i have a 2002 dakota 4x4 sport with just over 54000 miles on it,i thought i had noise coming front tires that were cupped,i replaced them with new tires.now i can still hear the howling noise and vibration from the drivers side right drive section.has anyone had this problem this early,and can the average backyard mechanic replace a front drive section without special tools?

 

Sounds to me like you have a wheel bearing problem. Take your truck to a big parking lot and go about 20 or so, then turn the wheels back and forth whatever side you turn to that causes the noise to change is the side with a bad wheel bearing. I don't know for sure but I bet yours has one of those damn hub assemblys where you can't just replace the bearing, the part will be expensive but the labor is relatively simple.

Also, if the tires were cupped look into getting an alignment done, if you haven't already.