I have a 97 Dakota, 4wd, V8, 5spd. With 180k+ I can't complain but the intermediate shaft u-joing wore out. I went to the dealer and ordered one but when it came in the end was different. The original one had a splined hole that went to the steering box shaft, the new shaft had a strait hole with flats. The dealer said this was the only one listed and must have been updated. I was willing to buy the part but it woudn't fit and don't want to buy a new box just to make it all work. Anyone else have this happen? Is it possible to replace the u-joints? It's all that's wrong with it and would be easier than the whole shaft.