So, I'll post more in depth of my plans in relation to this later when I've either gathered all the parts I need or when I've completed the swap.

Here's the question:
Is the center link from a 92/93 4x4 Dakota the same length as on an 88 4x4 Dakota?
Another thing, lets say that they are the same length and shape and I did want to use the 92/93 Dakota center link on my 88 Dakota. Just focusing on parts from outer tie-rod to outer tie-rod. What else is different? What else would I have to change? I know that the tie-rod ends are different tapers going into the center link and steering knuckles, but what about the idler arm and pitman arm? Are those different tapers too? And with the pitman arm, is it a different spline count where it attaches to the steering box?

 

This thread really needs to be moved to the 1st Gen Dakota Tech forum. Maybe Hey You will come around and move it for you.

 

Had a feeling of that, I could repost it there

 

See if Hey You comes around by morning. He usually does.

 

Well, it's already here.

 

"Here" is the General Discussion thread.

 

Missed that particular nuance. Moving now.

 

All this time I thought nothing got by you.

 

I am still only on my second cup of coffee......

 

Found the center link I need at the U-pull yard

SO, the one on the 88 is 33" long from one end (the very end, not the tierod end hole) to the other. And from the hole of the idler to pitman arm is around 25 5/8".
Good news, the one on the 93 I pulled is the exact measurements, aside from taper of the tierod end holes, but that can be fixed. ON TOP OF THAT, the idler arm and pitman arm for the 88 fit 100% in the 93 center link

Plans are heading underway boys! Can't wait to show off all the hard work I've done to this truck once this steering is finished.