How do I tell if my Dana axle is a limited slip from the tag?

Limited slip assemblies are marked with "L-S" (first tag style, lower right) or "LS" (second tag style, upper right). These markings are included on limited slip assemblies only.

Where is the axle ratio shown on a Dana differential tag?

On the first tag style, the ratio is stamped in the upper left in the format "0 00". On the second tag style, the ratio appears in the lower left.

What does the number like 000000-00 on the Dana tag mean?

That is the Bill of Material number. It appears on the lower left of the first tag style and lower right (format 000000-0) of the second tag style.

What is the 0000-000 number on the tag?

It is the Axle Assembly number followed by a Suffix, shown in the upper right of the first tag style.

What is the 00000000 number on the second tag style?

It is the Dealer ID Code number, located in the upper left of the second tag layout.

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Dana Differential Tag Decoder - Axle Ratio, BOM & Limited Slip ID Diagram

Diagram of Dana differential ID tags explaining ratio, axle assembly number and limited-slip codes

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Reference diagram of Dana differential identification tags decoding the gear ratio, bill-of-material, axle assembly number and limited-slip codes.

AI caption June 2013 · Photo 985 of 1095

This document is a labeled reference diagram titled "Dana Differential Tags," showing how to decode the metal identification tags found on Dana differential/axle assemblies. Two tag formats are illustrated side by side. The first (left) tag layout shows the gear Ratio in the upper left (format "0 00"), the Axle Assembly number with its Suffix in the upper right (format "0000-000"), the Bill of Material number on the lower left (format "000000-00"), and an "L-S" marking on the lower right that appears only on limited slip assemblies. The second (right) tag layout shows a Dealer ID Code number in the upper left (format "00000000"), an "LS" marking in the upper right (again only on limited slip assemblies), the Ratio in the lower left ("0 00"), and the Bill of Material number in the lower right ("000000-0"). Both tags are drawn as rectangular plates with mounting holes at each end. A reader can use this chart to locate and interpret the stamped fields on their Dana axle tag — identifying the axle ratio, bill of material number, axle assembly number, and whether the axle was built as a limited slip unit. The document itself states no year, make, or model applicability.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I tell if my Dana axle is a limited slip from the tag?: Limited slip assemblies are marked with "L-S" (first tag style, lower right) or "LS" (second tag style, upper right). These markings are included on limited slip assemblies only.
Where is the axle ratio shown on a Dana differential tag?: On the first tag style, the ratio is stamped in the upper left in the format "0 00". On the second tag style, the ratio appears in the lower left.
What does the number like 000000-00 on the Dana tag mean?: That is the Bill of Material number. It appears on the lower left of the first tag style and lower right (format 000000-0) of the second tag style.
What is the 0000-000 number on the tag?: It is the Axle Assembly number followed by a Suffix, shown in the upper right of the first tag style.
What is the 00000000 number on the second tag style?: It is the Dealer ID Code number, located in the upper left of the second tag layout.