American Axle & Manufacturing Differential

AAM Differentials: Genuine OE Engineering for Trucks and SUVs

When it comes to differential assemblies, few names carry the OEM credibility of American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM). Founded in 1994 from the roots of GM's own Final Drive and Forge Business Unit, AAM was built from the ground up to engineer and manufacture the very axle and differential systems that roll off the factory floor in some of America's most iconic trucks and SUVs. That heritage translates directly into the differential products the brand brings to the aftermarket.

The TracRite Differential Family

AAM's flagship differential product line for the aftermarket is its TracRite portfolio. AAM Aftermarket offers three versions of TracRite differentials: the TracRite GT, the TracRite GTL, and the TracRite EL, giving owners options ranging from traction-enhancing limited-slip performance to full locking capability. These aren't adapted aftermarket designs — they are the same traction-enhancing and locking differential technologies engineered by AAM for OEM vehicle platforms, now made available as direct replacement and upgrade components.

OE-Grade Differential Components for GM and RAM Platforms

AAM's differential catalog is particularly deep for GM and Chrysler/RAM truck applications. Their Driveline segment covers front and rear differential assemblies, differential cases, ring and pinion gear sets, spider gear kits, loaded carriers, and differential covers — all built to OE tolerances. Notable fitments include the heavy-duty 11.5" and 11.8" rear axle differentials used in GM and RAM HD trucks, the popular 10.5" 14-bolt full-floating rear differential found in 3/4- and 1-ton trucks, and the 9.25" front and 9.5" rear axle differentials common across a wide range of GM light-duty applications.

Why OE Quality Matters in a Differential

A differential is one of the most precision-sensitive components in a vehicle's driveline. AAM's manufacturing operations — from heat treating and sealing to gear cutting — use proprietary processes designed to meet exact noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) specifications set by the vehicle manufacturer. Using a non-OE differential component risks introducing unwanted noise, vibration, or degraded handling — issues that AAM's genuine parts are engineered to prevent. Each AAM differential component is designed, tested, and validated to the vehicle manufacturer's exact specifications before it ever reaches the installer.

Metal Forming Precision Behind Every Differential

AAM's Metal Forming segment further reinforces the quality of its differential products, producing ring and pinion gears, differential gears and assemblies, and axle shafts with the same precision used on original equipment production lines. This end-to-end manufacturing capability means AAM controls quality from raw material to finished differential assembly — a level of integration few aftermarket suppliers can match.

Whether you're rebuilding a heavy-duty work truck or restoring proper traction to a high-mileage SUV, AAM differential components deliver the fit, function, and durability of the original part. Browse the full selection of differentials or explore everything American Axle & Manufacturing has to offer.