2002 Dodge Dakota Club Cab - 130K miles - 5-speed manual

I was getting a noise from under the truck in 4wd mode only and it was getting progressively worse. I finally got under the truck and poked around and when I wiggled the front driveshaft the CV joint by the transfer case squeaked loudly.

I surfed the web and found many ways to solve this. Some replaced the whole driveshaft, some converted to a driveshaft with U-joints at each end. I opted for the cheapest fix, which was to order a new CV joint and replace it myself. I ordered a new Dorman CV joint from Amazon for $98. Oreilly's had them for approx. $150 and it included a lifetime warranty.

I have included some pics of the old dry CV joint and some shots while removing the driveshaft. It took about 30 minutes to get the driveshaft off.

CV Boot half gone
cvjointontruckcloseup_zpsa88393d8.jpg

Driveshaftviewontruck1_zps4045a58b.jpg

Removing 8mm Head bolts (PB Blaster sprayed 2 days prior)
removingboltscvjoint_zps9234c7aa.jpg

Marked the U-joint end prior to removal
Markdriveshaftlocation_zps977f50d8.jpg

Bolts were stubborn, lots of Blue Loctite on the bolts made the impact work hard
removingujointendbolts_zps3279db16.jpg
Driveshaft out
Driveshaftviewonfloor1_zpsac75b73c.jpg
Dry dust inside, would not have lasted long
olddrycvjointopen_zpseea70a33.jpg

View of the transfer case front where CV joint connected
transfercasewithcvoff_zps8cf81076.jpg

 

Photobucket its free also you can post BIG pic's with it

 

How were the u-joints?

 

Solid

 

I think 00DakDan was suggesting that as it was out and they look like original U-joints you may as well replace them always think ahead of things

Nice clear Pic's

 

Gotcha, I will consider changing the U-joint too.

If one decides to swap the shaft, the listed part called out for the 5 -spd manual was the shaft with a U-joint at each end. Some have made this swap and some have been disappointed with it, one reason is because the shaft is noisier.

 

That's exactly what I was thinking but that's me! Glad they were tight.