Tried posting on the first gen section as my truck is a 96 but being that didn't give any help and early second gens are similar or identical in mechanics figured Id post here:

96 with stock open 8.25 rear end might be getting a good deal on a disc brake 9.25 with limited slip.

How much will I have to change to out this in my 96? I'm figuring minimum:

Cut one shock mount and flip it on the right side, in line adjustable prop valve and then idk.

Orielys list the u joints as the same part number on my 96 and the 03, but I'm not sure if they connect the same way. If not, can I swap the part the connect to on the axle? What about the t cases? Are they same or different?

Tried looking at a bunch of links and haven't found the info I'm looking for.

Thanks

 

Don't forget the parking brake setup.

How are the widths?

U-joints shouldn't be a problem. You might have to shorten the driveshaft a bit due to the case difference.

Go through the 9.25 thoroughly first. Broken clutch pack retaining clips are VERY common and they can damage the gears/bearings.

 

I'm not messing with the ebrake.

9.25 is one inch wider, .5 on each side.

Springs will need pulled out a little but nothing major.

My main thing is how much pita the drive shafts going to be. Not sure if I really want to get a new shaft made for this deal.

 

check the spring perches, could be mounted as axle over or axle under, depending on what it came out of..

 

Thanks, covered that part. Mine is a 4x4 dak and this is out of an 03 4x4 dak. Perches are where they need to be

 

good deal,
how about gear ratio? will it match the front?

 

Lol... Yes.. 3.55 like 95% of dakotas

 

sorry,had to ask, I've seen a few guys doing this that had no clue..lol..

 

Lol NP I understand. Rough guess, if I needed a new drive shaft made, what do you think it'd cost? There's a shope not far from me that does nothing but drive shafts and axles.

On one hand, I'd really like to do this deal, (if my aftermarket 15's will fit with grinding, still talking to the guy about that) because its everything I want on my current 8.25.

Disc brakes, limited slip and sway bar and its a beefy 9.25.

But on the other hand, I'm not 100% I wanna get rid of my ruger and go through all this as my current 8.25 is still beautiful and strong as could be. I don't even use 4x most of the time.

 

What is the goal of the swap disk brakes?