breaks: Varies Depending on Ring Gear Size Max Recommended Tire Size: 33 Notes: For a Jeep this an axle that should be avoided, its just not any stronger than the axles commonly found under Jeeps. Can be found in the front of: 77-87 1/2 Ton Chevy Trucks 77-87 3/4 Ton Chevy Trucks Can be found in the rear of: 80-87 1/2 Ton Chevy Trucks
GM Car 12-Bolt
	Ring Gear Diameter: 8.875" Cover Bolts: 12 Carrier Breaks: 2.76 / 3.08 - 3.90 / 4.10 Max Recommended Tire Size: 35" Notes:
GM Truck 12-Bolt
	Ring Gear Diameter: 8.875" Cover Bolts: 12 Carrier Breaks: 2.73 / 2.76 - 3.42 / 3.73 Axle Spline Count: 1968 - newer 30 Max Recommended Tire Size: 35" Notes: Can be found in the rear of: 73-82 1/2 Ton Chevy Trucks
GM 14-Bolt
	Ring Gear Diameter: 10.5" Cover Bolts: 14 Carrier Breaks: 4.10 / 4.56 Axle Spline Count: 30, 33 Max Recommended Tire Size: 44" Notes: 14-bolts can make 60s look small, they are massive. Available in 30 and 33 spline axle shafts. This is a good strong axle for big motors and big tires. 14-bolts hold up to a 44" tire pretty well. Can be found in the rear of: 73-87 3/4 Ton Chevy Trucks