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Gunner
Dodge Dakota
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7/05/2005
18:10:09
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 Subject: Front and Rear Axles
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I'm new to the Dakota world and would like to know what kind of axles I have on my 2000 Dakota 4x4 RC/SB. I know I have 3.90's in the rear but I don't know what's in the front. Also, I have been reading archived threads and wanted to know what size diffs are in the front and rear. From what I could gather, the front and rear are 8.25" Chryslers. Is this correct?
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Kowalski
GenIII
7/06/2005
15:04:06
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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Nope. Ratios are 3.55 or 3.92 for your year. Front is 8" corporate. Rear could either be 8.25"; or the heavier duty 9.25", which can be identified by its octagonal shaped cover.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/06/2005
16:06:23
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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Correct on rear axles.
On my 2001 (which I think is the same as 2000), the front axle is a Corporate 205mm, independant (C205F).
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Kowalski
GenIII
7/06/2005
17:52:42
|  RE: Front and Rear Axles
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Same thing boB, if you'd care to do the math. It's also called 8" by some gear vendors.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2005
08:23:03
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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Not the same thing. it's a small differance, but none of the parts interchange.
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Gunner
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2005
09:42:54
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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Does anyone make lockers for the 8.25" Chrysler and/or the 8" Corporate (or 205mm)?
Also, I found the rear of my Dakota has 3.92 gears, but what's in the front?
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2005
11:02:53
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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There are three basic types of diffs, and nomenclature is often intermixed when they shouldn't be. Most stock factory trucks - even 4x4 - have open diffs. All the power goes to the wheel with the least traction.
Factory option is a limited slip (LSD), which is not a true locker. It's limited slip, not no slip. This works great for almost everyone with a 4x4. It's smooth and quiet on the street, works well in the snow, rain, boat ramps, etc.
Tru lockers are available, but a lot more expensive. If you are doing true heavy duty off roading, you need this. It's very strong and will truly lock both axles. But it's a little rough and noisy on the street, and actually makes driving in the snow a little more difficult.
You can install a stock LSD, which is usually reasonably priced.
If you want something stronger I have heard a lot of good things about Auburn. It's LSD, a little stronger, a little more expensive, and requires specialized installation.
Eaton differentials are available as LSD and true locker.
There's another device available which I cannot recall the name of. But it's an easy install that just about any decent shade tree mechanic can install in the garage with basic hand tools.
If you're doing heavy duty off roading and need a strong true locking diff for your daily driver, consider an air locker. It's an open diff most of the tiome; which works great for daily commuting. But with a push of a button, it become a true locker. Auburn is working on something similar but electronic instead of air controlled.
You don not want a LSD or locker on the front axle. If you've ever driven in 4H on a dry road, you know what a locker/LSD would feel like all the time. Not good. AFAIK, the air locker is not available for the C205F axle. Maybe when Auburn brings their electronic unit to market, it will be available for us.
Gear ratios need to match front and rear. Same thing with tire diameter. If you have 3.92 on the rear, you have the same on the front.
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Gunner
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2005
11:27:00
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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Thanks alot for your help. I'm on a very limited income right now, so an LSD will probably have to do for now (though once the air lockers from Auburn come out, I may have to invest in them). Where is a good place to buy a stock LSD, what does it generally cost, and what things will I have to do to install it? Is it possible to turn an open diff into an LSD by swapping out gears and other parts or do you have to change the entire rear-end?
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2005
12:54:38
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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You just add the parts to the existing differential. If you have the right tools (and know-how) it's a pretty simple job.
As for cost, that's pretty variable. Here in Colorado Springs, there's a shop with an excellent reputation that I'v used for a couple of vehicles. A complete rebuild of my 9.25 LSD diff with new gears was about $800. I would guess adding LSD to an open diff would be about half that?????
Call around to a couple of independant shops and ask.
As a side note, I would also have them replace the carrier bearings. Dodge rears are famous for going tits up between 60K-80K miles. I've owned two dodge trucks, both with the 9.25 rear. The '95 Ram had to be rebuilt at 80K miles. The '01 Dakota had to be rebuilt at about 60K miles. The additional parts are relativly inexpensive, and there isn't much added labor, since he's in there already.
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Gunner
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2005
14:56:20
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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.boB---
Thank you very much for your help.
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Kowalski
GenIII
7/07/2005
15:10:00
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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boB - if none of the parts interchange, perhaps then you can explain why the gears that were labeled 8" went into my truck as if they were made for it ? They are the same; and the other device which name escapes you is likely powertrax. Other than that, your info is right on the money, with a good tip about the carrier bearings - good idea to replace them while the rear is being worked on.
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Gunner
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2005
15:34:29
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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I've been reading some more and would like to know what the biggest advantages and disadvantages are to the Powertrax, the stock LSD, and to the Auburn LSD. Is the Dana Tru-Loc the same as a stock LSD and if so why is it so inexpensive when compared to Auburn and Powertrax?
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Kowalski
GenIII
7/12/2005
17:00:07
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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Auburn is better quality than stock, will last longer. I've heard Powertrax is easier to install, but noisy, different type of mechanism.
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Gunner
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2005
21:22:05
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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So what is the Dana Trac-Loc? Is it a step up from stock or is it the same as stock?
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Dak4x4
Dodge Dakota
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7/13/2005
11:35:01
| RE: Front and Rear Axles
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My driveline mech said my front diff is a 8" American axle, not corporate. The rear (9.25) is known as the 9" corporate. This the way taht he was able to find gears for it. I believe that the powertrax is an easy locker not an LSD.
http://photos.yahoo.com/dakotaqc4x4
01 Quad Cab Sport 4x4 4.7l 5spd
HO Cams, Volant CAI, Flowmaster 40srs, Ported TB, 180 t-stat, Kenne Bell flash (not worth the money), Amsoil on everything, Water Wetter, 3” PA, 3” Rancho, RS9000x’s, 35” Pro Comp MT’s, 2 KC 6” 150 Watt lights on a Westin Safari Bar, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Clear Corners, Brembo Slotted Front Rotors, Hawk Pads, 4.56 gears & Full Detroit Locker
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Kowalski
GenIII
7/13/2005
17:22:33
|  RE: Front and Rear Axles
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So he's saying the company that makes it is called "American" ? Never heard of them. It's called corporate because its made by Chrysler.
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