If you've driven around, even by mistake, with the system in 4wd on dry pavement it puts a lot of stress on the drivetrain - assuming you don't have the AWD transfer case. It can lead to damage on the spider gears but usually the front prop shaft or the cv joints will fail first.

Does your t-case **** have 2wd, 4hi, and 4lo OR does it have AWD, 4hi and 4lo?

 

I destroyed a spider gear shaft one time boy did things get noisy pulled it apart and the shaft was in bits just shattered. This was on my VW Baja bug I even had the super thick special side plates with bigger studs and the thick steal trans strapping with the double spider gear setup. Revved her up popped the clutch and bam explosion. I think I even had a custom lightweight flywheel on my engine at that time and a heavy duty clutch.

 

my truck has 2 WD 4 hi 4 lo. only way i would have driven with it on would have been if i hit with my knee by accident.

even in winter i wont use it unless i get stuck.
but from what i can remember i have never had it on while it was try out.

 

what are the better brands of cv half shaft assemblies and wheel hubs for the dakota

4.7 l slt 4x4 .

also any parts numbers and link would be helpful. thank you.