Rear axle swap

[rowland85]

I have a 2013 1500. My rear differential is going bad and I've been told it would be better to just swap the whole axle versus rebuilding the differential. My gear ratio is 3.55. My question is can I swap out axles from a newer model 1500? I wasn't sure if there were any differences in brake lines or shocks or anything.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Did your mechanic say what is going 'bad' in your rear axle. I'd normally say, "Change the whole rear end." but there have been a few guys lately who've had nothing but ongoing trouble after a complete swap. If you do, definitely keep your old one for parts ...in case you need it.

 

[crash68]

My question is can I swap out axles from a newer model 1500?

I believe it was 2011 when Ram switched the ZF rear axle found in these trucks. Any year from then til '18 plus any of the '19-'23 Classics should all be the same axle assembly.

 

[Wild one]

I have a 2013 1500. My rear differential is going bad and I've been told it would be better to just swap the whole axle versus rebuilding the differential. My gear ratio is 3.55. My question is can I swap out axles from a newer model 1500? I wasn't sure if there were any differences in brake lines or shocks or anything.

If you swap brake backing plates and notch the end of the axle tubes to move the abs sensors,the earlier 2011-2012 diffs will also fit. They moved the ABS sensors from the front to the rear of the diff,but that's basically the only real differances,and a couple minutes with a die grinder fixes that issue. I swapped a 2011 diff into my 2014 4X4 in an afternoon,doing it on my driveway with nothing more then a floor jack and hand tools by myself,and i'm not young,lol

 

[GTyankee]

AAM rear 9.25" Differential years
all threads were S.A.E.

D925355

Chrysler

Passenger Car, B,D,W, Durango, Dakota, Ram 1500, Ramcharger

1970 - 2010

9.25" Rear Axle

3.55

AAM Aftermarket Gear Set - Fits Chrysler Corporate Rear Axles

In 2002, Ram 1500 Wheel Stud Size was changed from 1/2" to 9/16ths"
..................................................................................
Around July of 2010
Ram began making the 2011 Ram 1500s
They called it the ZF 235 mm rear differential

The bolt patterns did not change, the rear differential parts used Metric threads

The ZF rear differential was about 25 pounds lighter than the AAM setup

 

[62Blazer]

As said above, it depends on what is wrong with the current axle. But if you have to rebuild the entire differential it's often cheaper...and definitely easier....to just swap out the entire thing. Swapping the entire rear axle is basically just unbolting the old one and bolting the new one in. Rebuilding a differential takes specialized tools, experience, paying attention to many different specs, and a lot of patience.

 

[1 MEAN66]

Most "salvage Yard" would have an interchange book, to know what will go into what. Around here they even offer warranties (90 day NC, and extended ones that can be purchased).

 

[NotEnufgarage]

Can the 2011 ZF axle be swapped into a 2010 CC 1500? I’m wanting to change from a 3.21:1 to 3.92:1to have the 10250 lb towing capacity. I have everything else needed for that (max cooling, etc). The 2009/2010 axle assemblies are priced crazy stupid high. The 2011 axle are more reasonably priced at the yards around me.