1988 Dakota rear end

[climbice2001]

The differential went out in my 1988 2wd Dakota. It was a 3.55 ratio with the hex cover. There seems to be very few rear ends available in the Denver area.

Does anyone have any experience with Dakota rear ends? What will fit what and may be more available? I was told only 1987 and 1988 rear ends are interchangable. Are others interchangelable with a little grinding or welding?

Anyone in Colorado know of a rear end for this truck?

Thanks

[moparltd]

What went out?? It might be alot cheaper to upgrade to a better quality part than to exchange an entire rear. Bearings and posi units can fail over time. Its alot easier to replace them.

[climbice2001]

Thanks, in the case of my differential, everything went out. Half of the carrier is in chunks, the two pinion gears are shot, as well as their shaft and the large ring gear is missing teeth. Pretty much everything is in pieces or is missing pieces. I was traveling a rural highway at about 65 MPH when it went. I figure at this point another rear end is the easiest solution.

Thanks,
Mark Molberg