Any way to tell the axle ratio without pulling the cover???

[w150withplow]

Well Im new to Dodges. I picked up an 87 W150 with a BOSS V plow.

It runs good, 360 and 727, trans shifts nice, some minor electrical problems. Power windows don't work.

The front axle is messed up though. It will need new outer axle bearings, and U joints.

Are these bearings pressed on the axle shafts???

Or do they go in the housing???

Are there C clips in there???

Im looking to find another front axle. It has a Dana 44 in it now with automatic hubs. Id like to find the same axle or even better a Dana 60.

Problem is it's -4 degree's outside and Im not gonna pull the cover right now and I have no idea what the gear ratio is...

I know where I can get a 3:23 axle from an 84 Ramcharger that would bolt in but I need to know what ratio I have...

Any way to tell from the VIN number???

[fins2fuselage]

W150,

I have never been deep enough into a Dana 44 front axle to advise you about the axle bearing set-up (thank the Lord), but there shoud be a tag on one of the cover bolts which tells you the ratio. It may be hard to locate under all of the crud without removing at least some of the cover bolts.

I think the ratio should also be stamped somewhere near one end of the housing or the other, but let's wait 'til one of the veteran DodgeTalkers weighs in on this before taking it for fact.

Jeff

[w150withplow]

No tags on the front :(

2 on the back but they are rusted and unreadable...

[DiverDwnPowrRam]

Lift both wheels up (safely) put the truck in neutral mark your tire (on the inside) so you can see it. mark the front shaft. Turn the front shaft by hand and record how many times it goes around until the front tire goes around. 3.xx,4.xx or 5.xx to 1 that is your ratio. Not exact but somewhat close especially if you have your fractions down pat.

[RoadHogg]

Personally, if it's not a sure-grip diff, I always opt to lift one wheel. This is the same as what DiverDwnPowrRam suggested. What you want to determine is how many drive shaft revs per 1 axle shaft rev. So, lift one wheel (just cause it's often a bit less involved than lifting both wheels) mark the tire and the drive shaft so that you can count the revs. Turn the wheel TWO revs, count how many times the drive shaft has turned and that's your ratio. (you're making two turns of the wheel because the other wheel is stationary) If the drive shaft turned just over 4 times, you have a 4.10:1 or 4.11:1. If it turns 3 and a quarter times, you have 3.25:1, and so on.

It's the same as what DiverDwnPowrRam described, just perhaps a bit more convenient not having to lift both wheels.

Of course, if you have a sure-grip, you HAVE TO lift both wheels, in that case, turn the wheel ONE turn and count the drive shaft revs to determine your ratio.

Remember to always follow safe vehicle lifting and supporting practices.