can I change out a 2005 rear for a 2001 rear lsd differential. will this work on a 4x4. they are both 3.55 gears. I know mine is 5 lug and the other is 6 lug.

 

I was thinking after I saved up some, I wanted 2nd gen 98.5-2001 Ram 1500 axles in my truck to get that stance

 

You would be better off getting one from Auburn for like $400 that will be a direct fit. No worrying about fitment etc. Also 4x4 doesn't matter since the diff is after the t-case in the drive line. And the fact that its 6 lug instead of 5 lug also doesn't matter. Really the biggest concern is cramming the diff in the housing and making sure the spline is correct. Are you gifted with a 9.25"?

 

Pretty sure he's talking about swapping the diff. Not the gears.
I wouldn't do it just because of the 5 lug 6 lug difference would look dumb and be a pain in the *** to have two spares.

 

First things, first. Lets start with what rear end you have, and then what rear end your are referring to from the 01 Dakota. If you have the 8.25" rear end, and the 01 has the 8.25" rear end, then the answer is "yes", it will swap, as they both have the same part number (according to Randy's Ring & Pinion) and both have the same spline count for the axles.

However, if you are talking about fitment of a 9.25" diff into a 8.25" housing, then the answer is "no".

 

it would suck having one 6 lug axle..

 

I want to replace the whole rearend not just the gears

 

You want to do a rear axle swap don't you...

 

That's what he's been saying right from the beginning.
Lol.
Nobody listens.

 

lol finally someone can read