So I just bought a wrecked 2003 Dakota to use the rear end. I checked and made sure the gear size and ratio were correct but didn't even think about the brakes... what all do I have to do to change from my 2002 drum brakes to 2003 disk brakes?

 

2003 had disk brake option??? wow did not know that.

Im guessing the axle with the disk brakes was ABS?

 

I haven't even gotten that far yet but I'm going to assume for now that it has abs. I will find out for sure. Just curious what all I will have to change along with the rear end. Brake proportioning valve block? Master cylinder?

 

The brake package changed completely for the 2003 MY.

Due to complaints and various investigations, the 97-02 production of single piston front and drum rear was tossed. The 2003 and 2004 MY's brought forth two piston front and single piston rear disk brakes. The rear drums utilized the drum-in-rotor parking brake system. RWAL remained standard with 4WABS optional.

 

So is the rear end the only thing I have to change? And probably the parking brake system? If the front brake system is better then is it an easy swap?

 

Rear assembly and parking brake cables

Fronts are easy. Undo the 4 ball joints and swap the whole spindle assembly. Tie rod end needs to go with the spindle.