So I plow with a 2000 Quad cab, and this morning I get a slight grinding and then nothing. Almost like it poped out of 4x4 and you tried to pull it back in while sliding. So now I realize that my front wheels arent turning. I have checked and the front drive shaft turns no problem when in 4 high and give it gas. also if I jack up a tire (either R or L front 1 at a time) and manually turn the tire, the drive shaft moves. However I can grab the drive shaft, and stop it, while continuing to move the tire.

So my question is this, do I look into things like the shifting fork in the diff, or having it rebuilt, or a gear set, or for the cost just grab a junk yard full diff for $400. I really know nothing about these things but I need a quick fix.

Thanks
Rob

 

I thought you weren't supposed to plow with a Dakota?

 

I use it for really tight residential driveways. Most plow manufacturers will not make plows for trucks that are not rated for the additional front weight. I have a boss poly plow which is designed for the specific truck. Along with a set of timbren additional suspension supports. Actually it is a great plow truck, with a V8, tow package, and a good turning radius the little truck will run circles around my F250 when it comes to driveways. I have alot of houses with a single wide driveway, and a free standing garage in the back but the driveway opens back up behind the house. I could never stuff a full size truck back between most of them.

Anyways, back to the differential. How do I diagnose specific drivetrain issues on the front axle?....anyone

 

Well, there's no shifting fork in the differential.
That's in the transfer case.

Some 2000's used a pretty light weight and light duty aluminum housing
Chrysler 8" (or 8-1/4", depending on who you talk to, but it's the same diff)
front differential, and they were common in 2001 and up for several years
in Dak's, Durango's and even 1500 RAM's. They won't take a heck of a lot
of abuse.

You must have broken a side gear in it if you can spin one wheel with the other
one on the ground and the driveshaft can be held still.

Probly the cheapest is to find a good used one complete with the right ratio -
probly 3.55, only other I know of is 3.92.

When I changed gears in my 2000 Durango to 3.92, I did some online searching
and found a complete front 3.92 diff (they're not all that common) with reasonable
miles for a heck of a lot less than buying even used gears and having someone
set it up. Changed it myself, not a big deal.

But I would highly recommend finding an oem service / shop manual, like on ebay.
Don't even bother with the Clymers etc. The oem manual gives you everything
you need and in full detail on everything for the vehicle, incl complete wiring diagrams,
trans / diff / engine overhaul, etc. And all with good illustrations.