Will this work???

[MOPARJ]

I have access to a wrecked 89 Dodge Dakota with a 8 1/4 rear. How much work would need to be done to make this work in a 73 duster? Can it work? What addtional parts would I need and how much would I have to shorten the shaft to make it work? Thanks.:read2:

 

[68dart340]

If the width works and you wouldn't have to cut it down, then it would be an alright swap. The shocks mount in a different position aswell. Personally, I would keep looking for an 8 3/4" or even better a D60 and do it once. I have a '86 Jeep Comanche with the 8 1/4" in it and it's toast, the truck only has a 2.5L and a 4-speed in it. On the other hand, the 8 1/4" in my '91 Comanche is holding up fine and I wheel every week. What it all comes down to is what's going in the car for an engine and tranny and how heavy your right foot is.

 

[fishy68]

You'll find the Dakota rearend is quite a bit wider. I believe their about 63-1/2 inches axle to axle. The A-body rear is only 55.6" so it would have to be narrowed which wouldn't really be cost effective since you can usually pick up a a-body 8-1/4 for $200-300 and it will cost you that much to have one narrowed. That's the only real problem I see. The shock mounting is easily overcome because the A-body shocks bolt to the lower spring mount. You'd just need a set of 8-1/4 spring mounts. The 8-1/4 is plenty tough for your 318 so if it were me I'd keep looking to find the right one. The D60 is great but weighs a ton and is way overkill for your 318. The 8-3/4 would be indestructible and not weigh so much and if you can afford one it's the way to go but they cost alot more than an 8-1/4.

 

[68dart340]

The bare minimum I would ever swap into a car is an 8 3/4". My dad bought a E-body 8 3/4" painted, with axles and a complete gearset for $180 CDN at a swap, not so bad.