how hard is the intstall for a 9.25 rear end in a first gen? found this on craigslist:

complete 9.25 rear end from a 85 ramcharger but fits in full size rams- has 3.23 limited slip gears in it- only missing one of the springs from the brake assembly, includes everything from drum to drum except the spring that is missing. also needs new pinion seal. asking $150 obo

 

Not that bad. A few posts on the swap in the FAQ2.

 

I would find a better candidate (Durango/Dakota of newer year), but if it is the same width, etc etc, you can reuse parts from yours if only replacing for driveability (some parts). Several Jeep vehicles have the 9 1/4". The FAQ was promising as far as simplicity. Is the swap for durability? Offroading (3.23???)? The 9 1/4, while being stronger than the 8 1/4, does not have as many gearing options (from primary sources) is definately heavier.

 

i have an 89 dak with the 2.5L and im swapping a 360 in there. i have the 7.25 rear end. eventually, im probably gonna turbo/supercharge it. just preparing for the power.

 

Unless your a smidge above 450 torque then the 8.25" would be a better solution, plus it would save you some coin as you could take the driveshaft from a similar model and not have to have yours modified. The 8 1/4 is lighter than the 9 1/4, but if your going to put sticky tires on then I could see you wanting the added insurance. If I am not mistaken the newer 9 1/4 have disc brakes (typical of jeep suv's) with 5 lug. Again, just my .02.