This has been on my list for some time, when this thread came up it reminded me, and since my gear is leaking and groaning I thought I'd do it. So, I ordered a gear for 98 Durango v8 4x4 non plow, which is the same number as 99 Durango v8 4x4 (Lares 1353) from rock auto. The gear showed up today and to my surprise it's the same gear I already have. Went back to rock auto and double checked the number and that's right, out of curiosity I looked up the gear for my 96 xj and its the same number, 1353.
So what gives? do I need the plow package gear? It would seem to make sense with the extra weight on front. Or is it a crapshoot with Lares?