shouldn't have to fab a whole crossmember, should be able to just make a plate to adapt the 2 bolt mount to the existing one. and you wont need an elephant ear style mount, fab something up from the existing engine crossmember to the ears on the block....
yes once they went to the Magnum series, the mounts "themselves" for a v6 to a v8 are the same but won't bolt to an older LA block.
On the "posi" thing, it wasn't a matter of whether you have a "Sport", or "SLT" or what "sub-model", any of them could have been ordered with one. I added one into my 96, wasn't that bad of a job. find out which rear that truck has (probably an 8-1/4") and look around. Randy's, West Coast Differentials ,Summit, Jegs, Ebay, etc. You might get lucky on Ebay like I did but if you have to go to one of the other sources I mentioned you'd be cheaper to walk a pick n pull and see if you get lucky and find one that has a posi in it already, be cheaper to get a whole (used) rear end.

 

I found a 2006 Magnum being parted out and it might/should have a posi...? Will it have the same 6 bolt pattern?

 

tough to say..... stick with 91-96 Dakota and go look on CL or in the junkyards, tons of them in my area, would be easiest bolt in swap. If you want the old 5 lug get one from 87-90. but DON'T get the 7-1/4, those were crap.

 

how much work does that entail?

 

also in the earlier years of these trucks there were a few with a manual rack and pinion, manual steering is easier than power steering without the power going to it because manual used a different ratio between the rack and the pinion. might be something to look into swapping....

 

Not sure in a Dakota but the motor mount brackets are different from the la and magnum so some fab work may be needed. Trans mount will need to addressed and any clearance issues along the way. You could just use a plate and not use the motor mounts.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesuschrystler

Also..... I need a posi rearend and I know the RT's had them, do the Sports also? I want to keep the same 6x4.5 bolt pattern.

Keeping the 6x4.5 bolt pattern is going to limit you on wheels....
If this is being built as a full on drag truck, I would go with a ford explorer rear. Much stronger, and parts are way cheaper. Its really a simple swap.

 

is there a certain rear end out of explorers you want? Or are they all the same?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesse barrett

is there a certain rear end out of explorers you want? Or are they all the same?

The one I used was out of a 2000-2001? The early ones were drum brake, Mine is disc. At some point, I think the explorer went independent rear, but not sure. In short, 94-2004? will work. most came with 3.54, 3.73, and 4.10.
Here is a link to my swap. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-and-more.html