Dana

Three models of Dana rear axles are used in regular production on the E-250 and E-350 vehicles.

Models 70-2U and 60-1U (used on E-250 and E-350 vehicles) rear axles are equipped with full-floating axle shafts, meaning loads are supported by the rear axle housing. Full floating axle shafts only transmit torque to the wheels.

The Model 60-1U rear axle (used on E-250 vehicles) has semi-floating axle shafts, meaning the axle shaft supports the loads as well as transmitting the torque to the wheels. The axle shaft serves as the inner race of the wheel bearing to support the vehicle weight.

A conventional differential case transmits all of the ring gear torque through the differential side gears to the axle shafts. Torque is at all times equal on the axle shafts.

These rear axles have an integral-type rear axle housing, hypoid gear design with the centerline of the pinion set below the centerline of the ring gear. The axle shaft is retained by bolts attached to the rear hub. The rear hub rides on two opposed tapered roller bearings at the outboard end of the rear axle housing.

The rear axle housing consists of a cast center section with two steel tubes. A stamped differential housing cover uses silicone rubber or equivalent as a gasket. A metal tag, attached to the rear axle housing by two cover bolts, is stamped with the gear ratio, part numbers and limited slip (if applicable).