I have a 2001 Dakota SLT 4x4 with the 4.7L. Went offroading this weekend and when I hit some soft sand, the transfer case started making a bad noise. It sounds like the clinking of a roller coaster going up the hill to start the ride....clink, clink, clink. The noise is louder at slow speed, but still there at full speed.

I pulled off the front tire and put the truck on jackstands. The shaft going into the transfer case is obviously loose. Could anyone help by telling me how I figure out if the problem is the shaft or the case? What should I be looking for. If I take the shaft off and needed to, could the truck be driven to the mechanics in rear wheel drive with no shaft?

Thanks in advance....

 

Im assuming you mean the front drive shaft. Yes you can take it off and drive to a mechanic. My guess if you did something weird which would suck. Clink doesn't sound good... But it might be a loose drive shaft now, bad u joint.