I may have located an 8.25 rear end with a 3.21 ratio. Before I make the trip to get it I want to be sure about the bolt pattern. I don't believe small bolt pattern was ever put in an 8.25 rear but would like to have that confirmed as I need the LBP.

I'm hoping to snag the shock mount plates at the same time but if they aren't there is it difficult to find them?

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

Big bolt pattern for sure. Get the spring/shock plates. U-bolts are the only truly easy part to replace.

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Joshua

Correct, no small-bolt 8¼" rear axles. I don't imagine shock plates should be too tough to find, tho I could be wrong.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I don't know about the supply of shock plates in AZ, but when I swapped my 7¼ for an 8¼ They were as rare as hen's teeth. I had to drill out the ones that came with the rear for new shock studs (both were broken off).

Nat

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1970 four-door Dart, 225/A-904/2.45 gears. 0-60 in twenty three minutes!

Many Dakotas have the 8 1/4 rear axles, perhaps shock plates from those can be made to work. I'll go out and look at mine. What about shock mount plates from a Ford? I believe they use 3" tubes as well. Obviously I will get them with the axle if I can.

EDIT: Well, the Dakota plates won't work; the shock mounts are welded to the axle and the plates are just a simple stand steel saddle with no mounting stud for the shock absorber.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.