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fabracator
GenIII
 
4/12/2003
17:32:56
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 Subject: Narrowed Rear Axle
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Message:
According to the sticker in my glove box I am equipped with a Chrysler 8.2 Anti Spin Dif. with 3.55's. Has any one narrowed the "8.2" If so can you cut down the stock axle's or does the project require custom axles to be made. I know it would be better to upgrade to a beefer rear end, but I am hoping to (1) keep my ABS (2) keep the project costs down. I have a old Chryler 8 3/4 here I could use for sure and just cut down the old Axles, but I do not have any of the brake components. $$$$$$ And that would mean no ABS. The truck is mainly going to be used as a parts hauler, so compromises can be made.
Why buy what you can make
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ateam
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/12/2003
22:41:21
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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You would have to have custom axels made because of the c-clips. The 9 1/4 has them also.I have a 98 ex-cab 5.2 5 speed and it has the 9 1/4 axel with 3.55's, but it has a whine when you are off the gas. I am thinking about changing to an 8 3/4. I noticed that the brake backing plates and hardware are same as the 8 3/4. The biggest problem might be to have 8 3/4 axels drilled and filled for the 6 bolt lug pattern. And like you said no more anti-lock.I have a rear jig and have narrowed quite a few dana 60's and 8 3/4's so that would'nt be a problem, but I just want to put an 8 3/4 in that is the same length as my 9 1/4.I am going to call Moser engineering to see if they can do it. I will keep you posted.
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FazDak
GenII
4/13/2003
01:14:35
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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Message:
Dont know much about narrowing but do know a little baout an 8 3/4 install.
Brakes are no problem, I even used my hard lines from the 8 1/4.
I like the 8 3/4 for its quick swappable center cection.
Just curious, why would you want to narrow a rear for a parts hauler, wouldnt that take away bed space that you need?
Good luck.
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b1llyw
DakotaEnthusiast
4/13/2003
06:33:22
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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FazDak,
I have a '95 Dak with an 8 1/4. I don't mind buying custom axles. Are you saying I can swap my backing plates/drums/shoes/hardware from my 8 1/4 rear to an 8 3/4 rear?
Bill White
2002 QC 4x4, SLT , 4.7, 5 spd, 3.92 LSD
1995 CC 4x2, SLT, 318, 5 spd, 3.55 LSD
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fabracator
GenIII
4/13/2003
13:15:43
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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Fazdak or ateam
I think b1llyw and I have the same question about swapping backing plates/drums/shoes/hardware from 8 1/4 rear to an 8 3/4, is it that easy. I would would probely go that rout and save some cash. Also she is going to be a parts hauler/ company truck. So I want to show the work I do a little, but still be able to haul stuff like gas cylenders, tires, etc. For bigger objects I am making a goosneck trailer. I am planning to incorperate the reciver hitch into the step notch.
Why buy what you can make
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88 SC DAK
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/13/2003
13:40:16
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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I'm in the middle of doing this now, replacing a 8 1/4 with a 8 3/4 in my 88. The backing plates are not the same. The 3/4 has a 5 bolt attachment and the 1/4 has a 4 bolt attachment. BUT the other holes are so close if you drill out that 5th hole on the 1/4 backing plate I see no reason it wouldn't fit on. ANOTHER BUT is I don't know if the rest of the brakes from the 1/4 will work on the 3/4. What I mean by this is I don't know if you'll be able to get the axle in and out with the 1/4 plate on the 3/4 housing. I really don't want to pull the backing plate and the axle out at as a unit if the retaing plate can't get through the plate. Hope I didn't confuse anyone with this.
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FazDak
GenII
4/13/2003
14:10:33
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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Message:
Sorry I didnt make myself clear guys.
I changed no backing plate, shoes or hardware.
I simply put new wheel cylinders on the 3/4 put on my hard lines and distribution block from the 1/4 and that was it!! oh othere than a Willwood perportioning valve because the 3/4 brakes are quite a bit harder hitting than the 1/4's because there bigger.
Dont get me wrong though, thats not all there is to putting a 3/4 in, you have to weld new spring perches on inthe proper location. You have to weld on lower shock mounts (I used Comp Eng lower coilover mounts) and then you might have to have the driveshaft shortened like I did.
I wanted the old Mopar 5 bolt on 4.5" pattern, there are a million rims with that bolt patrtern unlike the few that are made for Daks "one off" 6 bolt pattern.
If you decide to stay with the 5 on 4.5 3/4 all you have to do is put on 90 Dak front rotors to match the bolt pattern.
Good luck all!!
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ateam
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/13/2003
22:47:44
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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I am not sure about the backing plates on a dak with an 8 1/4, but I did this on my 82 full size with an 8 1/4 and just hung the backing plates in mid air with rubber straps and when I put the 8 3/4 in I just slid them right on. I did'nt even have to bleed the brakes because I unbolted the brake y-block and lines from the 8 1/4 and bolted it right on the 8 3/4. The backing plates on my 9 1/4 in my 98 dak will bolt right on, but the drums are different because of the 6 bolt lug pattern. And I have used 8 3/4's in everything I have built with the exception of my 67 belvedere, which I put a dana 60 in and they are very easy to service. But they don't need it as much as the back loader rears(7 1/4- 8 1/4- 9 1/4).I really think the reason the 8 3/4 was stopped in production was because the dealers did'nt get much money repairing them, cause the average guy would just swap the center section under the shade tree. The brake backing plates , shoes,and hardware on my 98 don't look like they have changed from the 60's cars and trucks. As far as the anti-lock, I could do without it.
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Buzz
Dodge Dakota
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4/14/2003
16:17:05
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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On the 97 up trucks dosen't that ABS sensor also function as the speedo sensor? I know you can change the gears w/o affecting the speedo... in that case wouldn't you need one with the sensor in it.... just a thought...
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FazDak
GenII
4/14/2003
19:40:34
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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Message:
Good question!! My 94 is gear driven so I had no probelm with that.
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ateam
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/14/2003
22:57:13
| RE: Narrowed Rear Axle
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As far as the ABS sensor, you are probably right. So I guess I am stuck with the 9 1/4.
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