AAM Axle differences (GM & Dodge)
#18
Registered User
#19
Dodge/GM differences
Dont get too excited over the tube O.D. difference. Wall thickness will be changed based on the weight rating and position(s) of welds, etc. Typically the O.D. is a requirement given to a supplier based on the geometry of the attachments (as-in if the u-bolts/plates, etc. are set up for 4" vs. 3.5" and they dont want to change them ($$). The 4" tubes will neck down at the wheel ends.
GM 10.5" is old-style with bolt-in pinion retainer assembly w/ "straddle" cylindrical roller bearing in the carrier. It also has a two-piece diff case with 4 pinion & spider design.
Dodge 10.5" has typical two-bearing pinion and one-piece diff case with two pinions and cross shaft. Much cheaper to make.
As I recall GM and Eaton have a legal agreement on the G80. Its a awesome piece of equipment as long as you arent running big heavy tires/wheels.
GM 10.5" is old-style with bolt-in pinion retainer assembly w/ "straddle" cylindrical roller bearing in the carrier. It also has a two-piece diff case with 4 pinion & spider design.
Dodge 10.5" has typical two-bearing pinion and one-piece diff case with two pinions and cross shaft. Much cheaper to make.
As I recall GM and Eaton have a legal agreement on the G80. Its a awesome piece of equipment as long as you arent running big heavy tires/wheels.
#20
Thanks for all the replies here...
I have yet to hear back from AAM, but I think we've pretty much got the answer anyway. I think I'll just look for a junkyard 11.5 and set it up with that new locker that just became available. I've been looking around and it seems that a used 11.5 is going for $1000 and that new locker is about the same.
More than I want to spend, but it might be the best option
Thanks for all the help!
I have yet to hear back from AAM, but I think we've pretty much got the answer anyway. I think I'll just look for a junkyard 11.5 and set it up with that new locker that just became available. I've been looking around and it seems that a used 11.5 is going for $1000 and that new locker is about the same.
More than I want to spend, but it might be the best option
Thanks for all the help!
#21
FYI: The new locker available is called the "Yukon Grizzly" and is now available for the 11.5.
To answer an earlier question:
I don't want an air locker...too many moving parts and external systems required. I like simplicity and rugged components that just work on their own. I've had detroit lockers in trucks for years...just can't get one for the 11.5
To answer an earlier question:
I don't want an air locker...too many moving parts and external systems required. I like simplicity and rugged components that just work on their own. I've had detroit lockers in trucks for years...just can't get one for the 11.5
#22
Chapter President
FYI: The new locker available is called the "Yukon Grizzly" and is now available for the 11.5.
To answer an earlier question:
I don't want an air locker...too many moving parts and external systems required. I like simplicity and rugged components that just work on their own. I've had detroit lockers in trucks for years...just can't get one for the 11.5
To answer an earlier question:
I don't want an air locker...too many moving parts and external systems required. I like simplicity and rugged components that just work on their own. I've had detroit lockers in trucks for years...just can't get one for the 11.5
#23
Not sure why you want to 'upgrade' from a 10.5" to an 11.5"...I'm not 100% positive but the exciter rings at the ring gears may be a different size/number of teeth. I'd have to check on that to be sure.
Easiest thing to do would be to throw in the PowerWagon electric locker (if you can get your hands on one) without using the engagement sensor (PowerWagon uses a different LH case bearing cap with provisions for a target magnet. You cant swap out a cap from a different axle so you have to modify your current cap and probably the target magnet/bracket as well...). You just have to remember that using a locker in stock truck without a locker will mess with the controllers (when the sensor switches "on" on the PowerWagon I believe the ABS and possibly some other things go into a different mode...
Easiest thing to do would be to throw in the PowerWagon electric locker (if you can get your hands on one) without using the engagement sensor (PowerWagon uses a different LH case bearing cap with provisions for a target magnet. You cant swap out a cap from a different axle so you have to modify your current cap and probably the target magnet/bracket as well...). You just have to remember that using a locker in stock truck without a locker will mess with the controllers (when the sensor switches "on" on the PowerWagon I believe the ABS and possibly some other things go into a different mode...
#26
The 11.5" G80 will fit the Dodge. I was speaking of the 10.5" G80 though - the GM and Dodge 10.5" are very different animals.
XL8...
An 11.5" axle in place of a 10.5" axle is not an upgrade in my book if the larger third member is not needed or enhances performance, safety, etc. Why bother with the cost, effort, mass increase (not that mass really matters on one of these trucks?).
XL8...
An 11.5" axle in place of a 10.5" axle is not an upgrade in my book if the larger third member is not needed or enhances performance, safety, etc. Why bother with the cost, effort, mass increase (not that mass really matters on one of these trucks?).
#27
Just wanted to add the Eaton G80's are only good up to approx. 25 mph. Over that speed the governer flips out and wont allow engagement.
There are some older 10.5" GM third members which accommodate 4" tubes. They were used on ambulances and smaller motorhome chassis. I think the overall width of these carriers is narrower than a Dodge 10.5" so may throwing the Dodge tubes in one would not be easy or possible.
There are some older 10.5" GM third members which accommodate 4" tubes. They were used on ambulances and smaller motorhome chassis. I think the overall width of these carriers is narrower than a Dodge 10.5" so may throwing the Dodge tubes in one would not be easy or possible.
#28
Registered User
#29
Registered User
I get better traction in my Dodge with the helical LSD than I did with a G80, and thats with at least 50% more torque.