I am considering a solid axle swap on my dakota and I need some information. First of all how wide is a 2nd gen ram 2500 rear end from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface? And how wide are the mounting pads? Which front axle do I need? I've heard 70s fords but I would like to know for sure.

 

Tom's build thread has everything you need to know.

 

Im running a 77 f150 dana 44 for my front axle, the reason for the ford axle is the driver side drop for the driveshaft, dodge and chevy axles are on passenger side..
if you want some pics i can post em...

 

94 and up Dodge D44's are drivers side as well.

 

you are correct, just depends on how you want to do it, if you go with a leaf spring setup, id go with the older axle, plus there beefier..