Dorman 697-408 Differential Ring and Pinion - Front

Differential Ring and Pinion for Dana 44 Front Axles

Dorman 697-408 is a standard replacement differential ring and pinion for specific Ford front Dana 44 applications. It is built to replace the original equipment gear set on select 1975-1979 Ford trucks and SUVs with a 3.73 axle ratio and reverse rotation setup.

• Gear ratio: 4
• Standard replacement grade for OE-style service
• Direct replacement for specific front Dana 44 axle applications
• Package contents: ring gear and pinion gear
• Part number: 697-408

Fitment Details

Compatible with select Ford front axle applications, including Fits 1978-1979 Ford Bronco, front; Fits 1975-1979 Ford F-100, front; Fits 1975-1979 Ford F-150, front; Fits 1975-1979 Ford F-250, front; and Fits 1978-1979 Ford F-350, front. These applications use a Dana 44 axle with 3.73 axle ratio, reverse rotation, and a carrier break at 3.73/3.92.

This part cross-references ZG D44R-373R for the same application.

What This Part Helps Address

• Worn or damaged ring and pinion gears in the front differential
• Gear noise caused by excessive wear or incorrect tooth contact
• Loss of proper axle ratio after differential service
• Need for OE-style replacement on Dana 44 front axle setups
• Restoration of driveline function on Ford Bronco and Ford F-Series trucks

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify axle type, carrier break, rotation direction, and ratio before installation. This Dorman 697-408 set is for front Dana 44 applications with a 3.73 ratio and reverse rotation, so matching the original axle configuration is critical for proper setup. Professional differential setup is recommended to ensure correct backlash, bearing preload, and gear pattern.

Quality Assurance

Dorman supplies this as a standard replacement part engineered to directly replace the original equipment on the listed Ford applications. The part number 697-408 is intended for specific vehicle years, makes, and models with confirmed fitment.