[John Bush]

Hi all,

If anyone can help me here, I'd be forever indebted. I have a 1973 Dodge B300 Tradesman Maxivan that was converted into a camper. On a trip recently, the bearings failed and stripped the whole hub. I need an entire new rear axle assembly. I found one in a yard in a '73 Tradesman, but it's not the Maxivan. I'm trying to figure out if it should work and fit.

To my knowledge, the only difference between the Tradesman Maxivan and the Tradesman was that the Maxivan had 18 inches of additional length aft of the rear axle.

Should a rear axle from a 73 Tradesman work and fit in mine? THANK YOU!!

 

[dana44]

Break out a tape measure and measure full width, spring width, and width of the U-joint. I believe they are the same as you said, length of the van itself, but this will guarantee a good fit.

 

[John Bush]

Break out a tape measure and measure full width, spring width, and width of the U-joint. I believe they are the same as you said, length of the van itself, but this will guarantee a good fit.

Thank you! The length of the two vans is different. The Maxivan is 18 inches longer than the Tradesman, but I feel like they should still both have the same axle assembly - one just has a longer body. Is that bad thinking?

Thanks for your suggestions. Unfortunately, the part is about 500 miles away from me, so I'll relay this to the guy in the yard to see if he can help, but it's been a struggle so far.

Also, here's a link to photos of the van: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2k4N3CrgpLgTHdpaDRZc18wX1E

 

[dana44]

Nice. Yeah, it is always best to verify these measurements no matter what, that way you can't say you overlooked what is obvious.

 

[pt006]

John; you're looking for a B-300 [1 ton] Dana 60 full floating rear end. I think any Dodge van [but NOT from a pick-up truck] rear end from 1971 thru 1977 [and maybe even later] will fit. Be careful, there are ratios up to 4:88 to 1. The 3.54 makes a good ratio for yours. Hollanders manual is the place to check to be sure.

Nice van! What brand of roof lift is that? And does it leak while driving in the rain?

 

[A-Body]

If rear end not found yet, I have what you are looking for and it does have a 3.54 gear in it. Also have a 4.10 gear set, set aside. Came out of my "COOL" 72" maxi. Also have 1 1/4 rear springs for it. Takes away the known sag they are famous for. 954-457-9492