I recently took out one of the front half shafts in my 1st gen and then stumbled upon a 99' Dakota 4x4 that I can get any parts I want off of. I was wondering if the late model half shafts are the same as my first gen. If they are I will snag them both so I have a spare for the other side. If not I guess I will splurge and buy new ones. If anyone happens to know if they are the same that would be great. Also is the steering linkage the same (idler arm, center link, tie rod ends etc.) I will grab all of this for trail spares if this stuff will interchange.

 

I don't think they are. The 1st gen front axle was a corporate 7.25" and the later models I believe used a dana front axle. If I'm wrong someone correct me.

 

I didn't figure they were the same, but I will check back later just in case someone else has some more input. I was just trying to get by cheap till I get my Ford half tons under this spring after I finish my Scout II and my Jeep.

 

I just about forgot is the steering linkage the same. I have already done some damage to mine so I suspect it will happen again.

 

I agree they probably will not work. You can always go to www.autozone.com and check the part numbers to see if they are the same. I checked they are not.

 

Thanks for taking the time, I actually had just done that and saw that they were different. I guess I will just go buy some more to break.