Dana axles (front and rear end) are closely associated with heavy-duty applications present in trucks, cars, and off-road/construction vehicles. Identifying these axles can be done visually (by professionals) or via the use of tags.
This article will explain how to identify your vehicle’s axle code and provide you with a detailed chart of front and rear axle codes in popular Dana trucks and cars.
Dana Axle Code Charts
Study this chart to know your axle code if your Dana model is an Aerostar, Ranger, Bronco II, or Explorer:
Aerostar Axle Codes
| Code | Description | Capacity | Ratio |
| 22 | Open 7.5” | 2950 | 4.10 |
| 23 | Open 7.5” | 2950 | 3.45 |
| 24 | Open 7.5” | 2950 | 3.73 |
| 25 | Open 8.8” | 2950 | 3.27 |
| 29 | Open 8.8” | 2950 | 3.55 |
| B2 | L/S 7.5” | 2950 | 4.10 |
| B4 | L/S 7.5” | 2950 | 3.73 |
| B5 | L/S 8.8” | 2950 | 3.55 |
| B9 | L/S 8.8” | 2950 | 3.55 |
Note: Aerostars with axle codes starting with “1” are the Spicer/Dana axles with aluminum housings
Bronco II Axle Codes
| Code | Description | Capacity | Ratio |
| 42 | Open 7.5” | 2640 | 3.45 |
| 44 | Open 7.5” | 2640 | 3.73 |
| 47 | Open 7.5” | 2640 | 4.10 |
| D2 | L/S 7.5” | 2640 | 3.45 |
| D4 | L/S 7.5” | 2640 | 3.73 |
| D7 | L/S 7.5” | 2640 | 4.10 |
Ranger
| Code | Description | Capacity | Ratio |
| 72 | Open 6-7/8” | 2200 | 3.08 |
| 74 | Open 6-7/8” | 2200 | 3.45 |
| 82 | Open 7.5” | 2750 | 3.08 |
| 84 | Open 7.5” | 2750 | 3.45 |
| 85 | Open 7.5” | 2750 | 3.55 |
| 86 | Open 7.5” | 2750 | 3.73 |
| 87 | Open 7.5” | 2750 | 4.10 |
| 89 (1992-1998) | Open 7.5” | 4.10 | |
| 89 (1999-2001) | Open 7.5” | 4.56 | |
| 91 | Open 8.8” | 2750 | 3.27 |
| 92 | Open 8.8” | 2750 | 3.08 |
| 95 | Open 8.8” | 2750 | 3.55 |
| 96 | Open 8.8” | 2750 | 3.73 |
| 97 | Open 8.8” | 2750 | 4.10 |
| 98 | Open 8.8” | 2750 | 4.56 |
| F4 | L/S 7.5” | 2750 | 3.45 |
| F5 | L/S 7.5” | 2750 | 3.55 |
| F6 | L/S 7.5” | 2750 | 3.73 |
| F7 | L/S 7.5” | 2750 | 4.10 |
| K6 | L/S 8.8” | 4.10 | |
| R5 | L/S 8.8” | 2750 | 3.55 |
| R6 | L/S 8.8” | 2750 | 3.73 |
| R7 | L/S 8.8” | 2750 | 4.10 |
| R8 | L/S 8.8” | 2750 | 4.56 |
Note: 4.56 geared axle ’99 onward are 31-spline
Explorer Axle Codes
| Code | Description | Capacity | Ratio |
| 41 | Open 8.8” | 3200 | 3.27 |
| 42 | Open 8.8” | 3200 | 4.10 |
| 43 | Open 8.8” | 3200 | 3.08 |
| 44 | Open 8.8” | 3200 | 3.73 |
| 45 | Open 8.8” | 3200 | 3.55 |
| 46 | Open 8.8” | 3200 | 3.73 |
| D1 | L/S 8.8” | 3200 | 3.27 |
| D2 | L/S 8.8” | 3200 | 4.10 |
| D4 | L/S 8.8” | 3200 | 3.73 |
| D7 | L/S 8.8” | 3200 | 3.55 |
| L73 | L/S 8.8” | 3200 | 3.73 |
L = Limited Slip Differential
C = Conventional Differential
Different Ways To Identify Your Vehicle’s Axle Code
Method 1
Count the number of bolts present on the inspection cover attached to the rear-end housing. This cover can be found facing the back of the vehicle and facing forward when viewed from the rear.
Some Dana vehicles share a similar number of bolts and this helps with the elimination process. All you need to do is to cross-reference the number of bolts on the inspection cover with the Dana Differential identification Charts.
Method 2
Take a look at the shape of the inspection cover. Dana vehicles come in unique inspection cover and gasket shapes. Compare this shape with the National Parts’ Axle Identification Chart to determine which Dana model you own.
Dana models with similar gasket shapes include Dana 25, 27, 30, 60, 70, and 80 but you need access to the identification tag to confirm this. There are two identification tags in every Dana. The first one is located on the driver’s side differential carrier and the second tag is usually cited on the passenger side of the axle cover.
Both tags share similar information but the passenger seat tag has information on model numbers.
Method 3
Locate the ratio tag on the axle. This tag should be situated close to the rear differential in the front of the vehicle. This tag contains information about the required gear ratios for the rear differential of your Dana model. The range is usually between 2.50:1 to 4.30:1.
Next is to decipher the manufacturing date via the data code. Data code consists of a single number, a single letter, and two-digit numbers (for example, 8F24).
- 8 – represents the last digit of the most year before the manufacturing year of your vehicle. In other words, an axle code starting with 8 should be in a 2009 Dana vehicle.
- F – represents June. Years follow an alphabetical order with A and L representing January and December respectively.
- 24 – represents the same date of manufacture. This means this particular axle was manufactured on June 24, 2008.
Identify the Bill of Materials code next to the data code and write it out for reference. This code contains six numbers with a hyphen separating the last number from the first five (for example, 12345-6).
Whenever you are ready, you can reference this code on a BOM catalog or on the internet (via Dana’s website). This code helps you with a detailed list of available replacement parts, how to assemble axle components, gear ratio, and other manufacturing information.
Conclusion
Car manufacturers include specific information in key components to help with replacement and assembly. The axle code is designed to help auto experts with accurate replacement selection for your Dana Axle differential.
