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68 Satellite, 8 3/4 or Dakota 9 1/4? #2799509
07/21/20 07:07 PM
07/21/20 07:07 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,894
Benton, IL.
D
DaveRS23 Offline OP
Special needs idiot
DaveRS23  Offline OP
Special needs idiot
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,894
Benton, IL.
I have an very rusty 68 Satellite. /6, radio delete, column auto, and noisy 7 1/4. The old car is not much, barely road worthy to be honest, but is fun to beat around in. I have enough parts to build an 8 3/4 for it including some 3.91s. I would need to buy a few things and would need to move the spring perches on the housings I have, but I think I could do the deal for $200 or so.

I can get a complete Dakota 3.55 rear (maybe even with a Sure-Grip) out of a yard for $150 or so. I know I would need to do something with the U joint, spring perches, and axle studs. This swap I haven't done before, so what else would be needed?

Which way would you go? I think that I would lean towards the easiest install if there were not much money difference. Any input here would be appreciated. Especially from anyone who has done the Dakota diff swap.

Thanks!


Master, again and still
Re: 68 Satellite, 8 3/4 or Dakota 9 1/4? [Re: DaveRS23] #2799524
07/21/20 07:34 PM
07/21/20 07:34 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,717
541 slobovia
A990 Offline
master
A990  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,717
541 slobovia
Make sure you don't get a 6 lug axle. I think you need a shorter driveshaft, and probably will have to move the perches.
Sounds expensive for a beat up rust bucket

Re: 68 Satellite, 8 3/4 or Dakota 9 1/4? [Re: A990] #2799542
07/21/20 08:31 PM
07/21/20 08:31 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,894
Benton, IL.
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DaveRS23 Offline OP
Special needs idiot
DaveRS23  Offline OP
Special needs idiot
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,894
Benton, IL.
Newsflash! A couple hundred dollars ain't $hit when it comes to vintage Mopars. I spend more than the cost of this differential project on tires every year or so on the Cuda.

I get as much interest in the rust bucket from people as I do with my HemiCuda. I take it to events and stuff almost as often as the Cuda because I have about as much fun and don't have to worry about anything happening to it. Owning it the last couple of years has been a real eye opener.


Master, again and still
Re: 68 Satellite, 8 3/4 or Dakota 9 1/4? [Re: DaveRS23] #2799578
07/21/20 10:10 PM
07/21/20 10:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,486
Freeport IL USA
poorboy Offline
I Live Here
poorboy  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,486
Freeport IL USA
Dakota 5 lug wheels came on trucks 1990 and older, 91 and up are all 6 bolt wheels. Can't speak of anything newer the 2004.
90 and older were either 7 1/4 or 8 1/4. The 9 1/4 were all 6 lug that i know of.
A rear wheel drive Dakota has the axle mounted above the springs, but a 4x4 Dakota has the axle under the springs.

If I were in your shoes, and had a chance to put an 8 3/4 in a 68 B body with a slant 6, I would not even consider anything else. Keep in mind, after 70, B body rear ends got wider and may not fit under your 68. Gene







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