horse power VS 8 1/4 rear end

If you have ANY concerns about it's strength, the above comments not withstanding, consider the following:

In '97, the carriers in 8-1/4"s in Dakotas, trucks and Jeeps upgraded from the 27 spline Auburn 3 series to the 29 spline Trac Loc 3 series. Ie, parts are cheap and plentiful in the yards. Would just have to get new axles or find a set with enough meat on them that they can be cut and resplined.

Mike in FL