Description & Operation

NOTE: This article also applies to Cab & Chassis.

NOTE: Axles designed so axle housing supports the load are called "full floating axles". Axles designed so axle shaft supports the load are called "semi-floating axles".

DRIVE AXLE APPLICATION

Application

Axle Type

Axle Model

Excursion

Front

Full-Floating

⁽¹⁾ Dana Model 50 Or 60

Rear

Full-Floating

Ford 10.50"

F250 Super Duty

Front

Full-Floating

⁽¹⁾ Dana Model 50 Or 60

Rear

Full-Floating

Ford 10.50"

F350 Super Duty

Front

Full-Floating

⁽¹⁾ Dana Model 50 Or 60

Rear

Full-Floating

Dana Model 80 Or Ford 10.50"

F450 Super Duty

Front

Full-Floating

⁽¹⁾ Dana Model 50 Or 60

Rear

Full-Floating

Dana Model 80

F550 Super Duty

Front

Full-Floating

⁽¹⁾ Dana Model 50 Or 60

Rear

Full-Floating

Dana S135

Motor Home

Rear

Full-Floating

Dana Model 80

⁽¹⁾	Dana Model 50 or 60 Monobeam is similar to Dana Model 80 drive axle, except for components unique to front wheel drive.

All Dana axle assemblies are an integral-type housing with hypoid-type ring and pinion gear. Stamped steel cover is removable for inspection and repair of differential. Drive pinion depth, pinion bearing preload and differential side bearing preload are all set by shims. Vehicle loads are supported by axle housings. Axle shafts may be removed without disturbing wheel bearings. Full-floating axle shafts are held in place by bolts attached to hub.

Power is transmitted through drive shaft to drive pinion located in the differential carrier housing. See Figure. Drive pinion shaft is supported by 2 opposed tapered roller bearings. Power is transmitted from pinion gear through ring gear and differential pinion gears to axle shafts and wheels.

The Ford 10.50" is an integral type housing with hypoid-type ring and pinion gear. Stamped steel cover is removable for inspection and repair of differential. The differential is a 1 or 2 piece design depending on application. The differential pinion shaft 2-pinion in the 1-piece design is retained with a threaded bolt. The 2-piece differential case 3-pinion spider is retained by the case halves which are bolted together. Power is transmitted through drive shaft to drive pinion located in the differential carrier housing. The drive pinion rotates the differential case through engagement with the ring gear, which is bolted to the case outer flange.

NOTE: For removal and installation procedures for front drive axle component parts not covered in this article, see LOCKING HUBS article and 4WD STEERING KNUCKLES article.