Dana Transmission Part Number Guide: How to Read and Identify Your Unit

Introduction

When an off-highway transmission fails, time is money. Whether you’re a fleet manager, equipment shop, or field technician, the fastest way to get the right replacement unit is to correctly identify your Dana transmission by part number. The problem is that Dana part numbers can look confusing at first glance – a string of digits that seems random but actually tells you everything about the unit.

This guide breaks down how Dana transmission part numbers work, where to find them on the unit, and how to use that number to source a remanufactured replacement quickly.

Who Makes Dana Transmissions?

Dana Incorporated is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of drivetrain components for off-highway equipment. Their transmissions are found in an enormous range of machines – telehandlers, articulated dump trucks, wheel loaders, skid steers, forklifts, and aerial work platforms – made by manufacturers including:

  • JLG
  • Lull
  • SkyJack
  • Gehl
  • Moxy
  • JCB
  • Gradall
  • And many others

Because Dana supplies transmissions to so many OEMs, the same Dana transmission unit may carry both a Dana part number and an OEM (equipment manufacturer) part number. Knowing both – or knowing how to cross-reference one to the other – is key to ordering the right replacement.

Where to Find the Dana Transmission Part Number

Before you can decode a part number, you need to find it. On most Dana off-highway transmissions, the part number is stamped or printed on a metal data tag affixed to the transmission housing. Depending on the unit and age, this tag may be located:

  • On the side of the transmission housing – the most common location
  • On the top of the casing – found on some older units
  • Near the output shaft or input flange – on certain model families

The data tag typically includes:

  • The Dana model number (e.g., T16000, T20000, 4WG98)
  • The assembly part number
  • The serial number
  • Date of manufacture

If the tag is missing, damaged, or unreadable – which happens often on heavily used equipment – you can cross-reference using the OEM part number stamped elsewhere on the machine, or by providing the equipment make, model, and serial number to a drivetrain specialist.

How Dana Transmission Part Numbers Are Structured

Dana uses several numbering formats depending on the transmission family and the era of manufacture. Here’s what you’ll commonly encounter:

Format 1: Pure Numeric (Dana Direct Part Numbers)

Examples: 10053545, 10082418, 10085251

These are Dana’s own internal part numbers. They typically begin with 100 for many off-highway transmission assemblies. The full number identifies the exact assembly configuration — ratio, input/output configuration, and options. Even one digit difference can mean a completely different unit, so accuracy here is critical.

Format 2: OEM-Assigned Part Numbers

Examples: 100403 (Gehl), 1001001670 (JLG)

When an OEM like Gehl or JLG sources a Dana transmission for their equipment, they often assign their own part number to that assembly. These OEM numbers are what you’ll find in the equipment’s parts manual. Suppliers like CTP Reman maintain cross-reference databases that link OEM numbers back to the Dana assembly number.

Format 3: Dana Model Series Names

Examples: T16000, T20000, 4WG98, T12000

These are Dana’s transmission model family names – you’ll see them on the data tag alongside the part number. The model name tells you the general series, while the full part number specifies the exact configuration within that series. For example:

  • T16000 series — commonly found in Gehl and Lull telehandlers
  • T20000 series — used in larger telehandler and loader applications
  • 4WG98 — found in JLG boom lift applications
  • T12000 — lighter-duty telehandler and utility vehicle applications

Why One Digit Off Matters

This is one of the most important things to understand when ordering a Dana transmission: part numbers are exact. A single digit difference between two numbers can mean:

  • A different gear ratio
  • A different input or output flange configuration
  • A different rotation direction
  • A different mounting pattern

Ordering the wrong unit – even one that looks nearly identical – can result in a transmission that physically won’t bolt in, or one that connects but operates incorrectly. Always confirm the full part number before ordering, and when in doubt, provide the equipment make, model, and serial number so a specialist can verify the correct unit.

Cross-Referencing Dana Part Numbers to OEM Numbers

If you only have the OEM part number — for example, from a John Deere or Case parts manual — and need to find the Dana equivalent, here’s how to approach it:

  1. Check the equipment parts manual – most OEM manuals list both the OEM part number and the supplier (Dana) part number in the same line item
  2. Look up the equipment serial number – some OEM parts lookup tools will return the transmission part number when you enter the machine serial number
  3. Contact a drivetrain specialist – suppliers who specialize in Dana transmissions maintain cross-reference databases built from years of parts sourcing. Providing the machine make, model, year, and serial number is usually enough to identify the correct unit

Remanufactured Dana Transmissions: What to Look For

Once you’ve identified your part number, you have three options: new OEM, used, or remanufactured. For off-highway transmissions, remanufactured is almost always the most practical choice for one simple reason – new Dana off-highway transmissions are expensive and often have long lead times, while used units come with unknown history and no warranty.

A quality remanufactured Dana transmission should offer:

  • Full disassembly and inspection – every component examined, not just the obvious failure point
  • Replacement of all wear items – seals, bearings, clutch packs, and friction materials replaced as standard
  • OEM specification rebuild – torque specs, clearances, and settings restored to factory standard
  • Testing before shipment – the unit should be tested or at minimum inspected under load before it goes out the door
  • A warranty – any reputable remanufacturer stands behind their work

How to Order a Replacement Dana Transmission

When you’re ready to source a replacement, have the following information ready:

  • Full Dana part number from the data tag (preferred)
  • OEM part number from the parts manual (if Dana number is unavailable)
  • Equipment make and model (e.g., JLG 600S, Lull 1044C-54, Gehl RS8-42)
  • Equipment serial number – this is the most reliable way to confirm the exact spec
  • Year of manufacture – some models changed transmission specs mid-production run

The more of these you can provide, the faster a specialist can confirm the right unit and get it on its way to you.

Summary

Dana off-highway transmissions power some of the most widely used construction and material handling equipment in the world. Their part numbering system – while straightforward once you understand it – requires careful attention to get exactly right. Key takeaways:

  • Find the data tag on the transmission housing and record the full part number
  • Dana numbers and OEM numbers are different – know which one you have
  • One digit off can mean the wrong unit – always verify before ordering
  • When the tag is missing, use the equipment serial number to cross-reference
  • Remanufactured Dana transmissions offer the best value for most replacement situations

CTP Reman stocks over 790 remanufactured Dana transmission units for off-highway equipment. If you know your part number or just have a machine make and model, our drivetrain specialists can help you find the right unit fast. Call (860) 253-3561 or email offhighway@camerota.com.

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