I am replacing left front CV Axle on 2002 Dakota 4.7 4x4 Quad Cab. Pulled the old axle off, compared it with the new one, there seem to be some differences. The new one's boots aren't seated the same as the old one, making the shaft appear longer on the new one (it's not). Also, the flange that seats with the hub is bent in two places. The way it was packaged, it could not have happened during shipping. Any ideas?? See pictures.
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I think the CV is the same regardless. The bends aren't good and you should prolly get a different one. You could try to straighten the bends with a soft mallet if you want, really they are just dust shields and not seal points.

 

trade it in for a different one if you are worried about those 'bends', but i think it'd be fine.

 

It's in, works great. Just me being slightly paranoid I guess. Thanks.