Here is my dilema. I recently bought a Chevrolet pulling truck that had a Dana 80 in it with 4:10's out of an 2001 Dodge SRW, but both axles were broke, ring & pinion is trashed along with the carrier. I have an 2003 Duramax and I have seen those trucks pulling on the track and some people putting some serious power through them and they hold up with the 3:73's. I was thinking about buying one out of a Duramax with 3.73 and changing the gears to 4:10's or finding one out of a Chev with an 8.1 that already has 4.10's. What axles come in these trucks with the Duramax or the 8.1? Also, how does that compare to the Dana 80? Thanks.

I think 8.1 trucks just have the 10.5" axle. The Duramax truck have the 11.5 "AAm and i think it would be more than strong enough looking at what many of them go through on here. Now, the 3500 SRW trucks come with a 11.5" rear, no matter what engine is in them. But these are a rarity compared to the 2500HD's. It would be easier to regear a duramax axle then find a Gasser 11.5 with 4.11's.

Are the AAM's stronger than the Dana 80's? The engine that will be in this truck is a 523 cu.in. that is 875 hp and the axle will be welded in. I don't mind spending a couple of extra bucks if I know it will hold up vs. the Dana 80 if it is stronger. Thanks.

Also, how do identify the difference between the 10.5 AAMs and the 11.5 AAMs?

I would say they are as strong if not stronger. Dodge even uses the 11.5" AAM now instead of the 80. The 10.5" is the classic 14 bolt chevy. The 11.5 was new in 2001. Here are ome pics of the diff cover shapes that may help. http://www.drivetrainspecialists.com/categories/gm/

Also, why not find the rear end from a 3 ton or schoolbus and use that? they are cheap and plentiful and strong as anything.

Isn't the 14 bolt only used in the 2500hds with the 6.0 (p.o.s. engine..sorry 6.0 lovers) and the Duramax and 8.1s have the 11.5 AAMs?

The F106 is an awesome choice, but I think the lowest gears I can get are the 5:13s or 6:20s and I need 4:10's. Then I would have to change the gears in my Dana 60 front and change the headset in my Profab case. Also, buy 6 bolt aluminum rims. Also, some of the school bus axles have 10 bolt rims and I would have to pay to have them machined and I don't believe there are 4:10s available for them either. Thats not in the budget right now so I am going to have to stick to a Dana 80 or AAM axle. I am going to have to do some more research on axle diameters and splines of the 11.5 AAM and trying to find an open 4 series carrier so it can be welded up.

8.1's have the 11.5 AAM...

The 8.1's and the DM's have the SAME axles.

The DM's came with 3.73's and the 8.1's came with 3.73's or 4.10's.

DEWFPO