for all you guys running a 4 wheel drive, V8 magnums, with towe packages; what size rear end does the 2006's have. trying to figure out this question of it being a 8.25 or 9.25. if someone knows could you let me know.

 

I have a 2006 V8, 4wd, & tow package. From my build sheet, I have 9.25 LD Rear Axle.

 

9.25 here.

I am pretty sure all the 3rd Gens have the 9.25 rear end

 

and what about what abel had said about if it was either dome shaped or diamond shaped?

 

9.25 here with the diamond shape and I believe 12-bolt pattern.

 

The 9.25" is a 12 bolt octagon... like a stop sign. The 8.25" inch is a 10 bolt oval.

 

so if you have the 12 bolt octagon what gears are in there? i was thinking of beefing it up to larger size.

 

Count bolts on your differential cover, if there are 12 it's a 9.25, if there are 10 it's an 8.25.

The best way to know for sure is to order your build sheet.
http://www.dodge.com/wccsapp/univers...ull&category=U

 

The differential size refers to the diameter of the ring gear. It doesn't matter if you have 3.23, 3.55, 3.90, 4.10, 4.56, etc, they are ALL 9.25" diameter ring gears in a 9.25" (12 bolt) axle.

The only way to know what ratio gears are in your axle is to look for yourself... knowing what axle is back there doesn't tell you anything about what ratio gears are in it. Take Blown's advice and get your factory build sheet. That will tell you the ratio.

 

Yes, some G3 Dakotas have the 8.25 Rear
http://www.allcarguides.com/2006/Dod...archSpecs.aspx

If you request your build sheet you will know what gears are in it.