AAM 11.5 Rear Truss 3.5 inch

The Artec Industries AAM 11.5 Rear Truss is a full-width, weld-on reinforcement plate for the American Axle 11.5" rear end used under heavy-duty GM and Ram diesels. It ties the two axle tubes and the differential together into one rigid structure so the housing can survive 40-inch tires, hard landings, and the twisting loads that bend a stock 1-ton tube. This is the version cut for a 3.5" axle tube.

Key Features

• 3/8" mild steel truss top with 1/4" mild steel gussets for maximum resistance to bending and axle wrap
• Interlocked 1/4"-thick gussets that self-jig for straightforward, repeatable welding
• Full-width design that spans the entire axle to reinforce both tubes, not just the center section
• Low-profile top that keeps upper-link joints roughly 9 inches from the axle centerline for ideal link geometry
• Precision CNC cut and bent to wrap the housing closely for a clean, tight fit
• Flat mounting surface for upper control-link brackets on a custom 3-link or 4-link build

Fitment & Compatibility

Fits the AAM (American Axle & Manufacturing) 11.5" rear axle with a 3.5" diameter axle tube, found under GM/Chevrolet/GMC 2500 and 3500 trucks (2001 and up) and Dodge/Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks (2003 and up). Intended for custom link-suspension and axle-swap builds. Confirm your tube diameter measures 3.5" before ordering, as AAM housings were produced in more than one tube size.

Specifications

What's in the Box

• AAM 11.5 truss top plate
• Interlocking 1/4" steel gussets

Frequently Asked Questions

Which trucks use the AAM 11.5 rear axle this truss fits?
The 11.5" American Axle rear end is the factory 1-ton axle under GM 2500/3500 trucks from 2001-up and Dodge/Ram 2500/3500 trucks from 2003-up. This truss is cut for the 3.5" tube version of that housing.

Does the truss have to be welded on?
Yes. It is a weld-on reinforcement. The interlocking gussets help hold everything in alignment while you tack and finish-weld, but installation requires a competent MIG or TIG welder and full-penetration welds to the axle tubes.

Can I mount my suspension links to it?
Yes. The low-profile top gives you a flat, strong surface to locate upper-link brackets about 9 inches off the axle centerline for good 3-link or 4-link geometry. Pair it with Artec Truss Upper Link Mounts to finish the upper-link mounting.

What else do I need for a link conversion?
For a bolt-together link setup on an Artec truss, the Easy 3-Link Kit F is designed to work with Artec trusses and takes the guesswork out of bracket placement.

Will it clear my differential cover?
The truss is designed to wrap the housing and clear a standard AAM 11.5 cover. Aftermarket covers with large fins should be test-fit before final welding.