I have a 93 dodge dakota sport 3.9l and my steering shaft u joint at my steering box is worn out and I can't find a steering shaft anywhere. Will a steering shaft from a different year work? Any info and help will be great.

 

Well, it would be helpful to know if it's 2WD or 4WD since the steering shafts are different; also, for the whole shaft, tilt or non-tilt (and I bet auto/manual) are significant for part numbers.

THAT said - I've not found any sources for my 1988 2WD auto tilt either. For me, it looks like it'll be time to take the measurements and build a new shaft from the parts at a place like Flaming River ( www.flamingriver.com ).

THAT said - what you might be able to do is to remove the shaft, take it to a competent shop (we have two driveshaft companies in town that can do this!) and have them replace the U-joint itself.

Again, I've not tried either of those choices ... but for me, it looks like the next time I drop my rack, I'll be making my measurements with my calipers and see what I'd need to order to make a new shaft.

RwP

 

It is a 2wd auto tran and I would just need I guess the lower shaft. It comes out of the firewall to a a u joint that is still good. Then theres a bolt closer to the top joint that looks like if you took it out you would be able to slide the shaft in or out. Then the bottom u joints that go from the shaft to the steering box. I just need that bottom u joints replaced. I live in a pretty small town with nit many shops around so getting it repaired would prob be a little difficult. I will look into that website and see what I can come up with. Thanks for the quick info.

 

Try junk yards that do recycling. I know that a friend of mine at a junk yard in Oakland used to rebuild whole shafts steering wheel and all. I'm sure he isn't the only guy to do this as a side job. I searched "steering shaft rebuilders" and this is the first non ad result. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=...ft+rebuild+kit

 

oops double post