I have a 02 Dakota,V6 automatic,4X4 ext cab and the front drive shaft, front pancake joint failed. From my research i see the same year in a standard trans has a double u-joint front drive shaft. Anybody know if i can replace the OEM with the standard trans version ?

 

Welcome to the site. I moved this thread to the second generation Dakota section,
FF

 

just went through this a month ago, they say the only difference in the front shaft IS if its a manual or automatic trans. the manual trans i beleive it is longer than the auto. the aftermarket shafts come with 2 u-joints instead of a cv joint and a u joint. i have a AWD and put in 3 of the aftermarket shafts and none of them fit correctly. no one at the part stores could figure it out. they all told me to buy an oem from the dealer. weird. so to answer your question. no, a standard wont fit in an auto. Welcome to the forum!

 

I took mine to a local drive line shop and they fixed mine up! cut off the weird pancake joint and had a custom U-joint style that was put on. you may need to check around your area.

 

how much did you pay for them to fix yours? i can get one from a stealership for $325.

 

IIRC it was around 125.00 area.

 

The front Drive shaft pancake joint failed at 140.000 miles.Finely found a local drive-line shop. new front OEM joint cost me 160.00 and They would have done a double u-joint shaft at my request. Wicked awesome,old school place. super folks. Just thought in another 140.000 the Michigan cancer will claim my Dak. OH well time to move.

 

The front Drive shaft pancake joint failed at 140.000 miles.Finely found a local drive-line shop. new front OEM joint cost me 160.00 and They would have done a double u-joint shaft at my request. Wicked awesome,old school place. super folks. Just thought in another 140.000 the Michigan cancer will claim my Dak. OH well time to move.
all right a pic to come. thanks for the help

 

echo....