I'm considering which suspension parts to use for my truck. I'm putting a 4cyl Cummins in, and need a stronger rear than came with the stock 225ci. The Cummins is 120hp, and about 250 ft/lbs torque, stock, for now.
I'm thinking Ford 9", very strong and plenty of parts, or getting a wreck/rustout Dakota, and using the rear from it.
I'm also planning to use the rack and pinion from a Dak, and possibly other front parts. Another consideration is wheel availability.
I want the front and rear bolt patterns to match, to make it easier to find wheels.
So is the Dak rear stout enough?

 

they were available with the magnum 5.2 (230hp) so i dont see why not from the engine side of things. but the ram is a lot heavier....maybe 1000 or 1500 pounds heavier. So im not sure.

 

I ran slicks and a 440 through the stock early 8 1/4 {small}under my 84 for a short while before it grenaded in spectacular fashion. Unless it's geared too deep for the deisel I'd think the stock rear would live.
The updated {big}8 1/4 seems to handle medium off road abuse OK under my Ramcharger. How about one from under a Ram? 3.21 gears for the deisels' rpms? Be a bolt in deal,and the front rotors swap too if needed.
The 318/360 Daks came with big 8 1/4s so yeah it's stout enough if that's the way you want to go.

 

I'd love to find a 3:21 geared posi rear, from a Ram, or anything.