Guide To Ford Truck & SUV Axles

Do you want to know what axles came under your Ford truck, or what Ford truck to look under to find a specific axle? This guide should help.

This guide covers these axles and vehicles:

Axles:

Ford 7.25-Inch
Ford 7.50-Inch
Ford 8-Inch
Ford 8.8-Inch
Ford 8.8-Inch IRS
Ford 8.8-Inch IFS
Ford 9-Inch
Ford 9-3/8 Inch
Ford 9.75-Inch
Ford 9.75-Inch IRS
Ford 10.25-Inch
Ford 10.50-Inch
Dana 28
Dana 30
Dana Super 30
Dana 35 TTB
Dana 35 SLA
Dana 44
Dana 44 TTB
Dana 50
Dana 50 TTB
Dana 60
Dana 61
Dana 70
Dana 70HD
Dana 70U
Dana 80

Vehicles:

Ford Bronco
Ford Bronco II
Ford Explorer
Ford Expedition
Ford Excursion
Ford F-100
Ford F-150
Ford F-250
Ford F-350
Ford F-450
Ford Econoline
Ford E-150
Ford E-250
Ford E-350
Ford E-450
Ford Ranchero
Ford Ranger

Ford 7.25-Inch Rear Axle

(Ford 7.25-Inch Rear Axle)

Specifications:

7.25-Inch Ring Gear
28-Spline
3.20, 3.40, 3.50, 4.00 axle ratios
2300 lb. capacity

Applications:

1963-1967 Ford Econoline (62.50 WMS to WMS)
1967-1968 Ford Ranchero (61.25 WMS to WMS)

Ford 7.50-Inch Rear Axle

(Ford 7.5-Inch Rear Axle)

Specifications:

7.50-Inch Ring Gear
28-Splines (with c-clips)

Applications:

1984-1990 Ford Bronco II (58-Inches WMS to WMS)
1983-2011 Ford Ranger (56.50-Inches WMS to WMS 1983-1992) (58.50-Inches WMS to WMS)

Ford 8-Inch Rear Axle

(Ford 8-Inch Rear Axle)

Specifications:

8-Inch Ring Gear
28-Spline Axles
Drop out style rear end
Has removable pinion support on the front

Applications:

1957-1959 Ford Ranchero (57.25-Inches WMS to WMS)
1964-1978 Ford Ranchero (61.25 WMS to WMS)

Ford 8.8-Inch Rear Axle

(Ford 8.8-Inch Rear Axle)

Specifications:

8.8-Inch Ring Gear
10-Bolt Rear Cover
All 31-Spline Axle Shafts Except 1990-2011 Ford Ranger (FX4 Models Were 31-Spline)

Applications:

1984-1996 Ford Bronco
1990-2011 Ford Ranger (58.50-Inch WMS to WMS)
1991-2001 Ford Explorer (The Ford Explorer Sport still used the solid rear 8.8 until 2003) (59.50-Inch WMS to WMS)
1996-2002 Ford Expedition
1983-2006 Ford E-150
1983-1998 Ford E-250
1983-2006 Ford F-150

* Ford 8.8-Inch Heavy Duty – Starting in 2015 the 8.8-inch axle in the F150 is now an HD version. The new 8.8-Inch HD cover has 12 bolts. Ring & Pinions are different than the previous 8.8-Inch axle and are not interchangeable. I know this for a fact as I just changed my 8.8″ HD axle from 3.31s (L3) to 3.73s (L6). Axle ratios are somewhat limited at this time if you choose to replace with OEM gears: 3.31, 3.55 & 3.73. 4.10s are not available either through Ford or Ford Racing. However some aftermarket gear suppliers may offer additional ratios that Ford does not.

(Ford 8.8-Inch Rear Axle – Heavy Duty Version)

Ford 8.8-Inch IRS (Independent Rear Suspension)

(Ford 8.8-Inch Independent Rear Suspension)

Specifications:

8.8-Inch Rear Gear
31-spline Axle Shafts

Applications:

2002-2019 Ford Explorer
2003-2019 Expedition

Ford 8.8-Inch IFS (Independent Front Suspension)

(Ford 8.8-Inch Independent Front Suspension)

Specifications:

8.8-Inch Ring Gear
28 or 31-Spline Axles Using CV Joints

Applications:

1997-2008 Ford F-150 / F-250 / Expedition (28-Spline)
2009-2019 Ford F-150 / Expedition (31-Spline)

Ford 9-Inch Rear Axle

(Ford 9-Inch Rear Axle)

Specifications:

9-Inch Ring Gear
Drop Out Style Differential
Available In 28 and 31-Splines
1963-1971 Ford Trucks Are 28-spline
Has Removable Pinion Support

Applications:

1957-1979 Ford Ranchero
1966-1984 Ford Bronco
1957-1979 Ford F-100
1957-1986 Ford F-150
1961-1987 Ford E-150

Widths (Wheel Mounting Surface to Wheel Mounting Surface):

1957-1972 Ford F-100 61.25-Inches
1967-1973 Ford Ranchero 61.25-Inches
1970-1979 Ford Ranchero 63-Inches
1973-1986 Ford F-150 65.25-Inches
1966-1977 Ford Bronco 58-Inches
1978-1986 Ford Bronco 65.25-Inches
1977-1986 Ford E-150 69.25-Inches
1973-1986 Ford E-250 65.25 outside
1972 Ford E-250 68-inches outside

(Ford 9-inch vs 8-Inch Comparison)

Ford 9-3/8 Inch Rear Axle

(Ford 9-3/8 Inch Rear Axle)

Specifications:

9-3/8 Inch Ring Gear
Drop Out Style Rear
Sometimes Called a 9-1/2”
Can Be Put In The 9-Inch Housing And Looks Nearly The Same
31-Spline Axle Shafts
Removable Pinion Support

Applications:

1964-1975 Ford F-100
1975-1976 Ford E-150
1964-1975 Ford F-150

Notes:

Only the 1968-1972 Ford F-100’s with a 9-3/8″ rear end had 31-spline axles (there are actually TWO different 31-spline axle versions in the 9-3/8″ rear ends). One with a 1-17/32″ axle bearing journal and the larger 1-5/8″ axle bearing journal.

A 1868-1972 9-3/8″ rear with an open differential got the 31-spline axles with the 1-17/32″ axle bearing I.D. The 9-3/8″ rear end with a Traction-Lok differential got the larger 1-5/8″ axle bearing I.D.

(The 9-3/8″ differential on cars had a hood over the pinion. Note how the webbing curves down on the 9-3/8″ housing)

Ford 9.75-Inch Rear Axle

(Ford 9.75-Inch Rear Axle)

Specifications:

9.75-Inch Rear Gear
34-Spline Axle Shafts With C-Clips
1.37-Inch Axleshafts
1.970-Inch Pinion Shaft Diameter
12 Bolt Rear Cover
GAWR: Maximum 4,500 – 4,800 lbs (9.75HD version)

Applications:

1997-2020 Ford F-150
1997-2002 Ford Expedition (Heavy Towing Package)
2010-2019 Ford F-150 Raptor
2013-2019 Ford Transit
1999-2014 Ford E Series Vans

Note: The ring and pinion gears changed in 2011, but will still fit older axles with the proper conversion bearings

Ford 9.75-Inch IRS (Independent Rear Suspension)

(Ford 9.75-Inch IRS)

Specifications:

9.75-Inch Ring Gear
34-Spline Shafts

Applications:

2003-2019 Ford Expedition (Heavy Towing Package)

Ford 10.25-Inch Rear Axle

(Ford 10.25-Inch Rear Axle)

Specifications:

Ring Gear Diameter: 10.25-Inch
Axle Shaft Spline: 35-Spline
Pinion Shaft Spline: 31-Spline
Axle Tube Diameter: 3.50-Inch
Axle Shaft Diameter: 1.50-Inch
12-Bolt Rear Cover

Applications:

1985-1998 Ford E-250
1985-1998 Ford F-250
1985-1998 Ford F-350

Note: Most applications were full floating however some applications do have c/clip axles. Differentials older than 1993 will require a new yoke to be compatible with a new ring and pinion.

Ford 10.50-Inch Rear Axle

(Ford 10.50-Inch Axle)

Specifications:

Ring Gear Diameter: 10.50-Inches
Pinion Shaft Spline: 31-Spline
Axle Tube Diameter: 3.50-Inches
Axle Shaft Diameter: 1.50-Inches
Axle Shaft Spline: 35-Spline
12-Bolt Rear Cover
Has Full Floating Axles

Applications:

1999-2009 Ford F-250
1999-2009 Ford F-350
2000-2006 Ford Excursion

Dana 28 TTB (Twin Traction Beam) Front Axle

Specifications:

Ring Gear Diameter: 6.625-Inches
Ring Gear Bolts: (8) 3/8″ x 24 RH
Pinion Stem: 1.312-Inch
Carrier Breaks: 3.73 & up
Axle Shaft Diameter / Spline: 1.00-Inch / 23-Spline
Bolt Pattern: 12 Bolt Pattern On Front Of Axle
Factory Ratios: 3.08, 3.45, 3.73, 4.10
Reverse Rotation

Applications:

1984-1990 Ford Bronco II 4×4 (58-Inches WMS to WMS)
1983-1990 Ford Ranger 4×4 (58-Inches WMS to WMS)
1993-1997 Ford Ranger 4×4 (59.50-Inches WMS to WMS)

Dana 30 Front Axle

Specifications:

7.12-Inch Ring Gear
27-Spline Axle Shaft
Small 260X U-Joints
Drum Brakes

Applications:

1966-1971-1/2 Ford Bronco

Dana Super 30 Front Axle

Specifications:

7.120-Inch Ring Gear
27-Spline Axles
Standard Rotation
(10) Cover Bolts

Applications:

2002-2010 Ford Explorer 4×4

Dana 35 TTB (Twin Traction Beam) Front Axle

Specifications:

Ring Gear Diameter 7.56 Inches
Ring Gear Bolts (8) 3/8″ x 24 RH
Pinion Stem 1.406 Inch
U-Joints 5-297x
Carrier Breaks None (All D35 TTB gears use the “Hi-Ratio” (3.55 & up) carrier, regardless of ratio)
Axle Shaft Diameter / Spline 1.16-Inch / 27-Spline
Bolt Pattern 10 Bolt Pattern On Front Of Axle
Factory Ratios 3.27, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10
Reverse Rotation

Applications:

1990-1997 Ford Ranger 4×4
1991-1994 Ford Explorer 4×4

Note: Uses the same diameter shafts and u-joints as a Dana 44.

Dana 35 SLA (Short arm Long Arm) Front Axle

Specifications:

Ring Gear Diameter: 7.562-Inches
Ring Gear Bolts: (8) 3/8″ x 24 RH
Pinion Stem: 1.406-Inches
Carrier Breaks: 3.45 Higher / 3.73 Lower
Axle Shaft Diameter / Spline: 1.125-Inches / 27-Spline
Diff Cover Bolts: 10
Factory Ratios: 3.73, 4.10
Standard Rotation

Applications:

1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4×4
1995-2001 Ford Explorer 4×4

Dana 44 Front Axle

Specifications:

8.5-Inch Ring Gear Diameter
Standard Cut – Low Pinion Design
1971-1975 Used Front Drum Brakes
1976-1977 Used Front Disk Brakes
1.31-Inch / 30-Spline Axle Shafts
1.38-Inch / 26-Spline Pinion
3.73 & Down / 3.92 & Up Carrier Break
Small 260x U-Joints
Coil Spring / Radius Arm Setup
5×5.5 Wheel Bolt Pattern
58-Inch Axle Width
10-Bolt Cover
Front applications came in both standard and reverse rotation.

Applications:

1971-1977 Ford Bronco
1948-1979 Ford F-100
1967-1996 Ford F-150
1959-1989 Ford F-250
1979-1979 Ford F-350

Axle Widths:

1971-1977 Ford Bronco: 58-Inches
Full Size Ford Trucks And Ford Bronco: 65-Inches

Notes:

1971-1975 Ford Bronco: Drum brakes, 297X/760X-sized U-joints. Six-bolt spindles easily converted to disc brakes. 1971-1/2 to 1972-1/2 spindles utilize outer axle seal that presses into back of spindle. 1972-1/2 to 1975 utilize outer seal that presses onto stub shaft.

1976-1977 Models: Disc brakes, 297X/760X-sized U-joints. Five-bolt spindles are unique to 1976-1979 Ford 1/2-ton Dana 44 axles so crossover of brands (Chevy/Dodge/Jeep) not possible.

Dana 44 TTB Front Axle

Specifications:

Ring Gear Diameter 8.50-Inches
Carrier Breaks 3.73 Higher / 3.92 Lower
Ring Gear Bolts 10×3/8 Inch
Pinion Shaft Diameter / Splines: 1.376-Inches / 26-Spline
Inner Axle Shaft Diameter / Splines: 1.31-Inches / 30-Spline
Outer Axle Shaft Diameter / Splines: 1.21-Inches / 19-Spline
Inner Axle Shaft Minimum Diameter: 1.10-Inches (necked)
Outer Axle Shaft Minimum Diameter: 1.10-Inches
U-Joints 5-297x
Reverse Rotation

Applications:

1980-1996 Ford F-150 4×4
1980-1997 Ford Bronco 4×4

Dana 50 Front Axle

Specifications:

Ring Gear: 9.0-Inches
30-Spline Axles
Gear Ratios: 3.54:1 – 5.38:1
No Carrier Breaks
Pinion Shaft Diameter: 1.375-Inches
Pinion Shaft Splines: 26
Axle Shaft Diameter: 1.50-Inches
Axle Spline Diameter: 1.31-Inches
GAWR: 5,000 LBS

Applications:

1998-2002 Ford F-250 / F-350
2000-2006 Ford Excursion

Often confused with a Dana Spicer 60.

Dana 50 TTB (Twin Traction Beam) Front Axle

Specifications:

Ring Gear: 9.0-Inches
30-Spline Axles
GAWR: 4,600 LBS

Applications:

1980-1997 Ford F-250
1980-1986 Ford F-350 (Used Selectively)

Dana 60 Front & Rear Axles

(Ford Dana 60 Front Axle)

Specifications:

Ring Gear: 9.75″
Axle Spline Count: 16, 23, 30, 32, 35 spline (35 most common)
Axle Diameter:
- 1.41″, 32 spline front axle
- 1.50″, 35 spline front axle
- 1.46″, 32 spline rear axle
- 1.50″, 35 spline rear axle
Axle Tube Diameter:
- 3.125″, 0.313″ wall thickness rear axle
- 3.125″, 0.50″ wall thickness front axle
Pinion Spline Count: 10 or 29
Pinion Diameter: 1.625″
U Joints: 1480 front universal joints
Ratios: 3.31 – 7.17:1
Carrier Break: 3.31 – 4.10 | 4.56 – 7.17
Full/Semi Float: Full floating front/rear differential
GAWR: up to 6,500 lbs
Overall Width: 69.339″ flange to flange

Applications:

1969-2002 Ford E-250 (Rear)
1988 2001 Ford E-350 (Rear)
1965-1971 Ford F-100 (Rear)
1954-2002 Ford F-250 (Rear)
1978-1979 Ford F-250 (Front)
2002-2006 Ford F-250 (Front)
1979-2003 Ford F-350 (Front)
1999-2019 Ford F-250 / F-350 (Front)
2004-2011 Ford F-450 / F-550 (Front)
2002-2011 Ford F-250 / F-350 (Front)
1998-2011 Ford E-350 SRW (Rear)
2008-2011 Ford E-150/E-250 (Rear)
1978-1979 Ford F-350 And Some Ford F-250 (Snofighter And High GVW Packages)
1986-1988 Ford F-350 With Dual Rear Wheels (DRW)
1988-1991.5 Ford F-350 With Single Rear Wheels (SRW)
1992-1995 F-350 (All) (Balljoint)
1996.5-1998 F-350 (All) (Balljoint)
2000 F350/F-450/F-550 DRW (Balljoint, Metric 8x170mm Wheel Bolt Pattern F-350 / 8x220mm F-450/F-550, Unit Bearing Hub)
2000.5 F350/F-450/F-550 DRW (balljoint, Metric 8x170mm Wheel Bolt Pattern F-350 / 8x220mm F-450/F-550, Unit Bearing Hub)
2001 F-350 DRW (Balljoint, Metric 8x170mm Wheel Bolt Pattern, Unit Bearing Hub)
2001-02 F-450/F-550 DRW (Balljoint, Metric 8x220mm Wheel Bolt Pattern, Unit Bearing Hub)
2002 F-250/F-350 SRW (Balljoint, Metric 8x170mm Wheel Bolt Pattern, Unit Bearing Hub)
2002 F-450/F-550 DRW (Balljoint, Metric 8x220mm Wheel Bolt Pattern, Unit Bearing Hub)

All these Ford front axles were drivers side differential, reverse-cut (high pinion) gears, and kingpin knuckles to 1991.5 and balljoints thereafter. Most Ford Dana 60’s are internal style hubs, but external type lockout versions do exist. 2000 and later Ford Dana 60’s have balljoints, a metric wheel lug pattern of 8x170mm up to F-350 and 8x220mm for F-450/F-550, different brakes and spindles, sealed “unit-bearing hubs”, hub-centric wheels, different length axleshafts from the earlier D60s, and larger Superduty specific tie rod ends. From 2000 on, the Ford Dana 60 front axle is also known as the Model 60F2000+ or the 248M. 248 just happens to be the equivalent in millimeters of 9.75″ – the diameter of the Dana 60’s ring gear.

Dana 61 Rear Axle

Specifications:

9.75-Inch Ring Gear
30-Spline Axles
10-Bolt Cover

Looks Like A Standard Dana 60, But Has A Different Offset For The Carrier

Applications:

1975-82 Ford F-250 2WD (Semi-Float)
1974-83 Ford E-250 (Semi-Float)
1980-85 Ford F-350 2WD / 4×4 (Full Float)
1981-1987 Ford E-350 DRW (Full Float)

With mileage and emissions concerns rising, Dodge and / or Ford decided they wanted to be able to offer gears higher than the current highest ratio of 3.54 available in the Dana 60. However, because of the design of the Dana 60 the pinion head could not be made large enough to achieve a higher ratio. Hence, the birth of the Dana 61, which has a different casting that moves the pinion over 0.25″-0.437″ (conflicting reports) – this allowed for a 3.07 axle ratio. The Dana 61 also uses 3.5-inch axle tubes. Other than that, it is very similar to the Dana 60. The Dana 61 was common in Dodge front ends and Ford van rears.

The difficulty with the Dana 61 is very limited gear and locker choices. However, you can use a combination of ring gear spacer and thick gear set to allow the use of differentials and gear sets intended for the Dana 60.

Dana 60 4.10 case holds Dana 61 3.00 to 3.31 Ring & Pinion
Dana 60 4.56 case holds Dana 61 3.54 to 4.10 Thick Ring & Pinion
Dana 61 tall case holds Dana 60 3.33 to 4.10 Ring & Pinion

Dana 70 Rear Axle

Specifications:

10.50-Inch Ring Gear
Has Full Floating Axles With 30 or 35 Spline
10-Bolt Cover
Weight Without Brakes: 300 lbs
Torque: Max 7,000 Lbs ; Continuous 1,750 Lbs
Nominal GAW Rating 7,500 Lbs
Wheel Bolt Patterns 8 on 6.5
Axles Tubes Are 4-Inches

Applications:

Ford Used The Dana 70 And Dana 70HD Axles In F-350 Trucks Up To 1985.5.
The Ford 10.25-Inch Rear Axle Replaced The Dana 70 After 1985.
Ford Also Equipped The 1980-Current E-350 Dual Rear Wheel And Some E-450 Super Duty Vans With Dana 70 or Dana 70HD Rear Axles.
1998-1/2 to 1999 E-350 Cutaway SRW or Chassis DRW
1999 E-350 Cutaway SRW or Chassis DRW
1999-2000 E-350 Chassis DRW
1998-2010 E-350 Cutaway SRW or Chassis DRW
2003-2007 E-450 DRW
1979-1982 Ford E-350 70B
1979-1980 Ford F-350 70B
1981-1983 F-350 DRW 70B
1981-1983 Ford E-350 70B
1999-2010 Ford E-350 SRW or Chassis DRW (Full-Float)
2000-2006 Ford E-450 DRW ABS
2002-2007 Ford E-450 DRW
2003-2008 Ford E-350 DRW (Full-Float)

Dana 70-HD

Specifications:

10.50-Inch Ring Gear
10-Bolt Rear Cover
Full Floating Axles With 35-Splines
HD Has Larger Pinion And Carrier Bearings Than A Standard Dana 70

Applications:

1980-1997 Ford F-350 (Rear)
1980-1985 Ford F-350 DRW 70HD
1981-1985 F-350 Heavy Duty Chassis 70HD
1979-1985 Ford E-350 70HD
1980 Ford Ambulance 70HD
1981-1987 Ford F-350 Ambulance 70HD
1987-1989 Ford E-350 DRW 70HD
1989-1990 Ford E-350 Motor Home 70HD
1994-1995 Ford E-350 DRW ABS 70HD
1990-1997 Ford E-350 Motor Home ABS 70HD
1995 Ford E-350 Motor Home 70HD

Dana 70-U

Specifications:

10.50-Inch Ring Gear
10-Bolt Rear Cover
Full Floating Axles With 32-Splines
Has Smaller Pinion Bearings Than A Standard Dana 70

Applications:

1983-1997 Ford E-250 (Rear)
1983-1997 Ford F-250 (Rear)
1980-2002 Ford F-350 (Rear)
1983-1985 Ford F-350 70U
1983-1986 Ford E-350 70U
1987-1989 Ford E-350 DRW 70U
1989-1990 Ford E-350 Motor Home 70U
1990-1998 Ford E-350 DRW ABS 70U

Dana 80 Rear Axle

Specifications:

11.25-Inch Ring Gear
10-Bolt Rear Cover
35 or 37 Spline Axles
4-Inch Diameter Axle Tube
Pinion Shaft Diameter: 2.0-Inches (51 mm)
Pinion Shaft Splines: 37
Axle Shaft Diameter
- 35-Spline: 1.50-Inches (38 mm)
- 37-Spline: 1.58-Inches (40 mm)
Gear Ratios: 3.23, 3.31, 3.54, 3.73, 4.10, 4.11, 4.30, 4.63, 4.88, 5.13, & 5.38
Brakes Measure 13.39-Inches For 2011 Ford F-350 DRW Trucks
Brakes Measure 15.35-Inches For 2011 Ford F-450 Trucks (13,050 GVW)
Later Model Fords Use Different Pinion Bearings Than All Other Models