I know this is old, but i jave the same problem with mine. How do you get the shaft out after the bolts are off? Did the exhaust need to be moved?
I have a 2006 dakota v8 auto

 

It was either in 2006 or 2007 they changed the style of front driveshaft, probably to deal with the over engineered fail point that would shear off too easily. If you have the old style like in the photos in this thread, once the bolts are off of both ends you should be able to work it around the exhaust and remove it. If I recall correctly, there is a spline under the boot that can compress to give you a bit more room. If you have the newer style of driveshaft, you need to drop the exhaust to get it out. It connects to the transfer case in a different way and you have less room to maneuver it, so the y pipe needs to come out. Believe me, I have tried to do with out taking it out.


Edit: it looks like the change is in 2007. You should have the style that comes out without dropping the exhaust.

Example of the old driveshaft:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8806828&cc=1432511&pt=2308

And the new style:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=16268277&cc=1434478&pt=2308

 

Mine looks like the pictures on here.. the rubber boot is ripped and the whole thing is rusty.. the cv end seems to be stuck/rusted into the cup (whatever you call it, at the transfer case).
I can slide it in and out of the cv joint a tiny bit, I was trying to wiggle it out around the exhaust, seems there just isnt enough room..
Dark outside now, tomorrow I guess I'll see about moving the exhaust.

 

Soak it with a penetrating oil overnight, then try using a prybar to compress it. Then a hammer to tap the ends off. Once it's off it wouldn't hurt to check that you don't have a bad shift motor. They frequently lose position and keep shifting in and out of 4wd trying to find a lock. This results in 4wd being engaged while driving and shearing off the splines at the transfercase.

 

Ok. I soaked it this morning and waited while I had my coffee 😀 Then used a cold chisel and mini sledgehammer to wedge it off the transfer case..
I was able to squish it enough to slide it backwards then lower it once I was past the exhaust, that's when the cv joint fell right off and the u-joint at the front only bends 1 way... think i know why my 4x4 wasnt working, kinda surprised it worked last time i used it. LOL.
Took some pictures to share..
Gonna have to get a new shaft.
Thanks for the assistance.


So worn, the snap ring snapped.

Not much left to a couple of those bearings.

This way works...

This way doesnt.