okay so if im going downhill with no weight in the back, and trying to back up it will be 1 wheeling on whichever side has no weight in the back and my 4x4 is worthless.. ive already jacked the front up and i have vaccume, my front driveshaft locks in, and if i turn 1 wheel the other does too but for some reason it doesnt work whatsoever

 

With the engine off, put the t-case in 4wd, crawl under the truck, and try and spin the front driveshaft.

 

yeah the shaft locks in and spins when i drive. if i turn a front wheel the other one turns the other way in addition to rocking the driveshaft a little (just play i believe) so everytung "should" work and everything there to check is good, however in times of need the back 1 wheels on the worst possible side

 

considered just getting a locker but i do daily drive it

 

your testing indicates your 4wd is working properly.
but, due to the open differential - its still possible for one of rear, or one of the front wheels to spin.

 

yeah like on dirt/non-road substances i can spin both the back tires but if i have slightly less weight on one side it just 1 wheels in the back only and got me stuck a ton of times.. my dakota would bottem out and keep crawling!

 

No factory LSD I take it?

 

Your Dakota probably had a limited slip, you may have one and the clutches could just be shot, its something you can rebuild. Or you could just not have one, in which case an axle swap with a lsd would be your easiest option, if you want to go that route.

you can request a build sheet from chrysler, theres a thread floating around somewhere with directions

 

thanks! i shouldnt have said only goin down hill tho.. tests indicate 4x4 works but if im in mud or anywhere in general only the rear spins so im just as good not even bothering to put it in 4wd and grinding up my transfer case. not sure on the lsd tho, cause sometimes both rears spin and other times like i said before it just 1wheels.. so im leaning tword clutches?

 

Get a build sheet. http://www.dodge.com/wccsapp/univers...ull&category=R