2003 4X4 V6 5sp Dakota of my sons,the 4WD quit and found that the front axle stripped between the pumpkin shaft and the CV axle.seems to me a bad design to start with.the truck appears to be raised up from the severe angle on the front CV axles,but no blocks or lift shackles noted in back.also noted the upper ball joints are bolted in...have they been replaced? a darango I worked on had them riveted in. got the cover off and will pull the pumkin shaft in the morning to replace it,and hate to say but there is some noticable slop on the other side.have already rebuild the rear end after it ate a pinion bearing and came apart.the truck isn't dogged and no serious off roading,and all this gone wrong with only 109K? anyone have any ideas....
TIA Darrin

 

hmmm im not to familiar with the 4wd's but i can say that the ball joints you see are not stock. sorry i cant help more.

 

the previous owner likely lifted the front with torsion keys.

does it still have stock size tires?

 

Thanks...both are what I was thinking.the front seems higher than the back,and will be unwinding them alittle to level the truck out.

 

Be sure to get the wheel realigned after you adjust them!