I recently bought a 1996 Dakota 4x4 with a 318v8. The previous owner drove it with the plug missing from the front differential and ruined the front diff. I am about to start looking for one in some local junk yards and was wondering what would fit. I heard that maybe a Durango diff may fit. Can anyone enlighten me as to what years and models dodge used these differentials in so I know what my options are to look for.

 

Front axle is a Chrysler 7.25in. The entire axle only came in Dakota 87-96. That is the only one that a direct swap. Other cars had the Chry 7.25 in the rear and only the ring and pinion may work. www.ringpinion.com has a list of all the vehicles under axle application. Although the Dakota Front axle is not listed but it is like I said.

 

Thanks. That gives me a heads up. I may ****** a ring and pinion from a rear differential. I have a spare Dakota that came with mine. Guess I should pull the rear cover on it and see if it's the same. I might get lucky. The ring and pinion were the main things damaged anyway. Axle bearings and seals would be no big deal at all if it meant getting this toy ready for hunting season.

 

Just look at the shape of the diff covers. Oval is the Chry 8.25in (Rear axle only). Octagon is the Chry 7.25 (Front axle and some Rear axles).