Please Save My Marriage! 1997 Dakota-Money Pit
 

I bought my neighbors 1997 Dakota 4x4. 271,000 miles on it. Engine purrs, transmission shifts smooth as all get out. But I am now into a marriage danger zone!

I replaced the brakes to include the calipers and lines. They were locking up. Mechanic said "good to go." Now when I put it into 4 wheel drive they lock up when I turn the wheel. Specefically the right side????

Before I take it back to my mechanic I want to know if anyone else has any insight???

This is an old truck, body still looks good, engine and transmission are still good. I knew I had to put some money into it but now we are into the marriage danger zone ;)

It is unlikely you have full time 4wd. You shouldn't be putting it in 4wd unless you are on a very slippery surface. The binding is normal in a part time NV or NP231 transfer case.

What transfer case do you have?

Would that cause the brakes to be hot?

How hot?

No, it won't do anything to the brakes but it'll sure bind up the drivetrain.

Jack the truck. Turn the wheel to the right and spin the wheels. See what happens.

Will do! If the wheel locks .... bad? Transfer case?

You may have a bad CV joint.

Sounding like a bad cv joint. Usually they make a hum when driving or sometimes a pop while turning.

CV joint sounds reasonable. I just need this truck for hunting and the minor snow we get here. What am I looking at for a repair price wise and should I also replace the other side?

CV I think you can do yourself..correct if mistaken.

Yup. And it's actually pretty easy. I usually just replace the whole axle assembly, since they're only about $50 brand new. If it takes you more than an hour, you're doing it wrong.