I have a modified '85 E350 van-bodied vehicle, primarily used for towing, dually rear axle. I want to tow more, and among my limits are the rear axle, (presently a 4.1 Dana 61) which I am afraid will die climbing some hill pulling 10,000 lbs or so.

Engine is now a (sorry to offend any purists!) cummins 5.9 intercooled turbodiesel, so I have the power and torque to do this.

Specific question is this: I want to find a Dana 80 van axle to fit up to this E350, minor welding for spring perches and/or shock mounts no big deal. BUT, I want to change ratio, need a 3.3 or 3.5 ratio, which Dana says is available for the 80 series axle. Local salvage yard guy is telling me that ALL ford dually vans with Dana 80's are 4.1 ratios, he says I'm not going to find this.

So, 1) is this true? Are all dually E350 Dana 80 van axles 4.1 ratio? Seems hard to believe! How could Ford use a "one ratio fits all" rule when they sell all the different variants of this vehicle?

2) If this is the case, is there any reason why I just can't change ring and pinion (and carrier or whatever else is necessary) and then have my Dana 80 van axle with the ratio I want?

If there's some guru of Dana dually van axles out there, I'd sure like to hear from you and have you guide me on this one.

Thanx all of you for any help you have for me!! Please don't suggest I see a counselor - my wife tells me that!

 

http://www.randysringandpinion.com/c...sp?vid=4&pid=5

Randy has any gear ratio for an 80, but i'm sure you are aware of the skills needed to do a ring and pinion setup.

would be much easier to find an axle with your desired gear ratio

Good Luck!

 

Dually E350 van Dana 80?