The rear end on my 99 Dakota 4x4 ran out of fluid and died. I intend to replace it with a used one from the nearby wrecking yard.

My BIL remembers hearing a rumor that the 2x rear end is narrower than the 4x. Can anyone confirm or refute this?

I know there is two different axles (8 1/4 and 9 something). Mine is the smaller one with 3.55 gears.

Is there any difference between a 2 and 4 wheel drive 8 1/4 rear end at all?

thanks
Steve

 

I think the spring perches are in a different spot.... aside from that, I don't know. Best to find one out of a 4x4 though.

 

The frame dimensions are the same so can't see the rear end being wider. As Magnet says, the spring perches are different.

 

Heyyou actually gets that credit...but that's usually my line. haha. But yes I'm pretty sure I recall the leafs being outboard an extra half inch per side on dakotas. Plus the whole 4x2/4x4 perch location being 180 degrees out.