So I have a friend with a 2005 dakota that blew the front carrier. It is 3.55 and a 4.7.
I have a 2000 dakota that has a good complete front end in it and was also a 4.7 with 3.55. What I've found online is that only 01 an up dakota and 01-03 Durango front ends will work not the 2000 and earlier. It seems like the same axle and chassis so what am I missing!? Is one just aluminum housing and earlier is cast? Thank you just try to save them some money.

 

the 3rd gen from what I have gathered was a completely new frame from the ground up. I don't believe there is much if any part interchangeability between 2nd and 3rd gen. I could be wrong. I notice this almost a month old and your friend may have (probably) already fixed the issue, but maybe some one will chime in for future reference.

 

The front diff doesn't bolt to the frame iirc. It attaches to the motor mounts and the bell housing.
As far as i know they can be swapped in.