need a rear end for my 1996 dodge dakota 4x4 v8 5 speed 8 1/4 321 gear ratio will a 2 wheel rear end fit

 

It'll FIT, but since the 2WD is axle-over-spring and the 4WD is axle-under-spring, you'll be lowering the back end something like 2 or 3 inches.

OTOH, if you have a good 2WD rear end, you can use it for parts and rebuild / have rebuilt the 4x4 rear end.

RwP