If you bought and 07 Dakota after June or July of 2007, I cant remember which, I have the paperwork though, the lifetime was a free incentive with your purchase of a new leftover 2007...

 

I have back and forth play in both the original axle and the new one I just put on so I guess it is normal.

 

Could be a wheel bearing...?

 

Has also crossed my mind. I tried checking the ball joints and tie rods on the ground, but haven't put the truck in the air yet. Sway bar links seem to be tight too. Nothing was giving me play but that shaft. How would I check for a bad wheel bearing? Do our trucks have the wheel/hub assembly or the single pressed in bearing?

 

wheel/hub assy. raise the truck up and try to move the wheel. I think play in the wheel with your hands on the sides (3 and 9 o'clock position) indicates worn tie rods and play with your hands at the top and bottom (12 and 6 o'clock position) indicates worn wheel bearings. I have no play in either direction so have rules out front wheel bearings, back wheels have no play either and turn smooth. I swear, with mine, ever since I partially remmoved the drive shaft from the yoke (couldn't get the last bolt out) and flexed the u-joint a little, the vibration has gotten a lot better. I think the u-joint has failed but is not presenting the typical visual clues that it has failed, mine almost seems to be seized up it is so tight.

 

We have a hub assembly, its kinda hard to explain how to check for a bad bearing, but its pretty straight forward, once you eliminate, tie rod ends, and ball joints. You pretty much just wiggle the tire and look for play. Check out you tube for vids, there is a bunch.