Hi, new to the forum. My rear end is making some noise and my mechanic says it needs to be rebuilt. I suspect its gonna cost more than 1k. The noise is like a humming sound, someone from here explained it pretty well. It sounds like I'm running oversized tires. Its not prominant when I turn to either side either. But I did notice that when I rock the rear tire back and forth at a stand still it makes a sound like the wheel bearings are worn. No play in the drive shaft at the pinion when I move it up/down, side to side. some play if I twist it. Probably like an inch.

Anyway, my question is; I've located a rear end that I haven't seen yet and I wanted to know if it'll fit. I have a 10 bolt pattern on my 97 Dakota 5.2 magnum 4x4. The one I found is from a 2002 Dakota 4.7 4x4. Any specific questions I should ask the seller to visually determine compatibility?

Thanks in advance!

 

it will fit. just make sure the gear ratio is the same, or else you will have to get your speedo recalibrated. it will either be a 8.25 or 9.25 rearend.

and make sure that this one is in better shape then the one you have now.

 

Thanks for the quick response. The new one has about 50k on it. I think they're parting it out due to an accident.

How can I check the gear ratio? I assume its set at the factory. Can it be determined without pulling the cover?

much appreciated

 

there should be a tag on the rearend saying what size it is. I'm not sure if it says the gear ratio or not on it. but it will say in the glove box for sure.

I would pull the cover off of it before buy it. just because it has less miles on it. doesnt always mean its in better shape. I learned the hardway.

how much are the selling the rearend for? I had to completely rebuild my rearend and it was about $1100. which isnt too bad.

 

He wants $400 for it. I figured it was worth the risk. I'm a little concerned about which part of the truck was wrecked. If it was the rear I'd be concerned. I guess I'll find out. Its about an hour drive so I wanted to be sure it'd fit before I head out there to get it. Thanks!

 

The one I have is an 8.25 ratio. Just out of curiosity which is better, 8.25 or 9.25? and why?

 

9.25 is better. but dont ask me why

I think it just has bigger internals and stuff like that. I dunno, I dont know too much about rearends. I'm sure theres more people that know more then me here.

 

welcome to D.Forum, hope you like it.

 

Appreciate the welcome! I'm sure I'll have tons of posts. and thanks for all the responses.

 

I got the answer from the seller.

3.55 ratio
rear axle corperate 9
(is what glove box says)
and i looked and its a 12 bolt

Will this one fit and would I need to do anything besides recalibrating the speedo? Also, do you recommend
going with the above rear end or should I just get mine rebuilt?

From my description of my problem does it sound like its the axle bearings or something else? I could probably
manage replacing the axle bearings but don't know if I should tackle anythink bigger.

Thanks!!!!