Axles - Differentials | 2020-2024 Ford 6.7 Powerstroke

When it comes to axles, Ford's always been known to go big, no doubt about that. Even back when the SuperDuty was first unveiled, the Single Rear Wheel applications adorned a 10.5" rear end, and the DRW's getting a beefy Dana 80. As payloads and torque output have increased over the years, Ford has made numerous upgrades to the axles to match the new, larger demand. The release of the 2020 model years did bring carryover from the previous 2017-2019 model years, but that's to no surprise as much of this generation was more of a makeover than a full reconstruction. That said, the 2023 model years brought about some surprises and changes, but first, lets look at what you can usually expect from a 2020-2022 model year. 

Through 2022 model years, the front of the four wheel drive models are equipped with the robust Dana Super 60 and two wheel drives have the traditional Ford Twin I-Beam IFS. For 2023 models, Ford began using Dana Metric 256. We're told that some models are still equipped with the Super 60, but we haven't seen one as of yet. Now, how can you tell the difference between the two if you're ordering up gears, or just a differential cover? Easy! The Dana Super 60's will feature 10 bolts that secure the differential cover to the housing. Conversely, the M256 has 14 bolts.

Out back is where changes come to the table depending on the capacity. For the 2020-2022 model years, the F-250's are adorned with a 10.5" Ford Sterling rear axle. On the F-350 Single Rear Wheel (SRW) models, they're running a Ford and Dana collaboratively built M275. Once you jump up to a Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) F-350 or F-450, you'll be getting a massive Dana M300, featuring a 4.5" axle tube. And to make things even more confusing, beginning in 2023 model years, Ford began using various rear axles depending on the particular package of the truck and seemingly...the day of the week (joking, but not joking!). We have seen both F-250 and F-350 SRW trucks have the newer Dana M275, Dana M300, and the 295mm axles. Again, we're told that some applications will still have the 10.5", but have yet to confirm. The best estimate for which rear axle a truck will have based on its build and GVWR is that a standard F-250 should have the Sterling 10.5", an F-250 with the Tremor Package and/or the High Capacity Tow Package will have the Dana M275, an F-350 Single Rear Wheel will also have the Dana M275, and F-350 / F-450 Dual Rear Wheel will have the Dana 300.

Okay, so how do you tell which rear axle you have without looking at the build sheet? Starting with the Dana 275mm, this has a 4" diameter axle tube, 14 bolt differential cover, and 14 bolt 10.8" ring gear. The Dana M300 has a 4.5" diameter axle tube and also a 14 bolt cover, but a massive 11.8" ring gear. And the final option is a 295mm axle with an 11.6" ring gear but this one has a 16 bolt cover compared to the other two with only 14 bolt covers. 

Depending on which axle you have, there are several ring and pinion gear ratio options, but for the most part, due to both the 10-speed transmission and to reduce RPM in an effort to increase fuel economy, most are relatively high ratios. Especially for those looking to increase tire size, installing a lower gear ratio will deliver optimal results.

Besides replacing the ring and pinion, we also offer numerous other upgrades, such as ARB Air Lockers, rebuild kits, and so much more. As always, if you have any questions about which product is right for you and your truck don't hesitate to give us a call or send us an e-mail to [email protected] and we would be happy to help.

Videos

Not Available

Not Available