I recently bought a 2003 Dakota 4x4. It didn't have the prop shaft installed when I bought it, the CV joint went bad and the previous owner removed the shaft instead of replacing it. I bought a replacement shaft and installed it. Before leaving the house I put it in 4H and 4L to make sure everything was working okay. Everything checked out so I put it back in 2H and headed down the road. While on the road I started hearing a whining noise. I drove around 8 miles at about 50 mph. I took a look at the shaft and the CV joint was smoking, it was hot enough to turn the bearing blue. I pulled the shaft off and took off the cover, the grease turned into a sticky black goo. My question is, what went wrong? Did I get a faulty shaft? Did the joint not have enough grease? It was sealed from the factory. Thanks Guys!

I just realized I put this into the wrong forum. Apparently the new thread button is under the forum sections, not above. My apologies.

Looks to be in the right section to me.

It seems really odd that that joint would get that hot. It really shouldn't do that. (thank you captain obvious......) My question becomes, should that shaft be turning at all when in 2wd? Is there some variety of axle disconnect on the front axle?

Still and all, whether is should, or should not be turning in 2wd is irrelevant. It still shouldn't smoke that joint, regardless. Lack of lube is the only reason I can think of for it doing that....... maybe chat with the place ya got it, and see what they have to say.

I say this because this is the general dissection section and not the technical section.

Yes it does turn when in 2wd, because this truck doesn't have a disconnect. So, when in 2wd it is constantly turning with no load on it.

I have done exactly that. We'll see what they have to say.

Thank You for the reply.

Well I'm getting a refund for the defective shaft. Instead of ordering another shaft with the CV joint, I found a company that sells shafts with a standard U-Joint. From what I have been reading people have been happy with them. So I'm going that route.

Here is the shaft I ordered.
https://www.proshaftllc.com/products...mission-trucks

That's pretty. And you are going to hide it under the truck? Shame on you.

I'm probably going to hang it from the mirror.

Good Man.