I have a 96 Dakota with a 3.9 V6 auto transmission. I'm planning on swapping out the the v6 for a v8 later down the road this year. I'm getting a 318 or a 360. Anyways my question is will my rear end be able to withstand the torque and additional horsepower with the bigger motor on the stock rear end or will I need to replace the rear end to handle the motor? I'm a complete noob when it comes to rear ends so forgive me if its a dumb question.

 

It depends on what rear axle you have. If its the 7.25", you should get that upgraded to an 8.25 or 9.25. If it is an 8.25, you're fine, but if you really want to could upgrade it to a 9.25. The 9.25 is only available on the 2nd gens.

 

Well I'd prefer to not upgrade if I don't have to. I will if I have to but I'd rather not. Ill check tomorrow morning to see which I have. Thanks.

 

And to add one thing, you will need to upgrade your transmission.

 

Yea I'm aware of that. The transmisson will becoming from the donor vehicle as will the motor and ever essential thing I need. Thanks anyways though. I always love to see people that wanna help

 

Ok my axle is 7.25 so ill need to replace it. Will the axle from the donor vehicle work in my truck if its a van, jeep, ram, or durango? Or am I'm going to need to purchase an axle from somewhere that will work in my dakota?

 

Yes the donor axle can work. But depending on where it comes from you may need to change the drive-shaft or brake fittings or something. Durango and Dakota axles should all be an easy swap in.