I don't think it will come as a surprise that my dash is crumbling. I'm even having some problems with the actual frame work that everything is mounted to. Is the best way to remedy this finding one in a salvage yard or is there some way to repair what's there? I tried to put this in a different location but I guess I haven't figured out how to navigate that well yet.

 

3rd gen is 2002 in a 1500 and 2003 in 2500/3500. Since 3rd gen 1500s have cv axles in the front you can't use it. You can tell the gear ratio by a tag on the differential or just pulling the differential cover it will be marked on the ring gear. The rear ends in the 1500s are the same (even today) Chrysler 9.25

 

if it's just the cover you can buy them from LMC. If the plastic frame is bad, junkyard it is

 

thanks for all the info I can tell I'm gonna be spending a lot of time at the local salvage yard.