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John Evert
Dodge Dakota
7/10/2001
17:19:06
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 Subject: RE: solid axle swap?
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Just how tall are you planning on going? Given that the Ford axles that I placed under my '92 along with a six inch superlift coils for the front, the truck turned out the be around a foot taller then it used to be. Not to mention that since it's that tall it needed a little bit more stability. That's why I went with the full size axle. Think about it. A dodge Dakota is only about 6 inches narrower then a regular full size truck. Considering that, and what I think you want to do with your truck, I'm betting that stability will be of some concern.
Now tell me, are you planing on running the fuel injection with this new motor/trannsmission/transfer case setup? Are you going to take the motor out of that wagoneer? You said that it was a Buick motor? Then it should be a GM 350 cubic inch "wide block" and the transmission should be a Turbo-Hydro 350. Look at the bottom of the transmission pan and tell me if it is almost looking like a square or not.
Frankly, you'd be better off trying to find a rolled early bronco. Not that I'm trying to rain on your parade. I think that you have a lot of guts to try something like this. I'm just saying that your pocketbook will be a ton lighter if you go your route.
John
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larkinja
Dodge Dakota
7/16/2001
11:41:41
|  RE: solid axle swap?
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Well, like you I intend on 12 inches or so. We pulled the axles of the wagoneer this weekend, and they seem to be in pretty good shape. I decided not to keep any of the other parts. The transfer case didn't seem to be in to good of shape. Being that the ramcharger and the wagoneer have diffs on the same side I am thinking about using that engine/tranny/transfer case. Any problems with that idea?
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larkinja
Dodge Dakota
7/16/2001
14:27:35
| RE: solid axle swap?
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I guess I am not sure what would be the advantage of bronco axles over the wagoneer axles. Keep in mind, I'm talking about the full size wagoneer, not the small cherokee style. It is most definately a full size truck. It is basically the same width as the ford axles you used. Unless there is something I am missing. Can you be more specific as to why the bronco axles would be better? I am all ears. Thanks for your help.
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John Evert
Dodge Dakota
7/16/2001
15:23:27
|  RE: solid axle swap?
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Oh I fully understand what your intentions are. I understand that the Dakota transfer case exits on the driver's side. But you have to consider that only Grand Wagoneers (just the late versions of that same model) and all Fords come with the differential on the same side. As far as I know, the v-6 and v-8 both use the same transmission and transfer case. So in reality reliability isn't really an issue. Now as for the Grand Wagoneer, I believe that it uses a 360? v-8 and will be a perfect addition to your project.
Don't get me wrong, I'm only trying to save you money and several headaches in the process.
Hell if your close you can come get my axles. I'm in central Washington.
John
1992 Dakota 4x4
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larkinja
Dodge Dakota
7/16/2001
15:45:06
| RE: solid axle swap?
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Message:
What about the Ram Charger? The axles I just pulled off the wagoneer, are indeed on the passenger side. Opposite the dakota. Now the ramcharger has the diff on the passenger side as well, and has a strong 360 in it with the 3 speed and transfer case. All are very strong. As I understand the 360 will bolt directly to the old motor mount locations from the 3.9L. All I would have to do is fab the crossmember from the ramcharger into the dakota. Since it will be a different engine, the placement of the exhaust will no longer be in the way. This would end with the drivetrain being completely on the passenger side, but after looking at the dakota, I can't see anything that would stand in the way of moving it to the pass side.
By the way, what axles do you have? And how much. Let me know what you think of that idea. I guess I am not sure what you mean when you say it will cost more. I'm really not trying to be a pain, I guess I just don't fully get where you are coming from.
Thanks again for all you input, I really do value it.
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John Evert
Dodge Dakota
7/16/2001
16:14:16
| RE: solid axle swap?
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Well I figure about $800 for everything. I have a high pinion Dana 44 front axle out of a '71 Ford F-100. A high pinion Dana 44 rear axle out of a '74 Jeep J-10. 4" SuperLift Blocks, 6" Superlift coils, Polyurethane mounts, a set of wheels and tires 33/12.50/15 on 15x10 rims.
As for the truck. Remember the old adage, "SPEED COSTS MONEY, HOW FAST DO YOU WANT TO SPEND?" Well it still applies to this scenario. Not only will you be fabricating parts to place the axles in their proper positions but now you will be taking on the challenge of grafting motor mounts for a engine swap as well. Not to mention the exhaust, drivelines, brake lines, etc... Do you see where I'm going with this? But if you have the parts on hand and the time to immerse yourself in such a project then go right ahead. I'll back you up the whole way with any questions that you might have.
John
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tomeygun
Dodge Dakota
8/01/2001
20:30:32
| RE: solid axle swap?
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I have bought a 1984 dodge ram 350 with front and rear dana 60's, and i hope to have them and the NP205 in by late august, i will let you guys know how it goes, cross your fingers... i am expexting about 10 inches of lift coupled with 3 inch body lift (will help clear transfer case), hope to fit
42 inch swampers...
See ya
Gunner In St Louis
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paul
Dodge Dakota
9/12/2001
14:44:25
| RE: solid axle swap?
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Message:
im only 16 and plan on doing a solid axle swap on my 87 dakota ive heard that bronco axles would be the easyst to find and to install i wanted to put full spool front and rear and was wondering if anybody could give me any advice on that subject im kinda lost on all this so any info would help thanks
paul
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John Evert
Dodge Dakota
9/13/2001
15:28:59
|  RE: solid axle swap?
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Message:
Well Paul, where are you located? I hope its some place muddy and you'll only be using the vehicle for off roading because if you try a spool both front and rear for the street, guess what? BREAKAGE!!! Personally, I have a limited slip in both the front are rear axles. I drive it say... two/three times a week to work/school/fourwheeling. Not to mention here in Washington state there is a lot of ice and snow on the roadways in the winter time and a full on locker/spool doesn't sound like a whole hell of a lot of fun on the slippery stuff. Bronco axles work great. Just be sure to get all the parts off the donor vehicle before you start or it'll be a fun time running back and forth to the junk yard scrounging for parts. Also remember that your gear ratio will be different considering I have a guess taht you'll be running tires bigger than 33's, correct? You'll have to get 4.10 gears to compensate for the added size of the tire. I went with that size because I felt that it gave me the added advantage of flexibility and good road manners. The gears came close to putting the truck back in it's normal power band. If you go bigger tires you'll have to compensate with taller gears. Who knows, 4.56's and 38's might be the way to go. Unless you're out there in the slop, you don't need anything bigger than that size.
If you have any more questions let me know.
John
1992 Dakota LE 4X4
1990 Talon AWD
1980 RX-5.7
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paul
Dodge Dakota
9/17/2001
12:32:06
| RE: solid axle swap?
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if i put a limited slip in the rear and a spool in the front when the hubs are unlocked both tires will be free from each other correct? yeah i have 35 inch tsl's so you say i should use 410 gears?
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John Evert
Dodge Dakota
9/19/2001
14:43:33
| RE: solid axle swap?
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What is the sick fasination with a spool in the front? Even with the hubs unlocked the spool would not allow the front wheels to move indepentdantly thus not allowing for the difference in tire speed when turning a corner. Once again that old BREAKAGE thing pops up. If I were you I'd put a limited slip in the front and maybe a detroit soft locker in the rear. Or maybe even an ARB for the rear.
You never mentioned what size of motor you were running. Is it a v-6? v-8? v-10?!? Let me know what you are planning.
john
1992 dakota le
1990 talon awd
1980 rx-5.7
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Robert
Dodge Dakota
9/19/2001
18:36:48
| RE: solid axle swap?
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Message:
If you are talking about a front-end that truly lets you unlock the hubs, then yes the front wheels WOULD turn independently. This is the what unlocking the hubs do -- they disconnect the wheels from the drive-line.
What you could NOT do is leave the hubs locked with the transfer case in 2wd -- which is what a lot of 4x'ers did with older units to allow for 4hi engagement while moving. With a spool in the front you would never want to lock the hubs on-road. But with them unlocked, you are free to go where you want. Just remember, most modern-day 4x4s do not allow for unlocking the hubs. But, since you are talking about swapping to an older style solid axle, you will probably have locking/unlocking hubs.
John, I'm not sure what you are thinking...
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paul
Dodge Dakota
9/20/2001
12:33:37
| RE: solid axle swap?
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Message:
il probly go with a locker up front and in the rear im currently running the stock 3.9 ive got a 360 but its not finished i was gonna swap that first but i snapped a front cv shaft and the diff in my rearend practicly exploded one day on my way home from work
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paul
Dodge Dakota
9/20/2001
14:17:00
| RE: solid axle swap?
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i found a 76 bronco and i was wondering if that has dana 44s
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travis
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/23/2002
16:50:21
| RE: solid axle swap?
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hey john any pics of your 92
i have the same any want to do the swap
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larkinja
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/01/2002
21:05:28
| RE: solid axle swap?
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Message:
John,
hey jason here. I am finally getting serious about doing the swap in my 89 sport. The 3.9 has seen it's better days. What I want to do is a v-8 swap, new tranny, transfer case, and axles. Any ideas on a good combination. Bronco axles seem to be the consensus. I have an old ram charger with a 360 and a 3 speed, but the old ramchargers have the front diff on the passenger side. As busy as I have been, I am going to farm the work out to a local shop that has done many crazy things for me in the past. But it is up to me to arrange all the parts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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darrell
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/02/2002
11:26:40
| RE: solid axle swap?
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hey, while not the most simple solution, the ramcharger stuff will all work. not that difficult either. i used a right hand case cause i already had it. it sounds like it would save you $ and time. plus thats the same spring pad width i used and i could help with the crossmember. also a dana 60 would be a bolt in swap from a dodge later if you decided you need one. just get a dodge lift kit and i suggest using your stock rear springs at least temporarily.
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larkinja
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/08/2002
14:33:18
| RE: solid axle swap?
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Message:
Well, the ramcharger and the dakota are at the shop. The owner there says it will bee an easy swap. How much lift did you use in yours, and what size tires did you go with. I am hoping to get at least 33's under there, maybe even 35's. How much lift should I go with. The shop guy says that the ramcharger axles will lift it quite a bit with just the swap, so I'm not sure how much lift I would need.
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mike
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/20/2002
11:52:43
| RE: solid axle swap?
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let's keep this going
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larkinja
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/20/2002
12:36:51
| RE: solid axle swap?
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Ok, I'll keep it going. Actually, the guy doing my swap called today and said it was almost done and that it should be ready to drive home on Monday or tuesday. Couple things he did was move the axle 1 1/2" forward from the original location. He also put a small block on the front axle to make it sit level. With the stock suspension on from the ram charger it sat to high in the rear. Actually he said it sat almost level, without the engine in it, so he fabricated a block to raise the front slightly. He said it looks awesome and I should be able to fit 35's under it. I can't wait to get it back. As soon as I get it back I will get pictures if anyone wants to see them.
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