So my father in law just got a 2001 Dakota 4.7 4wd 5 speed. He bought it knowing there was no front driveshaft but like me thought it would be an easy fix. We got a new one, went to install it and it is almost like its too long. When we attach it to one end the other end won't line up. It won't fit. Its almost like its 1/4" too long to fit over the flange on the t case or the yoke nut on the diff. Do you gave to take something loose in order to fit it? Even with it all the way compressed it seems too long.

 

i have my front driveshaft out now,theres about 2 inches of travel in the splines,should be more than enough movement,if you dont have that then you might not have the right shaft..

 

best is to let a shop make a shaft for you drop it off come back and off you go.

 

i have noticed that there is at least 2 different front drive shafts for the 2nd gen dakotas. there is one set up that has a total of 3 u-joints. then there is one that has some kinda of ball joint looking hook up.

you might have the wrong drive shaft.