is there anyway way to put 3/4ton diffs in my dakota with out doing a solid axle swap? i would like to do this because im not really looking for hight just as long as i can fit 33s im fine but i would like a tougher axle.

 

Guess I dont understand the question. You want 3/4 ton axles but dont want to switch axles?

If your only going to run 33's and do light to moderate wheeling you should be fine with what you have.

 

Yeah, the little 8.25 can easily handle 33s, just look at Crazy's truck. But you cannot swap internal parts of axle assemblies with those of a different axle assembly.

 

Ya I got 33's and I don't go easy on my truck.

 

Ya I was worried the 1/2 ton axles wouldn't hold up.just for the fact I climb alot of hills play and the mudd and alway am pulling stuff or have the truck loaded down with something.but that's good knees that they should hold up.

I was just looking to replace the front and rear axle but trying to keep the same stock set up just with 3/4 ton diffs so keeping indipendant suspension up front but looks like I wount have to.

 

There is no front axle to upgrade to while keeping the IFS. So if you did want to upgrade the front axle your only choice is solid axle swap. Or custom axle but that will be expensive, ($3,000-up). But on the rear you can upgrade to any axle. It is up to you what kind. The best is a 9.25 from a 97-up Dakota or Durango. Keep in mind a full size truck axle will widen the width (Not to bad though). And may need welding for shocks mounts or spring perches.

But like I said these axles can take anything you throw at it. Trust me! Just as long as your ring and pinion and everything is setup correctly and in good shape.

 

okay cool.. do your 33s rub at all also have you done a suspension lift or just body? im looking at a 3 inch suspension lift then cranking the front torsions and getting a heaver duty leaf pack in the back so any ideas?

 

I only get rubbing at full lock steering. Just back the steering wheel 1/4 in and its okay. I have 2-3 suspension lift with 2in body. Your plan sounds good.

 

so if i do what i plan on doing i should get any rubbing? well very little..im thinking about 31s im not to sure yet but i do need tougher back springs for sure.

and if all else fails im getting an old cummins and doing a body swap so my dakota is sitting on a 1 ton frame. nothing to special about it but its nore or less the cheap way out of trying to put a cummins in to the dakota frame.

 

It is the width of the tire that makes it rub. So mine is 12.5in wide. Several people on here have said with 10.5 wide theirs do not rub.