I've been looking at getting them as well, good to know they don't hurt the ride to much. I'm wanting them so if I throw a sled or something in the back I'm not sagging. Thanks for the info!

 

Excellent info, I have maxed my load out around 500lbs+ before with my 3.9L and it all but leans on the rubber stops. Did it pull it up 2" above factory height or restored a tired sagging leaf stack? I think the coil spring pressure is adjustable?

 

I think it pulled it up above factory height, I just got my truck 2 years ago, but I know it wasn't used for hauling anything. As far as I know nothing on this set is adjustable, it's just a straight swap (takes a little elbow grease to install though).

 

I found an 87' at the junkyard with 131k this is the door sticker it says "050 LR 0930 KG" does that mean it has a 3.9:1??


Is there a way to read the VIN and identify what transmission it came with from it?

 

Hey Pink...My 95 dakota came with a 3.55 ratio 8.25" lsd. Its a 5.2 slt, with trailer towing package. I believe, therefore, that any 95 with the same trailer package "SHOULD" have an axle that would work for you. Biggest thing to consider, is whether those wheels you have put aside in 5 lug, are going to be the decision maker for getting an axle that will do what you need, or spending huge bucks to keep 5 lugs.

For my .02 cents, I would go with the stronger axle, with 6 lugs. Not to mention, 6 lug being a bit heartier than 5 lug anyway. Theres a reason why duallies are 8 and 10 luggers. Strength.

Now, a Ford 9" is every boys wet dream. ANY car guy will tell you that. It ranks with turbo 400 gm trannies in the legendary performance department.

I have an 86 olds 442. It has 31000 actual miles, with a keith black built 455 olds v8. (still quadrajunk carbed) and stock lsd. My dream is a ford 9, but with the cash in the K.B V8, not happening in the next 5 years.

 

I want to keep 5-lug because I like retro mags, I was told it's very inexpensive; a matter of swapping hubs and axle shafts if I stayed Chrysler. Ford 9" you say...I will have to see if that is a 5-lug @ 4.5 and also the Chrysler axles can easily have disc brakes swapped in the rear.

EDIT: 5x4.5, 5x5, & 5x5.5 are the 9" options. I may be able to find one relatively cheap if I look in some old yard around here in New England. Says they are offered in 28 or 31 spline..not sure which one Dakotas use.

I'm also considering an AX15 out of a Wrangler since it's all I can find for my 3.9LA

 

IIRC, dakotas were 27 and 29 based on years. CRAZY4X4RT would be the one to verify this. Seems he is the guru...or at least, the one i've noticed that has the most knowledge.

 

Thanks! LOL

27 splines for 1st gen up to 96. 29 for 2nd gen 97-04.

 

I agree hes been here since I joined, always chimes in with good info!

 

Here's my '93 3.9L: it's hard to see, but it's 8.25, 3.55 ratio. I also want some kind of locking for hunting and boat ramps.