Right at the current moment I'm about knee deep into my Dakota projects. I"m switching a bunch of stuff off my 87 4x4 and my 91 2 wheel drive. I just put new shocks on my 91 before I rolled it over. I was wondering if there was a major difference in the rear shocks of these two models. If anybody knows, let me know as soon as possilble. I will also have some spare parts if anybody was interested, mostly drivetrain parts for the 2 wheel drive. Any help or suggestions would be great thanxs.

It would make sense that 4X4 shocks would be longer. Put them side by side and compare them.

The shocks are the same length but the 4x4 are a little bit bigger around. I"m just going to buy new ones. That problem has taken a back seat becaue I'm more conserned about my computer and wiring. Since my 87 was a carburated I"m switching the TBI engine into it with all the wiring. I've elimanated the RWAL b/c I don't have a speed sensor in my axle, but does the computer need to be changed to a 4x4 because I have noticed an electrical connection on the front axle. I thought that the front differentail would lock in with a vacum. I'm open for suggestions on that problem as well.

If you are making the 91 a 4x4 then yes i believe the 4x4 lock up is electronic, there is a two wire plug near the alternator. I wouldnt thing you would need a new computer because the brain really controls the operation of the engine. Granted it reads info from all over, the lock up of the fron differential is probably as simple as completing a circuit. I would look at a 91 wiring diagram to be sure. The factory service manuals are great for that and you can get one for about 20 bucks on ebay.

I converted my 87 into a TBI engine. I found that the wires were for my shift light and the differential runs off a vacum but I"m having a hard time finding drive shaft bolts to go into the transfer case end. I checked at a dealership and they didn't have any. My motor starts and it drives I just need to figure out some transmission wires. I elimated my RWAL and I have had no problems with that. THe only problem I have came to was my wipers don't work but I haven't had the chance to check the wiring and see where the problem lies.