Going to swap the 9 1/4 suregrip from my 82 D150 into my 85 D150 that has a 8 1/4 open, wondering if it would be easier just to swap the axle and spring assembly and try and find new front spring bolts or swap the rear end only, I guess what I'm really wondering is:

Does the 8 1/4 and 9 1/4 in trucks use the same U-bolts/shock mounting plates, etc? Same rubber brake hose?, am I looking at any potential snags with doing this? I'm leaning towards just getting new u-bolts and swapping the axle only as I really don't want to mess with the front spring bolts and shackles. Would this be a direct swap by just getting new u-bolts? I'm assuming they are both 3" id size? Neither truck is at my house right now, so I can't compare directly, just want to have the right parts on hand so there are no unexpected trips to the parts store in the middle of the job

yes,it is a direct bolt in 8 1/4 truck and 9 1/4 truck rear axles

just undo the u-bolts and swap the complet rear axle housing. the spring bolts and shackle can be APITA every time.

i lift the rear of the truck and use jack stands on the frame just infront of the front spring hanger to support the truck. axle at full droop.

then a floor jack to raise the axle to release tension on the leaf springs and support the axle housing while un-bolting it.

remove drive shaft, brake line from upper frame connection, shocks,u-bolts and shock plates.

with wheels still bolted to axle roll it from under the truck. roll replacment axle under truck and lift with floor jack to fit it to leaf spring center pins, install shock plates and u-bolts.

I like placing both truck tail gate to tail get with enuff room between the 2 truck to roll the axle out and swing one right then roll the other out and swing it left. then roll them under opposite trucks.

if you are doing a truck to truck swap that is.

make sure truck is high enuff to roll tires under 1/4 fender in the rear. or remove tires and handle it by hand with a buddy.

same drive shaft with the 8 1/4 and 9 1/4

Thanks! As always you are a great source of information on Dodge trucks! I'll just measure the u-bolts then and order 4 new ones and swap the axle assemblies out. A 2 wheel drive with open diff is pretty much useless around here and I like the extra strength the 9 1/4 will provide. Thought real hard about the drop in type of lockers for the 8 1/4, but since we get some pretty icy roads around here in the winter, that kinda put me off on that idea. I think I could handle it fine, but my just licensed son will be driving the truck once in awhile, and I can see the truck going sideways into traffic or a ditch quicker than he could handle as he is just used to front wheel drives

the u- bolts are square tops on a dodge so remeber that when buying them. the chepys at the parts store are for round tube most times.

I have re-used stock u- bolts many times un less the are rusted or need to be cut off.

I just un-flip the rear of my 85 truck putting axle back under springs and used a used set of stock u-bolts from a memeber here on moparts.

I have about 8-10 sets of used ones hanging in the shed. i will look and see if i have a stock set for a truck if you want. may save you some coin on the swap.

I have a lock right locker that replaces the spider gears in a 9 1/4 i am going to install in the 85 stepside myself.



learnig/knowing how to drive with a SG or locker is a must when in use.

I've re-used them before too back in my muscle car days, but the trucks have pretty rusty u-bolts and I doubt if I can even get the nuts off without twisting the bolts, no one around here carries the square bolts, so it looks like I'm going to be ordering them. If you have good used set, let me know what you want for them, it is all Chevy around here and you just get a blank stare when you tell the moron behind the counter you want Dodge parts . The lock-right is what I was looking at originally, and is what I would just do if it was a fair weather fun truck, but this is going to see alot of winter driving and it might get hairy with a locker Anyway, thanks again for your info and let me know on the u-bolts, I appreciate your help VERY much

If nothing else, what are dimensions on the u-bolts?

I have a 1 pair for 1 side only. good shape.

they are 2.5" inside sqaure x 6.5" long

IIRC 4x4 would use a 2.5' x 12" set

if you want them they are yours. just cover the ride and shoot a mail addy. should fit in a small priorty box around 6$

I appreciate that very much, I ended up finding some square bolts at a local spring and axle shop that I didn't even know existed, so I'm good there. Thanks for all your help and the offer, that's what seperates Mopar owners from everybody else, they are always willing to help each other out.