Question for Dakota LS1 swap..
01-26-2007, 01:37 PM
#22
Just get a 8.8 from a F150, have it cut down and reposition the leaf spring perches where they need to be. Cutting down a rear axle doesn't really cost that much $250 or so to cut it down then you need the flanges and the other things you need. Get custom axles from Moser or Strange they will put whatever hub on it you tell them to. Plus 8.8's in F150's are plentiful in boneyards. A 8.8 is the same thing used in Stangs so you can just get a good differential for a stang and be done with it.
01-28-2007, 12:51 AM
#23
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Originally Posted by kossuth
Just get a 8.8 from a F150, have it cut down and reposition the leaf spring perches where they need to be. Cutting down a rear axle doesn't really cost that much $250 or so to cut it down then you need the flanges and the other things you need. Get custom axles from Moser or Strange they will put whatever hub on it you tell them to. Plus 8.8's in F150's are plentiful in boneyards. A 8.8 is the same thing used in Stangs so you can just get a good differential for a stang and be done with it.
02-19-2007, 07:40 PM
#24
As the original owner of a 89 Shelby Dakota which now has 113,000 miles and the owner of a 03 s10 20,000 miles I can tell You the Dakota is a much better built truck, has less rattles, handles better etc.
I would put an ls motor in any non Shelby Dakota! be aware that the v6 dakota has a shorter wheelbase and smaller length engine bay than the v8 Dakota,(in the earlier models anyway, not sure of the 2000)
I hope You do this swap, bet You will love it! Just My 2 cents. Good Luck.
I would put an ls motor in any non Shelby Dakota! be aware that the v6 dakota has a shorter wheelbase and smaller length engine bay than the v8 Dakota,(in the earlier models anyway, not sure of the 2000)
I hope You do this swap, bet You will love it! Just My 2 cents. Good Luck.
02-19-2007, 09:05 PM
#25
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if you want to go 5 lug you can use hubs off a 2wd Ram, It changes the offset a little, but it will bolt right on the dakota spindle...the only hard part is you will have to find some rotors.
Go for it as a fellow dakota owner
Go for it as a fellow dakota owner
01-19-2009, 09:59 AM
#31
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try and score a 9.5 from a trailblazer SS. it is 6 lug, posi and should be wide enough for the DAK. Fuel supplyhe boosted engine just use the factory sending unit modified with no pump. then use a areomotive a1000 on the frame rail. Just add a return line to the top of the sending unit and done.
06-29-2009, 07:26 AM
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Anything new on your swap? I'll be getting my truck back from the body shop in a week or two. The 6.0L has been sitting in my basement over the winter and looking for a home...
06-29-2009, 11:29 AM
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I got an easier route to go for you.
The f150 and truck sized rear ends will be way too wide for you.
Look at a 1995+ Ford Explorer. They ussually have an 3.73 gears, a Limited Slip diff, and Disc Brakes!!!!
That axle will require MUCH less work for you. And it is much narrower than the full size trucks axles.
And it's a ford 8.8!!!!!!!!!!!!! with 31 spline axles
I know of a couple places that sell the adapters for the Ford bolt flange to either a 1310 or 1330 U joint as well.
Here's a link to a guy who did the swap on an s10.
I did this same exact thing on my s10.
Ford 8.8 Axle Swap
Here is my stock 7.5" GM rear next to the new Beefier ford 8.8"
Although it doesn't look like it, The spring perches are only 1/2" off. All i did was push the spring a tad, and it fit just fine.
Here is the adapter flange that i bought.
You can get this flange off of any of the ford trucks, but ussually Junk Yards don't want to mess with U joints, and will sell u the joint with the driveshaft.
The Ford rear end is 5x4.5 Lugs.
GM is 5x4.75
I bought lug adapter/spacers from Eghey for 70$.
I'm not sure what Dodge lugs are, but u can get the adapters in any size. THey only spaced out my wheels 1.25" which was perfect cuz i put Vette wheels on my S10 and needed the spacing.
For 450$ i did this:
Upgraded to LSD
Disc brake swap
Ladder bar install // Traction bars
3.73 gears
kept the vette wheel pattern and spacing
upgraded to 31 spline axles
And it's an 8.8, not a 7.5!
Not to bad of a deal huh?!
