2nd Gen front driveshaft puzzle

[Rusty plow truck]

Help! I am new to this forum and a bit desperate. 2000 Ram 1500, 5.9, automatic, 4wd, std cab, short box. The front driveshaft is so rusty that it will likely break upon removal. I can't seem to find a match anywhere for my configuration: The build sheet says the transmission is 46RE and the glove box sticker says the front differential is Dana M44F. Since I am not removing the thing while it's snowing and still working, I can only measure the length 'in place'. That's 31". Everything I have found online and locally says "This Item will NOT FIT your vehicle!" Am I messing something up here, or do I have a rare configuration? My next option is a local racing specialist for fabrication ($$$). Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[RacerRon]

I had one built by driveshaft specialist for my 2000 6 speed dually. They did a beautiful job. Everything they do is built to order by your measurements.

 

[crazykid1994]

I’m pretty sure If it’s a single cab 6ft bed than any single cab 6ft bed drive shaft should fit. No differences on that even with motor. The 318 and 360 used the same transmission and same motor mounts. Only difference I can think of is if the truck has a lift on it
Edit: just looked at rock auto and the 1500 only uses 1 front driveshaft for all models with the auto trans no matter the cab/bed configuration.

 

[Rusty plow truck]

Thanks guys! I have been trying to work with a couple of sellers, but learned they were just selling stuff and they were not very knowledgable. Since I have had no experience with these drive shafts before, I had little confidence in moving forward.

 

[Rusty plow truck]

Okay, let's wrap this up. The Rock Auto info put me on the path. Identified the manufacturer as made in the USA; USA Standard Gear. I contacted them with all the information I had, including all of the conflicts. They confirmed that the ZDS9107 was for a 2500, not a 1500. They thought I wanted a 9101 instead, but asked me to provide them with the OEM number. I called Dodge, got the number, and passed it back. They confirmed that what I wanted was the ZDS9101. Expensive, but I finally have it coming from Rock. Thanks for getting me started. Oh, if anyone else has this issue, the Dodge OEM #52105860AB.

 

[chasec]

I had one built by driveshaft specialist for my 2000 6 speed dually. They did a beautiful job. Everything they do is built to order by your measurements.

Who did yours and how did you measure it. I have a 13 in lift and I need a front driveshaft

 

[RacerRon]

Driveshaft specialist. I believe they are located in Texas. There is a form on their web site you can fill out. I just called them and they told me exactly what they needed and how to measure.