I new here I just bought a 1999 dodge Dakota 4x4 5.2l intended to tow my race car. Immediately the rear end is having issues, previous owner replace the diff, but during acceleration very noisy and rough ride, I noticed a Jeep grand Cherokee in the junk yard I think its a 94 model, physically the rear axle assembly looks similar, but my knowledge on these vehicle is next to dumb. what vehicles can I swap a rear end from? if not compatible do ya'll have any tech on repair, manual, info parts list etc.

 

not 100% sure what other vehicles will fit for sure but you have to make sure that the gear ratio is the same or it will tear it apart the first time you put it in 4wd. first look around on here (I know i've posted it before) or on google for a chart of what the different axles look like by shape and bolt pattern to find out 100% what one it is and then maybe we can help you more.

 

I ordered a service manual, but until I get it I would like to see if there are any PDF manuals online.

 

If you go to a pick n pull they can tell you what rear ends are compatible. I know for a fact 02 daks with a 9.25(12 bolt) is compatible with only 02-04 9.25

 

second post down...http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...d.php?t=517271
or this http://forums.moparmusclemagazine.co...-id/index.html

google is your best friend

 

thanks guys, I think I am gonna have to take it apart and check for proper assembly, previous owner replaced it but it seems he forgot some parts or did not torque it properly, I jacked the rear up yesterday and there were a lot of side to play while pushing and pulling on the wheels, hope it did not damage anything, I was also towing long distance with it last night.

 

So what did you see in there?

Also he may have not set the preload correctly. I would check that.

 

I havent receive my manuals yet so I haven't took it apart yet.

 

g/l with that man....I just had my 8.25 completely rebuilt this past summer, and for all the mechanical i think i know, i wasnt gonna touch the rearend, but got lucky and found some guys who work cheap, and dodge rearends is all they do.

 

I took it apart and inspected it with the help of a knowledgeable person on dodge rear ends adjust everything to specs, and now its good.