Guys I need some assistance.Last week I bought a 2003 1-ton cargo van for work.I wanted tilt cruise windows and locks with no glass in the side or rear doors.Unfortunately we couldnt find one in the U.S with a 4.10 and L/S like I wanted.I had to settle for 3.73s.I tow a heavy trailer and really need 4.10 to offset having the 6.0 liter.Big-blocks are no longer available in a van.Well I decided to buy it and swap to the deeper gear.I climbed under the van and lo and behold it has a Dana 70 .Well I called 3 local 4x4 shops to do the swap and they all told we it has a 14-bolt.I told them Dana is stamped on the diff cover and the pumpkin.They treated me like I was retarded and said they cant help me.I called the stealer and they can order it but want almost $700.00 for it.Does anyone know where I can get a ring&pinion for a Dana 70 that is more affordable.Any help would be much appreciated.

 

a Dana 70 ??....I'm not in any way calling you retarded but GM has been using AAM (American Axle Manufacturing...aka "Corporate") rear axles exclusivly since around 1987....even the 1 tons are AAM 14 bolt full floaters

the Dana 70 diff cover looks like this...


and the AAM 14 bolt looks like this...


they are VERY similar

 

Thanks for the response.The pic you posted is similar to what I have other than mine has 12 bolts instead of 10.Its definitely not a 14-bolt.I was shocked when I saw Dana stamped in the pumpkin and on the diff cover.Ive had several 3/4 and 1 ton chevys and they all had a 14-bolt.The sticker on the axle tube says Dana 70S.I struck out at all aftermarket vendors so I went to the dealer.The service manager made a call and informed me that it is a Dana 70 hybrid that just came out in 03 3500 vans.He said GM wanted a stronger axle for the upcoming Duramax option.I used my discount but it was still $475.00(ouch).They said it could take up to 2 weeks to get it though.I hate paying that much but at least I confirmed Im not crazy.

 

wow...a REAL D70 in a new truck...that's cool...and pretty much bulletproof

I've beat hard on D60's with deisels and big blocks before and those are pretty much unbreakable.....that D70 should last a LONG time behind ANYTHING you want to put under the hood of that van (you'll twist a driveshaft or spit a u-joint before you even get housing deflection with that thing !!)

BTW...is that coil-sprung or leaf-sprung....if it's leaf sprung I may be looking for one for a future swap

 

Leaf spring suspended.It is a very stout looking piece.I think the van axle is 3-inches wider than a pickup axle.I would post a pic if I knew how.