I'm kind of new here, never had a problem with my Dakota . . . until yesterday. I have a 90 Dakota 3.9 4x4. The front wheels stopped turning(rotating) and it wouldn't move, it had to be drug onto a rollback to get it home.
I jacked it up and pulled the diff cover off expecting to find a broken ring gear. Ring gear appears ok, there's no chunks of metal in the bottom of the diff case either. I unhooked the front driveshaft and spun the wheels, both spin in opposite directions but the ring gear won't budge I can't even move it with a pry bar. Is that normal? I'm at a loss, anyone have any ideas?
Sure would appreciate some help

Thanks Guys, Erik

 

Take the front driveshaft out and try it. If its still a problem, then the problem is in the rear. If does spin, then the problem is in the tcase.

 

Nope, definitely not normal. Can you move the pinion yoke at all? Try turning it both directions with a pair of channel locks or something. If the gear teeth look ok, you may have a seized pinion bearing or something. Was it low on oil?

 

Oil was fine, I'll try the pinion thing tomorrow. Thanks

 

No problem. Keep us posted.

 

Well, the pinion does not move, but both wheels turn in opposite directions. Is it possible to take the CV shafts out and run it in 2 wheel drive?

 

Not really. In order to do that, you would have to disassemble the CV axle shafts and leave the outboard splined stub in the hub to hold the bearings together. It can be done, though.

 

Well it's a two wheel drive now. Took out the front drive shaft and both CV shafts. Had to destroy the CV shafts to keep the front wheels on.
I've decided to get rid of it. probably be good project for someone. So, if you know anyone looking for a nice Dakota that needs some work...

Thanks for the advice

Erik