I bought this 2007 Dakota SLT (4WD/V6 automatic) just a year ago. 141,000 miles. It's been great so far no problem other than new front shocks and brakes. Overall the truck is in excellent condition.

I tried engaging the 4wd one day last month (turned the switch to 4 high) I was stopped and engaged in drive when I hit the switch. Dry road conditions. After driving about 50 feet I heard a clunking sound (front end) that became louder and louder. I stopped and turned the switch back to 2wd. The sound continued when I drove it again. So I drove it forward and back multiple times and finally the noise stopped. Haven't heard the noise since then. I looked underneath and haven't seen any leaking fluids, no fluids on the front or rear diff's. trans fluid and all fluids levels are good.

When I test drove the truck the seller engaged 4wd when we were driving about 30mph (dry road conditions) So I never expected this to happen now.

I checked the owners manual, and it does state that 4wd high can be engaged up to 50mph. (!)

This is my only vehicle, and I use it for my business. So I haven't had it checked yet, esp since it seems fine in 2wd.I will have my mechanic look at it when I have time, which might be awhile. Thought I'd check here, to see if this is a common problem, and/or if there is a simple remedy (crosses fingers)

thanks!

 

The key is "Dry Road Conditions". Because you might want to go around corners while in 4WD, the fronts rotate at a slightly higher speed than the rears, because they travel further around a corner. With everything locked up, and none of the wheels slipping, something has to give, therefore, you get noise.

4WD is for slippery conditions only. 4WD Low is for nasty stuff.

Don't go to a mechanic quite yet. Find some loose gravel, snow or mud and try it again first. Don't forget to disengage before you get back on pavement.

 

Don't engage 4wd on dry pavement. Owners manual should also state this.

 

the clunking noise you hear is either a bad u joint or the entire front drive shaft needs replacing which are pretty cheap on ebay, my 2005 had to have the front drive shaft replaced.

 

Thank you for all of the responses. It really helps!

Th truck is running just fine with 2wd. But I have noticed a rapid tink sound, especially when I'm on the freeway. The sound is not loud at all. Since I drive the truck everyday I know every sound it makes. Sounds metallic. The sound is coming from the engine area, can't pinpoint it. Especially noticeable on the freeway, with window open and next to concrete divider. The tink sound increases with speed.

I took my truck to my mechanic and explained all this. He said he checked everything, couldn't find anything wrong. Charged me 20$ He said he could not hear the sound or produce it.

Not sure where to go from here. Another mechanic?

My guess is that it's the 4wd lock up in front that is not completely disengaged or damaged.

thanks!

 

Now I am hearing some loud clunking noises when backing up. Coming from underneath and up front. Truck drives fine in drive though. I plan to keep the truck for couple more years. Not sure if I should have a mechanic take apart the transfer case and inspect it, as that would be expensive. Maybe I should just sell it. I'm reluctant to sell it, because the truck is in great condition, no leaks, looks great.

 

I'm tending to lean toward's superdak's thought - Bad U-Joint or CV joint on the front axle.