What causes the steering to be loose on a vehicle? Its a 98 Durango w/ 120,000 miles on it, you can move the steering wheel left or right a good inch without moving the wheels.

 

Could be a few things. Jack the front of the vehicle up and try to wiggle the wheel from the 12/6 o'clock positions and again at the 9/3 o'clock positions... 12/6 is ball joints, 9/3 is tie-rods. Then again, could also be somewhat normal... IIRC, you can adjust the steering box to help tighten it up a bit... I am new to the SUV/truck thing, so don't take my word on that...

 

+2 on that.... but I'm goin straight to the inner and outer tie rods for your inch of movement in the steering wheel

 

After replacing several front end components, it was finally the steering gear box replacement that made the biggest improvement. I have also heard that the 1st generation Durangos all had a similar characteristic.

 

Yes.

As far as I know the boxs can all be adjusted. Some people have replaced the steering gear as well in the box.