Is the only vehicle I can get a donor read axle from another 1st gen dak? Will a rear axle from anything else go in as a bolt-in?

I am asking, as it seems that I have both a rear wheel bearing and a pinion bearing going, going, gone...

I figure it would be easier and cheaper, in the long run, to just swap out the rear axle...

 

Here are the differences between gen 1 and 2 and I'll let you decide...

The gen 1 offers the 7 1/4 or 8 1/4 rear axle. The 7 1/4 is weak, the 8 1/4 can put up with a good amount of abuse.

The gen 2 offers the 8 1/4 or 9 1/4, both are strong, but the 9 1/4 is much stronger. The gen 2s are wider than the gen 1 by 1 inch (1/2 inch on each side). This is because the gen 2 daks have a bigger body on them. Also the gen 2 has opposing shock mounts (one facing forward, one facing rearward).

So the simple answer is no, its not a direct bolt in, a bit of welding is required, but just the shock mounts. If you can weld or know someone who can weld or don't mind paying someone to weld them in, its a very easy swap.

 

gen-2 is not a good swap cause there offset and the driversside wheels stick out more then the passs side. I know for a fact cause I have one in my gen-1. I would find one out of a gen-1 or a or b body dodge 8 3/4 there way stronger. good luck to you..

 

I have a gen 2 9 1/4 inch under my truck and it is fine... of course I welded the spring perches on it myself, so I can't speak for how they are as a direct swap, but consider this... when I lined it up to weld the perches on, I measured from the brake backing plate on each side to the perch and got them even, but our drivetrains are also offset to the passenger side, so I would assume the factory would measure it out the same way I did.

 

Yes thats fine but the axle is still off center. I had both rear ends out and on the floor and the gen2 rear end center section is of centered were the gen1 is centered.
So your gen2 axle must be centered in your truck but if you look close the drive shaft is not centered. if your looking at it from the rear view it will be off the the right.
not that it matters any. thats the only differance in the two. my gen1 rear end was centered and the axle tubes are the same length. thats my view on this.

 

Thanks for the info. Luckily, I found a local yard that has a couple of 8.25" 3.55 rear-ends straight out of 1st gen's, pulled and ready. $250 each...