The Dodge Dakota pickup truck has CV joints on both front wheels. The pickup truck also has a driveshaft, as it is rear wheel drive.
Both ends need removed.
it makes a knocking sound when u turn the wheels.
There is only one, it is in the middle of the double cardan joint on the transfer case side. It is very hard to find with out removing the drive shaft.
The joint you are looking for is the U joint. You have one at the back of the transmission and another where the drive shaft attaches to the rear end. On the extended version there will also be a U joint in the middle. So if you look under the car and the drive shaft just looks like one long tube you have a two joint shaft. If however, you see what appears to be a joint about the size of both of your fists together in the middle of the shaft, you are looking at the third joint.
I'm not familiar with the dakota, but based on the ones I have done; You'll need a ball joint press, which is basically a large c-clamp with special cups to press out and then press in the new joints. Many auto parts stores will lend these out, and will show you how to use it. With this tool, 10 minutes per side installing new ball joints. You most likely need a new alignment afterwards.
Check with a dealer- ball joints on series of Dodge products where covered by recalls.
The CV joint would have to be broke in 1/2 to cause the 4-wheel dr. not to work. 4-wheel drive would work BUT the front wheels would not pull.
If it's a clunk sound, check universal joint bearings and drive shaft bolts. Otherwise please describe noise.
They are on the ends of the drive shaft.
Its usually a U joint. Click under acceleration . While turning,a CV joint. Grinding or moaning is usually a bearing.
is it front wheel drive? if so the cv joint is bad
It may be a front U-Joint, or front driveshaft/cv joint.