How many different rear axle sizes and gear ratios were available for Dakotas in 1991? Were more axle sizes and ratios offered in other year Dakotas that can also work in a 1991? Has anyone converted an open rear axle to a limited slip? if so how'd it go and what parts did you use? thanks, LB

 

I don't think they offered diffrent ones I believe there the same....what is an open rear axel

 

It is fairly easy to swap out to an LSD or locker. Stock gears were 3.21, 3.55 and I think they had 3.92 in 91. It was an option in 92+.

Cost for a gear swap and LSD install is around $2-350, depending on price of parts. Expect to spend a total of $500/axle as needed.

I picked up a set of 4.10 gears from 4wheelparts.com when they had a gear sale. Probably not as good as a set of Richmond gears, but at the time it was all I could afford.

You should have an 8-1/4" axle on your truck. You should be able to use any axle from a Dakota up to 96 I think, when they changed to a 29 spline unit.

 

97 up will also bolt in. I believe they changed the yolk in either 99 or 00 but the spacing is the same. These years will give you an overall 2 in. wider track.

 

I read a tag in front of my radiator and it says I had a 7.25 inch axle with 3.2 ratio. I still have that axle but it's out with broken spider gears. It currently has an axle from a 4x4 so the back end sits up awfully high. The covers have the same number of bolts and same shape so I'm thinking it's a 7.25 also. I don't need or want high gears like 4+ since I'm not looking to do burn outs or anything. Want fuel economy over burnouts. I only pull a small trailer with maybe 2 riding mowers.

 

you can also use an 8 3/4 out of a 68-70 b-body(road runner,super bee ,cornet,etc)thats what i did ALOT stronger than any offered in the 87-96 daks.to bad you didn't live around wichita,ks.i have an 8 3/4 that i tool out of mine when i tubbed it.it has the 3:55 gear ratio.
thanx Brian

 

Are those the only models and years that are interchangeable? I think anything with roadrunner on it would cost alot.