So I have an AWD 2002 Dakota with the 5.9L V8, was driving and i stoped for a stop sign, then I started driving and I heard a thumping and it got faster as I drove faster, so i slowed down. I stopped, checked under and nothing seemed wrong, was having it towed and the guy tried to drive it onto the truck and the front diff grinds for around 3 seconds before we stop and he just sticks it into neutral. I was wondering if I can just take out the front drive shaft and forget about AWD, the truck is rusted out because of previous owner and im looking at buying a new one, just need a vehicle to get around in. Would all I have to do is take out the front drive shaft and I could drive it like that or more than just that?

 

If you have a part-time 4wd position, then yes, you could do that. In awd the truck wouldn't move though. It would just spin the front drive flange. Need the t-case locked.

 

My truck has AWD, 4lo,4hi but it never worked since ive had the truck, and the shop told me that my t case was welded, but I don't know what they really meant by that if they didn't know it was AWD or not.

 

Could probably pull the front shaft and put the case in 4-hi

That said, depending on how wasted the front diff is, it may not matter. The front axle is live, theres is not a disconnect.

You could however pull the front driveshaft as well as the two CV shafts. They spline into the front hub IIRC.

 

What if my 4wd never worked? It would never engage into anything but AWD couls I still pull the front shaft out? And do I need to take out the cv axles?

 

I think you need to start looking for a front axle, and t-case. Either that, or a whole new truck. (new to you at least.) You can't pull the front axles completely. You would need to leave the outer stubs in the hub/bearing unit, as that is what hold them together. Without those stubs/nuts, the bearings can easily separate, and you loose a tire. No fun at all.

 

well since I think it's my front diff, but I'll find out for sure today, I think I'd need new diff, t case, and maybe axles, that's give or take 500$ in parts and I'm not planning to drop a diff In my driveway, so I think I'll go with the new truck idea lol