i can turn my drive shaft with my hand at least 25 degrees back and forth without the tires moving. I dont think this is normal. The truck has a lot of miles on it and im sick of hearing a clunk when i pop the clutch when i take off. If i replace the spider gears will that help? or the gear and pinion? Any suggestions?

 

sounds like you need to change the u-joints on both ends. also when you have them out check for any play in the yoke.

 

i have the same flippin problem, except i have an auto..., my u-joints are fine.. you have 4wd right?... could be soemthing in the transfer case... i got a feeling in my case, its in the parking mechinism.. you know when you put it in park and it rolls a bit?... but when im moving down the road and pump the gas.. you feel the driveshaft out run the engine and tranny, then hit the gas and the engine and tranny outrun the driveshaft... not good for u-joints.. hmm... if it goes... guess il have the first fwd dakota.. haha

 

Well i just replaced the u-joint on the drive shaft a while ago, i have slip yoke on the other end. It seems that the sound is comming from the transfter case. Im stumped. I do have 4 wheel drive, but i have a 5 speed. Its either that the rear end has worn and is a bit sloppy or it has something to do with the transfer case, i dont think it could be the tranny or clutch. I just wish i could figure it out because its annoying as hell lol