First off I want to thank everyone one here for repair advice in the past!!! You guys helped get her to 240,000 an my 96 Dak. Much appreciated! Well, with this milage, we are getting into other issues. I am trying to find out if there is an easy way to tell if I have a 7 & 1/4 rear end or 8 & 1/4 rear end (replacing rear axle bearings & seals). I am pulling the axles at the moment and I want to make sure I get the correct gasket. Been told to look at the housing, can't see a tag... Again, thanks, fixed the bad solder joint a few years ago after replacing a bunch of components (didn't listen....). Any helpful hints on my current project would be appreciated. If this goes well, next project, front lower and upper ball joints. Tire place said they were shot, can't afford to have them do it. Going for 1/2 mil, even if I have to replace the motor!!! Love my Dakota!!!!!

 

Chry 7.25 Octagon shaped diff cover. Chry 8.25 Oval shaped cover.

 

Thanks Crazy, if I remember right, you are generally one of my biggest helper. I do appreciate it!!!

 

Big problem... Pinion gears fell out when I was trying to put the axels back in. It looks like the gears are the same size but one washer is larger than the other. Can anyone tell me if the small one goes on top or bottom?

 

Big problem... Pinion gears fell out when I was trying to put the axels back in. It looks like the gears are the same size but one washer is larger than the other. Can anyone tell me if the small one goes on top or bottom?

 

all, disregard last, washers same size. Maybe I should be drinking a beer...

 

When you pull the axles, put the pinion shaft back in to hold the pinion gears. You can work it out, but save the stress....