Hello everyone,
I have a 01/05 Dodge Magnum SE, and the drive shaft u-joint is bad.
When looking for replacement parts I was surprised to find out that you have to replace the whole drive shaft, or am I missing something?
The replacement drive shafts manufacturers distinguish between manufacturing dates: to 05/05, and from 06/05. The price difference is significant, so my question is, could you use a drive shaft for later models?

Thanks,
Tino

Edit: The OEM drive shaft has a splined shaft that is sliding freely whereas the replacements have a collar nut (like BMWs). I guess you could theoretically use the slightly longer one(post 05). I went with the part specific for my model though...

 

This is correct. The U joint is like welded to the drive shaft so the whole thing has to be replaced.