Dana 70 Front Axle for Sale | OEM Used Full-Floating Heavy-Duty Front Steer Axle with 10.5 Inch Ring Gear
$2,199.00
At a Glance
- Condition: OEM used, axle housing inspected and structural integrity verified
- Availability: In stock, Dana 70 Front Axles available
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 50 states via heavy freight, 7 to 14 business days
- Donor vehicle identified (military / truck / specialty application)
- Axle housing inspected (no cracks or bent housing)
- Ring and pinion gear set inspected
- Axle shaft spline count verified (30 / 32 / 35 splines)
- Gear ratio confirmed (3.54, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, 4.88, 5.13, 5.38, 5.86, or 6.17)
- Kingpin bore condition assessed
- Locking hub function tested (WARN or WEBB HUB)
- Brake mounting hardware inspected
- Differential type documented (open / LSD / locker)
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
Description
About the Dana 70 Front Axle
The Dana 70 Front Axle is a full-floating heavy-duty front steer axle known for its durability and strength, making it a top choice among truck enthusiasts, off-road builders, and military vehicle owners. If you are in the market for a reliable used axle, our selection of the Dana 70 Front Axle for sale at Part Nests offers great value. Built to withstand extreme conditions, this full-floating axle delivers optimal power and reliability across military, commercial, and specialty applications.
Features of the Dana 70 Front Axle
- Strength and Durability: High payload and high torque capacity, well suited for heavy-duty trucks, military vehicles, towing applications, and off-road use.
- Large 10.5 inch Ring Gear: Larger than the Dana 60 9.75 inch ring gear, providing strength for heavy towing, off-road rock crawling, and military tactical use.
- Multiple Gear Ratio Options: Available from 3.54 (highway-friendly) through 6.17 (extreme low-end / large tire), letting you match the axle to tire size, transmission gear spread, and intended use.
- Differential Options: Open differentials, limited-slip differentials (LSD), or locking differentials (factory or aftermarket including ARB Air Lockers, Detroit Locker).
- Aftermarket Support: Extensive aftermarket support including chromoly axle shafts, heavy-duty differential covers, gear ratio swaps, air locker conversions, kingpin rebuild kits, hub conversion kits, and brake upgrade options. Parts readily available through Spicer / Dana, RCV Performance, Yukon Gear, and others.
- Compatibility: Used in a wide range of vehicle platforms from 1957 to the present.
- Proven Design: Originally produced by Spicer (now part of Dana Incorporated), battle-tested with decades of military, commercial, and off-road service.
- Serviceability: Requires regular maintenance including differential fluid changes, kingpin lubrication, and periodic inspection. Properly maintained, delivers extremely long service life.
Heavy-Duty Front Axle Family Context
The Dana 70 Front Axle (this listing) is a complete heavy-duty 4×4 front axle assembly with full housing, ring and pinion gear set, axle shafts, kingpins, steering knuckles, and complete steering geometry , primarily for military tactical vehicles and heavy-duty pickup truck applications. For buyers comparing heavy-duty front axles: the Dana 70 (this listing) is the complete-assembly military / heavy-duty 4×4 truck front axle; the Eaton 12F4 Front Axle Beam (our vaz147 listing) is a forged steel axle BEAM (the structural component without kingpins, steering knuckles, axle shafts, or gear set) used in Class 7-8 commercial truck steer axle service. The two products serve different roles: the Dana 70 is a complete drive axle assembly; the 12F4 is a forged beam for commercial steer axle service that needs additional components for complete axle assembly.
Dana 70 Front Axle: Where It Is Used (And Where It Is Not)
Important context: The Dana 70 is most commonly used as a REAR axle in truck applications. The Dana 70 FRONT axle configuration is specialized and primarily found in:
Military Tactical Vehicles (the largest Dana 70 front axle user base):
- M35 2.5-ton cargo truck (various variants)
- M715 Kaiser Jeep military light truck
- AM General HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle)
- AM General Hummer H1 early production (some variants)
- BAE Systems RG-33 MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected)
- Navistar MaxxPro MRAP
- Oshkosh HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck)
Heavy-Duty Commercial Trucks:
- International Harvester Scout II 4×4 (heavy-duty variant)
- International Harvester Travelall 4×4
- International Loadstar medium-duty trucks
- Ford F-350 older 4×4 models (before Dana 60 became standard front)
- Ford F-450, F-550 Super Duty front axle configurations
- Dodge Ram 2500 older 4×4 (before Dana 60 became standard front)
- Dodge Ram 3500 older 4×4 dually configurations
- Chevrolet C/K 30 and C/K 3500 older 4×4 dually
- GMC Sierra 3500 older 4×4 dually
Specialty and Custom Applications:
- Custom-built off-road and rock-crawling vehicles
- Expedition and overland vehicles requiring extreme strength
- Heavy-duty RVs and motorhomes (custom builds)
- Emergency response vehicles (fire trucks and rescue vehicles)
- Utility service trucks
- Heavy-duty tow trucks
- Agricultural tractors (certain configurations)
- Heavy construction machinery
Dana 70 vs Dana 60 Front Axle: Which Should You Choose
| Specification | Dana 70 Front Axle (this listing) | Dana 60 Front Axle |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Gear Diameter | 10.5 inches | 9.75 inches |
| Axle Shaft Diameter | 1.5 to 1.75 inches | 1.5 to 1.56 inches |
| Axle Tube Diameter | 3.5 inches | 3.125 inches |
| Spline Count Options | 30, 32, 35 | 30, 32, 35 |
| GAWR Range | 6,000 to 10,000 lbs | 5,000 to 7,500 lbs |
| Typical Application | Military, F-450/F-550, Ram 3500 dually, HMMWV | F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Ram 2500/3500, Bronco |
| Strength Advantage | Yes, significantly stronger | Stronger than Dana 44, but not Dana 70 |
| Aftermarket Support | Extensive | Most extensive of any HD front axle |
Choose Dana 70 Front Axle (this listing) for: military vehicle restorations, F-450 / F-550 / Ram 3500 dually applications, custom rock crawlers needing maximum strength, extreme heavy-duty expedition builds.
Choose Dana 60 Front Axle for: most Super Duty truck applications, common Jeep / 4×4 rebuilds, standard heavy-duty off-road use where the Dana 60 strength is adequate.
Vehicle Compatibility
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Military Vehicles | M35 2.5-ton, M715 Kaiser Jeep, AM General HMMWV, Hummer H1 (early), BAE RG-33 MRAP, Navistar MaxxPro MRAP, Oshkosh HEMTT |
| International Harvester | Scout II 4×4, Travelall 4×4, Loadstar |
| Ford Trucks | F-350 older 4×4, F-450 Super Duty, F-550 Super Duty |
| Dodge / Ram Trucks | Ram 2500 older 4×4, Ram 3500 older 4×4 dually |
| Chevy / GMC Trucks | C/K 30 older 4×4, C/K 3500 older 4×4, Sierra 3500 older 4×4 |
| Specialty Vehicles | Custom rock crawlers, expedition / overland builds, heavy-duty RVs, fire trucks, rescue vehicles, utility trucks, heavy tow trucks |
Why Buy From Part Nests
- Donor vehicle and application documented
- Axle housing integrity verified
- Ring and pinion gear inspected
- Gear ratio confirmed before shipping
- Spline count documented (30 / 32 / 35)
- Kingpin and locking hub function tested
- Free heavy freight delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- Heavy-duty truck and military vehicle experienced support team
- Call (855) 634-4447 to confirm Dana 70 Front Axle (complete heavy-duty 4×4 front axle assembly with 10.5 inch ring gear, full housing, axle shafts, kingpins, steering knuckles), donor vehicle (military M35 / M715 / HMMWV / Hummer H1 / RG-33 MRAP / MaxxPro / HEMTT, International Harvester Scout II / Travelall / Loadstar, Ford F-350 older / F-450 / F-550, Dodge Ram 2500 older / 3500 dually, Chevy C/K 30 / 3500 dually, GMC Sierra 3500 dually, or specialty custom applications), gear ratio (3.54 through 6.17 options), axle shaft spline count (30 / 32 / 35), differential type (open / LSD / locker), locking hub configuration (WARN or WEBB HUB), and heavy-duty front axle family context (Dana 70 complete military / 4×4 truck axle vs Eaton 12F4 Front Axle Beam per vaz147 forged steel commercial Class 7-8 beam, two different product types) before ordering
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used Dana 70 Front Axle purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the axle arrives
- Axle housing cracks or bend failures within 15 days from installation (where housing was documented as straight at shipping)
- Ring and pinion gear failures within 15 days from installation
- Axle shaft failures within 15 days from installation
- Kingpin bearing or bushing failures within 15 days from installation
- Locking hub failures within 15 days from installation (WARN or WEBB HUB)
- Differential failures within 15 days from installation (open, LSD, or locker)
- Incorrect gear ratio shipped (3.54 / 3.73 / 4.10 / 4.56 / 4.88 / 5.13 / 5.38 / 5.86 / 6.17 mismatch) or incorrect spline count due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from incorrect differential fluid (use appropriate GL-5 gear oil per Dana service spec, with friction modifier for LSD or locker variants)
- Damage from extended fluid service intervals or contaminated fluid
- Damage from operating with worn kingpin bushings or bearings (these are typically replaced during axle rebuild)
- Damage from neglected steering linkage maintenance (tie rod ends, drag link, steering damper)
- Damage from impact loading beyond design ratings (military and heavy-duty truck applications have specific loading profiles)
- Damage from incorrect tire size or gear ratio mismatch causing chronic overload
- Damage from off-road operation beyond axle design (extreme rock crawling without supporting upgrades)
- External components (steering linkage tie rod ends and drag link, steering damper, brake drums or discs, brake hardware, wheel bearings beyond OE, wheel studs / lug nuts) unless itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- Donor Vehicle Identified: Military, commercial, or specialty application confirmed
- Axle Housing Inspected: No cracks or bent housing
- Ring and Pinion Gear Set Inspected: Pattern, wear, and lash verified
- Gear Ratio Confirmed: 3.54 through 6.17 options documented
- Locking Hub Function Tested: WARN or WEBB HUB operation verified
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
Additional information
| axle-shaft-diameter | 1.5 to 1.75 inches |
|---|---|
| axle-shaft-spline-counts | 30, 32, 35 splines |
| axle-shaft-material | High-strength steel |
| axle-tube-diameter | 3.5 inches |
| axle-type | Full-Floating Axle |
| brake-compatibility | Drum Brakes (older models), Disc Brakes (newer models, aftermarket) |
| gear-ratios | 3.54, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, 4.88, 5.13, 5.38, 5.86, 6.17 |
Complete heavy-duty 4x4 front axle assembly with 10.5 inch ring gear. The Dana 70 Front Axle is a full-floating heavy-duty front steer axle assembly that includes axle housing, ring and pinion gear set, axle shafts with locking hubs, kingpins, steering knuckles, and brake mounting. Originally produced by Spicer (now part of Dana Incorporated). The 10.5 inch ring gear is larger than the Dana 60 9.75 inch ring gear, providing the strength and torque-handling capability needed for the most demanding applications including military tactical use, heavy-duty pickup applications, and extreme off-road builds.
Most commonly a REAR axle; the FRONT axle configuration is specialized. Important context: the Dana 70 is most commonly used as a REAR axle in heavy-duty truck applications (Ford F-350 / F-450 / F-550 rear, Dodge Ram 3500 rear, Chevy / GMC C/K 30 / 3500 rear). The Dana 70 FRONT axle configuration (this listing) is specialized and less common, primarily found in military tactical vehicles (M35, M715, HMMWV, Hummer H1, RG-33 MRAP, MaxxPro, HEMTT) and heavy-duty 4x4 pickup applications where the front axle is also a drive axle. The Dana 70 front configuration is sought after for restoration of military vehicles and heavy-duty 4x4 dually trucks.
Dana 70 has larger 10.5 inch ring gear vs Dana 60 9.75 inch. Both are heavy-duty front axles but the Dana 70 is significantly stronger. Ring gear: Dana 70 10.5 inch vs Dana 60 9.75 inch. Axle shaft diameter: Dana 70 1.5-1.75 inch vs Dana 60 1.5-1.56 inch. Axle tube diameter: Dana 70 3.5 inch vs Dana 60 3.125 inch. GAWR range: Dana 70 6,000-10,000 lbs vs Dana 60 5,000-7,500 lbs. Both available in 30 / 32 / 35 spline configurations. Choose Dana 70 for military restorations, F-450 / F-550 / Ram 3500 dually, extreme rock crawlers, heavy-duty expedition builds; choose Dana 60 for most Super Duty applications, common Jeep / 4x4 rebuilds, standard heavy-duty off-road use.
Different product types: Dana 70 is complete axle assembly, Eaton 12F4 is just a beam. The Dana 70 Front Axle (this listing) is a COMPLETE axle assembly with full housing, ring and pinion gears, axle shafts, kingpins, steering knuckles, locking hubs, and drive axle geometry , used primarily in military and heavy-duty 4x4 pickup applications where the front axle is also a drive axle. The Eaton 12F4 Front Axle Beam (our vaz147 listing) is a forged steel axle BEAM only , the structural component without kingpins, steering knuckles, axle shafts, or gear set , used in Class 7-8 commercial truck applications where the front axle is a STEER axle only (not a drive axle), and where the additional axle components are sourced and assembled separately. Two different products serving different roles.
M35, M715, HMMWV, Hummer H1, MRAP variants, HEMTT. The military tactical vehicle category is the largest Dana 70 Front Axle user base. M35 2.5-ton cargo truck (various variants). M715 Kaiser Jeep military light truck. AM General HMMWV (the Hummer / Humvee, the dominant military application). AM General Hummer H1 (the civilian Hummer based on HMMWV, early production variants). BAE Systems RG-33 MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected). Navistar MaxxPro MRAP. Oshkosh HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck). Military vehicle restoration is a significant secondary market for Dana 70 Front Axles.
3.54 through 6.17 ratios for different tire sizes and applications. The Dana 70 Front Axle is available in multiple gear ratios to match the axle to your tire size, transmission gear spread, and intended use. Available ratios: 3.54 (highway-friendly, stock-tire applications), 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, 4.88 (popular for moderate off-road and larger tires), 5.13, 5.38, 5.86, 6.17 (extreme low-end for very large tires or extreme low-speed crawling). Choose lower numerical ratios (3.54, 3.73) for highway efficiency with stock tires; higher ratios (4.88+) for off-road applications with larger tires; very high ratios (5.86, 6.17) for extreme low-speed crawling or competition use.
Open, limited-slip (LSD), or locker. Open differential: standard configuration, provides differential action allowing wheels to turn at different speeds during turns; loses traction when one wheel spins. Limited-slip differential (LSD): clutch-pack or gear-based design that transfers torque to the wheel with traction; common factory option for military and heavy-duty applications. Locker: full-locking differential that mechanically connects both axle shafts for maximum traction; can be factory (Detroit Locker) or aftermarket (ARB Air Locker is the most popular aftermarket conversion). Tell us your destination application when ordering and we will help match differential type to your needs.
No. There is no core return required.
2 reviews for Dana 70 Front Axle for Sale | OEM Used Full-Floating Heavy-Duty Front Steer Axle with 10.5 Inch Ring Gear
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Magdalena S. –
Got a Dana 70 Front Axle for a 1991 AM General HMMWV restoration project (military application, the largest Dana 70 Front Axle user base). Donor vehicle correctly identified as HMMWV (matching destination), axle housing inspected (no cracks or bent housing), ring and pinion gear set inspected, axle shaft spline count verified at 32 splines, gear ratio confirmed as 4.56, kingpin bore condition assessed, locking hub function tested. Honest pre-purchase information about Dana 70 vs Dana 60 (10.5 vs 9.75 inch ring gear, different applications) and the heavy-duty front axle family context (Dana 70 complete military / 4×4 truck assembly vs Eaton 12F4 per vaz147 forged commercial Class 7-8 beam, two different product types).
Theodore P. –
Sourced a Dana 70 Front Axle for a 1996 Ford F-450 Super Duty dually 4×4 replacement after original axle developed ring gear failure at 220,000 miles. Donor vehicle identified as F-450 Super Duty (heavy-duty pickup application), gear ratio confirmed as 4.10, axle shaft spline count verified at 35 splines, differential type documented as open, locking hub function tested clean. Honest pre-purchase information about Dana 70 normally being a REAR axle (most common) vs the specialized FRONT axle configuration (this listing) used primarily in military tactical vehicles and heavy-duty 4×4 dually pickup applications.