dodge dakota rear ends?

[rickyracer1962]

anybody know anything about the rear ends in 87-90 dodge dakotas? what type are they? what are the most common gear ratios? etc. is it a dana rear end?

[yorgatron]

BTTT for tech.

[flyin'eye]

Look for a 4 cylinder Dakota, most of them came with 3.91 gears.

[DRD57]

I had a '93 Dakota. I put 154,000 miles on it in 9 years. The only thing that ever gave me trouble on it was the rear end. It needed a complete rebuild at about 90k, bearings, seals, carrier, gears and all. I swapped a used one in to save a few bucks but even that was hard to find.

They're weak. Most came with the 8 1/4" rear that Chrysler has been using in 6 cyl and small V8 vehicles since the 60's or 70's. Gear ratios vary. The lowest stock gears I've seen were 3.91. My Dakota had a 3.55 Sure Grip.

If you want to use a MoPar rear end in a hot rod the 8 3/4", 9 1/4". or the 9 3/4" Dana 60 are the ones to use.

[rickyracer1962]

how does the u-joint mount up? does it un-bolt from a 4 hole flange? or does it take the little u-bolts?

[DRD57]

I don't remember. The Dakota's gone. I traded it in on a new Ram1500 in January.

[Curly]

My wifes got a '93. No problems with it yet. Its a 4 banger and it has 4 bolts with two straps...no U-bolts in it. Hope this helps. Gotta say I have'nt seen many in the yards though?

[AHotRod]

My buddy has a '99 Dakota RT 360, mildley modified, truck came from the factory with a 3.91-1 posi. He beats the shit out of it on the street and strip. NO problems at all.

[SKR8PN]

I drive a 1997,3.9,4x4 5 speed and beat the shit outta it every day. It's got a 3.91 sure grip w/10 inch brakes.Got the four bolt,two strap set-up AND.... ABS on the ring gear.
I have had to swap out a few of these, and rebuild a few,as a matter of fact,I am looking for a complete rearend assy for a 2000 full size van as we speak...........$.02