ok so here is my situation. Ihave built a 408 stroker 10.5 compression made 436hp/479tq on engine dyno. My original plans were to put it in a 94 grand cherokee but it ran half way decent so I sold it and ran across a 93 dakota 4x4 with a 318 that doesnt run for only $400. i am wondering how well the rest of the drivetrain is gonna hold up mostly the ifs axle . I am gonna lift the truck and put 35's on it but i have a local strip i like to go to and would like to take it out there. Just wondering if anyone out there has done this before with any luck. As always thanks guys

 

Sounds like a sweet project! Well the rear axle is a Chry. 8.25. It can handle the power, it has been compared to a Dana 44 by one of the Offroad Magazines.

The front is a Chry 7.25. Which is a small size but with the front only used when in 4wd. It may be able to handle it. So each axle will basically see 212hp/239tq. But when in 4Low that will be some serious torque.

The rear axle is easy to upgrade. A simple swap to a Chry. 9.25 from a 2nd Gen Dakota, or a Durango.

Don't forget get a locker too. The 8.25 has a selectable locker. The 9.25 only has the powertrax lockers. Which are full time automatic lockers. I got one I love it!

The front axle is not easily upgradeable.

As for lifts, you can do lift keys and body lift that that will get you close to using 35's with a little fender cutting.

To me I say the 35's are pushing the limits of the front axle. We have one guy who has 38's on his truck. The spiders are giving out.

For the lift kits and tons more Modification Ideas check the FAQ2 in this section.

We have 1 or 2 guys who have put a 408 in his truck. I'm not sure if he upgraded the axle. Both were 2wd.

We have 1 guy 95 318SLT who is building a 408 for his 2wd. He needs to put it in the 4wd!

OH yea post up TONS of pics!

 

Now why did you have to go and say that! I've been going around with the idea of swapping engines later down the road when this project gets on its way. It won't be until the body is back on the frame and painted though. But I was considering building a very mild 408 for the 4x4 to turn those 37s, and then building a 390 out of the 318 for the 2wd. Now you have me thinking about it again!! lol.

To the OP - can you give any info about the cam, heads, intake, etc. that went into that engine? It does sound like a sweet project, and like Crazy4x4RT said, take LOTS of pictures!

My advise is to find a 2nd gen dak 9.25" rear end and lock it, but you don't have to, it would just be stronger and have better brakes on it.

 

i have an eagle 4.00" crank, scat h beam rods, pistons are 4.030 wiescos with moly rings,all bearings are clevite, cam is a mopar performance flat tappet with .284 duration and i believe .528 lift ,,i have comp 1.6 roller rockers, intake is a weiand dual plane manifold, carb is a 800cfm edelbrock it might be a lil bit overkill but it was laying around my shop, ignition is a mopar performance electric distributor and 8000rpm box, i got a windage tray and lifter valley oil baffles with edelbrock performer rpm aluminum heads. that's bout all i cant think of i know there is more i am just scared to look for more receipts LOL i got around $3000 in parts so far and all the work was done in my garage.
Speaking of garages i am building a new 30x40 with a 20x20 carport. Got the building up just waiting on concrete and fill. then i will make sure to keep you guys updated on the progress of my 4x4 drag queen

 

Cool! Sounds like a good project!

I wish I had a car port or garage. I got large enough shed in the back yard but can't drive back there. I just got a GIANT tree up front that helps when working on the truck. Especially since I'm in the desert and it can easily get to the 100's.