I'm exploring wrecker options for a rearend for my Volare with better gears, ie. 3:55 - 3:73 ish. Someone suggested a 1st generation Dakota rear could be adapted without too much difficulty. What size of rearend came in first gen Daks, what ratio options were there and most importantly how wide is it to the outside of the brake drums. The lug pattern is 5 on 4 1/2 right?

 

The spring perch center to center will fit but if I remember the dakota is 2" wider drum to drum