need 8 1/4 advice

can i run 3.73 gears out of a 97 dakota 8.25 rear end? in 97 the axle splines turned to 29 spline... from the research ive done. all i want is the ring and pinion gear out of that rear, and will get a sure-grip from dr. diff. ive read that after market lockers are not very good quality in the 8.25 rear ends... if anyone has any knowledge otherwise let me know. thankyou