Do you have 4 wheel ABS? If so there is a tone ring on the front. I'm not sure exactly where on an '03 however. In my '00 it is in the front bearing but it does change with different years.

 

how do i know if i have 4 wheel ABS or not?

 

I think part of the confusion is that what people here are properly calling a halfshaft is more commonly referred to as a CV axle assembly. So you actually have two front axles if you think of it that way.

I just checked my price on an aftermarket axle assembly (I work in a shop and buy at wholesale) and it's $43.48, so even if it costs you twice that much, it's worth doing the work yourself. If you've never done one before and you have to follow the instructions step-by-step, I still can't imagine it taking you more than a couple of hours. If you do them regularly, and use air tools, it's probably more like 30-45 minutes.

 

Get a build sheet:

Here : https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ur-dakota.html

 

So if the part says front right and front left it is both sides of the CV axle. if it says just CV axle assembly it is just one side that is included. That makes more sense thanks. although i may have to go to the mechanic because i don't think i have the proper tools to do this work in my garage. are there any specialty tools you would need?

 

It can be done with basic hand tools. Basically you jack the truck, remove the caliper/rotor, remove the hub, use some pry bars to disengage the old axle and pop it out. Then the new shaft goes in, you reinstall the hub/rotor/caliper put the wheel on and your done. Sometimes getting the old hub off can be a chore, due to rust.

A "CV axle assembly" is just one side. It should specify which side it goes on.

The FSM calls it a half-shaft. Lots of different names for the same part.

You can download a FSM for your truck, here: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-download.html

We don't have the '03 version but the '01 is almost identical. You'll get an idea of how to change the parts anyways.

 

Dan and Tom have pretty much nailed it on the head but you have 2 CV axles aka 2 half shafts.

One connecting the passenger side wheel to the dif housing, one connecting the driver side wheel to the dif housing.

Like Dan said remove the wheel, caliper, rotor, hub and possibly the tie rod just for more room if needed and pry out the whole CV axle. It will most likely be a pain to remove but it does pull straight out... Expect the splines to be a little rusty near the axle seal.

Oh and of course if the new axle doesn't come with a new seal, replace it while you're there.