Dakota 8.25

[tugalo]

has anyone put a Dakota 8.25 rear axle into an MJ? If so, what is required?

[Sir Sam]

different bolt pattern, width may be different

[Pete M]

Early Daks had the 5 on 4.5" pattern. A little while ago someone bought an MJ that turned out to have a non-Jeep rear axle. I bet it was from a Dak.

[Geonovast]

Early Daks had the 5 on 4.5" pattern. A little while ago someone bought an MJ that turned out to have a non-Jeep rear axle. I bet it was from a Dak.

 

That was a 7.25 IIRC :ack:

[Pete M]

Does that mean that the 8.25 was only later models with the 6bolt rim pattern?

[Pete M]

Nope, guess not. car-part.com shows 8.25s and 7.25s on early Daks. So at least the bolt pattern should be right if you get the right year.

[Geonovast]

I meant the guy that posted the axle on his manche had an 7.25.

 

I know my stepdad's 95 Dakota has an 8.25 6-lug.

[Sir Sam]

all the dakota 8.25s I've seen where 6 lug

[stesul411]

The short answer is YES a early (87-91) first Gen Dakota rear axle is almost a direct bolt in for a MJ/XJ, But there are a few differences. First, similarities, same dimensions spring perch to spring perch, backing plate to backing plate and drum to drum. Same 5 on 4 1/2" bolt pattern. Same 27 spline axles. Now the differences (mostly good), larger U joint and yoke, larger brakes, lots of 2 WD Dakotas came with Limited Slip. 4WD Dakotas, spring over, 2WD spring under. Dakota shock mounts welded to axle tube.

 

We own 2 XJ's and 2 first gen Dakotas, a 87 and a 92 and have been comparing parts between them for quite a while.

[Pete M]

So the Dakota axle matches the XJ perch separation distance? MJs are a different spacing than XJs.

[stesul411]

So the Dakota axle matches the XJ perch separation distance? MJs are a different spacing than XJs.

 

 

Same spacing, the only real difference between XJ and MJ rears is the MJ's are spring under and the way the shocks mount on the axle side.

 

There are a few other parts that are direct interchange between Dakota and MJ too. Tail lights, rear bumpers, trailer hitches.

[MrSimon]

So the Dakota axle matches the XJ perch separation distance? MJs are a different spacing than XJs.

 

 

Same spacing, the only real difference between XJ and MJ rears is the MJ's are spring under and the way the shocks mount on the axle side.

 

Not exactly true .... in addition to the MJ being SUA and the XJ being SOA, the spacing between spring perches are different on the XJ and MJ. I'm pretty sure that MJ perches are wider than XJ. For example, an XJ rear would not just bolt in as an SOA for an MJ. You would have to move the perches.

[Pete M]

XJ perches are further apart than MJs. XJ leafs are mounted to the outside of the uni-frame, while MJ leafs are mounted directly below their frame. :thumbsup: