Simple question here....There is a sleeve that goes along the input shaft which connects to the transmission. What is the name of that sleeve? I'm looking at my actual one and it is about 5 or 6 inches long with a little lip at the end. about an inch or two in diameter....Can anyone help?

 

Im not to sure what part it is but you can look it up here
http://www.trademotion.com/pages/ind...p;pageid=10252

 

I'm thinking that it has something to do with the "pilot bearing". The problem with looking at the catalog online is that there are a bunch of parts that look similar. I might just have to take a picture of it and post it here.

 

The part you are referring to is called the "Input shaft bearing retainer." See the Dodge Dakota factory service manual (if you have one). It is also the tube on which the throwout bearing rides in order to engage/disengage the clutch.