Looking for no BS info on 8 1/4 rears

About the Dakota rear - I'm pretty sure it's not the same 8-1/4 as what came in the older cars. I know that there are different parts for them - go to Mancini and look at the parts available for the 8-1/4, it'll say something like pre-97 and 97-later.

One more thing - nobody makes a spool for an 8-1/4. So if you want a posi-type rear, your only option is a full diff (Auburn, Mopar, Dana)