I am building a 1999 Dodge Dakota for a sand drag truck. I'm putting a 4.3 Chevy engine in it with a 350 turbo and an aluminum transfer case. (I know I'll get lots of razing about that) My question is, what will I need for a front end and a rear end. It is a 2 wheel drive so I am going to put a straight axle in it.I've heard lots about putting jeep Cherokee gear under it. I want to try and stay as light as possible. The engine puts out 375hp so it has to be able to handle it. I really appreciate any help form anyone on here.

 

IMO, don't go with the jeep axle they are weak. Go with atleast a dana 44.

 

Jeep 30's will break on you at first launch. D44 will handle it being you will not be launching on pavement all day long.

 

Go classic d44! Not that much heavier

 

Im boycotting This post... a 4.3 chevy in a dakota.... (turns away)

 

Haha, I was expecting that. I'm putting the 4.3 in because I have one and it is already built. Any suggestions on gear ratio? I'm running 31's. I found a set of dana 44s from a 1984 full size dodge.

 

I was thinking 5:13's Maybe even 5:86. This is just purely a guess I would think you want to keep the rpms pretty high throughout