differential rear axle identification? how?

I tried to check my size of the differential by looking at the vin sticker on the the front door and I did not see it.
I also looked in the glove box

I looked at the differential but saw nothing because it is so dirty

how do I find the differential size on a 1996 dodge ram van 3500 5.9L 360 v8

how do I find the differential size on a 1996 dodge ram van 3500 5.9L 360 v8

There should be a metal tag with the ratio stamped into it, under one of the differential cover bolts.

the vin number is on your tittle or you can see it on the left side dash which would be drivers side. and he's right there should be a tag on one of the bolts on cover of rear end unless someone removed it. also look under hood at all the stickers because i have one and there's all kinds of info for your vehicle.

If the tag is missing, you can go to a dealer with your VIN and have them print out a build sheet for your van. This will give you all of the particulars/options that went into your van including the rear end.

I ,m confused about my rear axle-the sticker under the hood says 6200# spicer but the data on the 10 bolt rear cover of the axle says dana 13788 1b37 rev n 09 1 95
this is on a 1998 dodge 3500 maxi van---I need to change the axle seal that's leaking oil on the brakes -making them stick and grab----want to get parts to fix -not sure what axle it is-??????

Rockauto shows 2 very similar axles used in this truck. It looks as if you must measure the axle shaft and axle tube inside diameter to find the right one. Here is what they say:

1998 DODGE B3500 VAN 5.9L 360cid V8 MFI (Z) OHV : Drivetrain : Axle Shaft Seal

SKF Part # 16404 Alternate/OEM Part Numbers1241990, 14003417, 16044, 26047378, 2931875, 3833648, 3843648, 3958078, 3989505, 3989506, 3989584, 3989585, 4137426, E3TW1177A1A, E3TW1177A2A, E3TW1177AA, E3TZ1177A, E3TZ1S177A, ZZL126157, ZZL126175, ZZLO26157A} Outside diameter=2.5790"; Width=.500"; Shaft=1.618"; Bore=2.575IN
Base; 8.250'' & 8.375'' Ring Gear; 2 required per vehicle; Rear
Base; 9.25" Ring Gear w/o H.D. Axle; 2 required per vehicle; Rear

CAD$2.51

SKF Part # 17100 Alternate/OEM Part Numbers4137314, 5137587AA, 88982518, E0TZ1177A, E0TZ1S177A, E5TW11776, E5TW1177AA, F74Z1177A, F7UZ1177A, F7UZ1S177A} Width=.500"; Shaft=1.704"; Outside diameter=3.0390"; Bore=3.034IN
Base; 9.25" Ring Gear w/H.D. Axle; 2 required per vehicle; Rear

thanks for the info--I had measured theoutside of the tube before it was about 3 1/4"
I'll drain the differential to pull the axles but I wanted to get the parts to fix beforehand
'cause I'm doing this outside(dust and windy) here now-

I should have removed the wheels before I asked a question--it's a fully floating axle.
According to the book I have it's designated a 248 RBI (rear beam-design Iron )
I hope that # works to get the right parts I need
Thanks again for your help-hope I can help others also

but the data on the 10 bolt rear cover of the axle says dana

this is on a 1998 dodge 3500 maxi van

I'm fairly certain you have the 9-3/4 Dana rear axle as shown in this picture:

http://www.moparts.org/Tech/Archive/axle/pic/axle.jpg

Thanks Alloro -:grinyes: I think that's it-I put it back together to use for work...I'll have to clean it up again but I'll have the parts next time--just hope it makes it to the weekend before oiling my brakes again...

Thanks Alloro for the nifty Mopar Rear Axle Spotters Guide. Sure
makes it easier to see what's there. Also to the poster who suggested
taking the VIN to dealer and having a build sheet printout. Thanks for
the tips....