Steering shaft slop

[BrandonBurns85]

i have a 99 RT Dak and noticed i have alittle slop back and forth. i looked further and it looks like the u joint is getting loose. Auto zone doesnt have new one or replacement. anybody else have this issue? thanks

[pileit1]

The "intermediate shaft" bearings are a known weak spot on these trucks. A new replacement is likely to cost around $250 or more. I would suggest checking the salvage yards for a usable one. I found one locally for $12 and couldn't get it off the donor fast enough.

If you do a search you will find several discussions on this topic.

[caulk04]

Dealer or salvage yard. No aftermarket producers, yet.

[BrandonBurns85]

i was thinking about replacing it with a stainless or equivlent one from flaming river...?? thoughts?

[BrandonBurns85]

Originally Posted by BrandonBurns85

i was thinking about replacing it with a stainless or equivlent one from flaming river...?? thoughts?

still thinking about doing this?? what everyone think? i havent taken it out to really look at it but the slop is driving me nuts

[petrock]

There are aftermarket options available now. Search around. There is a how-to thread that has a link... Good luck...

[Ozzie]

just replaced mine yesterday, steering was sloppy for the last 6 mths, i checked for a jobber part when the problem started, nothing availible, dealer wanted $450 for a new shaft, no way, checked for a jobber on thursday, found a new 1 for $180 plus tax, had 3 problems repacing it, first the head of the pinch bolt broke, (buy a new 1 before you start this job) 2nd problem, slip joint on old shaft seized, don't waiste your time, just cut it in half, 3rd problem, steering wheel was cocked to the right about45% when i was finished, 3 turn in on the left tie rod and 3 turns out on the right pretty well straightened the steering wheel , drives like a new truck, worth the $180 and 3 hours work

[petrock]

Originally Posted by Ozzie

slip joint on old shaft seized

That would indicate you got another bad shaft that will end up failing/seizing on you...

Originally Posted by Ozzie

steering wheel was cocked to the right about45% when i was finished, 3 turn in on the left tie rod and 3 turns out on the right pretty well straightened the steering wheel

The steering wheel was cocked because you didn't secure it while you removed/installed the shaft. If it turns while the shaft is disconnected, like yours did, then you run the risk of braking the clock-spring in the steering wheel while driving.
And now that you've messed with your tie rods, you have thrown your front end out of alignment. I'd take it to an alignment shop and have it aligned correctly.

[Ozzie]

Originally Posted by petrock

That would indicate you got another bad shaft that will end up failing/seizing on you...
how do you figure that?


The steering wheel was cocked because you didn't secure it while you removed/installed the shaft. If it turns while the shaft is disconnected, like yours did, then you run the risk of braking the clock-spring in the steering wheel while driving.
And now that you've messed with your tie rods, you have thrown your front end out of alignment. I'd take it to an alignment shop and have it aligned correctly.

that is where you are wrong, new shaft can only go on to racknpinion 1 way
as for the steering column turning when i remove old shaft, not possible as the steering wheel was locked in place with the seat belt,as well you can only instal shaft onto column 1 of 2 ways, as for a wheel alignment, changed the shaft on a Sunday, had the alignment done on Monday (yesterday)

[buzzbass]

Originally Posted by caulk04

Dealer or salvage yard. No aftermarket producers, yet.

wrong, unisteer & flaming river both make replacements. Mopar has an upgraded one available too, but it won't fit with most headers out there