dang,forgot about thatSpring perches are in different locations on 2WD vs 4WD. 2WD is axle over spring (perches on the underside of the axle). 4WD is spring over axle (perches on top of axle). If you weld new perches on in the right spot the 2WD axle will be fine.
And the gear ratios available in the Daks those years were 3.21-3.55-3.91. Same for 2WD or 4WD.
The '87-96 2WD could have a 7 1/4 in it too. I've only seen them in the early 4cyl trucks though. The Dakota didn't get the 9 1/4 until the '97-up model.