can you drive a dodge dakota without a front drive line?

You can drive with out the front drive line with out worry. Although that will not stop the cv joint from the popping sound. The only way to remove the popping sound is to have the cv axel replaced. The knuckle connections on the cv shaft is what is making the popping noise.

What he said!! If the CV joint is out, it must be replaced or you may find yourself in a dangerous situation. It would be about the same as if you dropped a u-joint on a regular driveline. Not much fun.