Rear end

YY1 said
Just to get this straight-

The Dakota changed body styles for the 1997 model year.

Are we sure the spline count on the 8 1/4 axles changed the year before that?

Yes, Body style changes have nothing to do with spline counts.. if we really need to be technical it's 96.5 year change.. so easier to say 96 vs saying look for this month over that.