i'm new to the site and in need of help I have a 93 dakota 5 speed 4x4 3.9. the front end recently decided to blow out driving down the road last winter opened the diff cover and pieces fell out not sure of the gear ratio? but a guy who had another truck sitting around cut the font end out for me gear ratio is 3.55 would this work? Does anyone know the ratio? or where would i find out?

-thanks guys

 

Sounds like you already know the front and rear ratios have to be the same. 3.55 is the most common ratio. Under the hood there is a sticker that will say what ratio it is. You can order a build sheet that will list it. Check the FAQ for the sheet.

If you want you can lift up the rear end. Turn the wheel 1 complete turn. Count the number of times the drive shaft turns. The only ratios are 3.21, 3.55, 3.90. The 3.55 is in 90% of Dakotas.

A little info you may need is 93 down had a vacuum actuator that controls the CAD. Central Axle disconnect. The 94 up don't have it. Which is fine if that is the new axle. Just make sure you plug up the vacuum lines if needed.

 

Thanks, think im gunna lift my rear end up today. I knew about the vaccum actuator the dakota front end i have had it but my dakota that i want to put it in to doesnt have the actuator does that mean my dakota front end is a late 93 or was it changed before i got the truck?

 

Probably was changed out at one time.

 

Thanks, And yeah not sure when it was i know both of the P.O's but ohh well glad ill have my 4wd fixed before winter maybe do some wheelinn