This forum has been pretty helpful to me so far, but this is my first post.

I’ve been working on converting a 2008 V6 to 4WD. I’m pretty much done, except for a couple brackets I can’t find.

Most importantly, the bracket that connects the center of the front diff/axle to the engine seems impossible to find. The picture in the service manual makes it look like a big chunk of metal probably threaded like the other diff mounts. So far I’ve only found discontinued parts and a steel bracket which I think is wrong.

Since the bracket is bolted to the engine it seems to go when the engine is pulled, so no luck at my local pick-a-part. Any advice?

 

Seems someone else was looking for this same part as this pic is the first result when i search for Dakota differential bracket. Looking for the part labeled 1 in the photo.

 

Is this it?

 

Yes- that is the discontinued part. (Called and checked.) Several parts suppliers I have contacted all say that it’s not available and they have no recommended replacement.

Is it discontinued because it’s not necessary? I’m nervous to just drive without it... seen several cracked differentials online. I imagine the torque on the engine mounts is pretty substantial without it. Plus my diff has the marks from where a bolt was previously installed there.

I might just try to fashion something out of angle iron. Can’t think of what else to do?