Rear Axle Interchange?

[Hi-psi]

Looking for some clarity on rear differentials/axles.

As I understand it, all of the DRW's have Dana rear axles, and the SRW have the 10.50 Sterling, some Non-Locking (open), some locking (limited slip).

I also read somewhere that you have to pay attention to whether the axle came on a truck order with a "service" package or something like there where the truck was ordered without a bed for the purpose of a flatbed or utility bed/box being installed because the rear axles from those trucks sometimes may have the brackets for some things in different places.

Ok, so beyond those, what are the differences between the axle codes?

For example, in my truck is a 3.73 limited slip, with an axle code of S409H.

Now, can I only swap in another S409H for a true even swap, or as long as it's a 3.73 limited slip, and not a "service" axle, any of the other codes (S409B, S409C, S409E, S409F) will work?

From what I can find, axle codes S406B, S406C, S406E, S406F, S406H, S410A, & S410B are the Non-Locking (open) 10.50 3.73 Sterling axles.

Any insight is appreciated.

[blueovalman14]

good questions....... I'm curious too!

[JSchuricht]

Assuming this is for your 2000, you will need to find an axle from a 99-04 SD. Chassis cabs have the same axles but use a narrower frame so the spring perches are not in the right place. 05+ SRW axles are wider, you can use them but they won't look right without the correct offset wheels.

I don't know the codes but I see no reason that you can't use a different code axle as long as the front/rear gears are the same.

[Hi-psi]

Yeah, I knew the '05+ had a wider track width, and then what you referred to as the "chassis cabs" is probably what I was referring to as the "service" package. I knew I had come across that somewhere about some mounts and/or brackets not being in the same places on those.

I agree that as long as a 3.73 limited slip (non-chassis cab) is swapped for a 3.73 limited slip (non-chassis cab), the specific axle code shouldn't make a difference, but I want to be sure there isn't more to the axle code that I'm missing before making a several hundred dollar mistake.