Hi guys new to durango i got a 98 slt 4x4 my steering shaft has lot of play want to replace but other then bone yard and dealer were do you guys go for the best price is there some kind of upgrade???? looks like this is a problem part for us thanks

 

Dealer or bone yard item only that I know of. No upgrades as of this time.

 

Are you referring to the this shaft?
NO: 19-12-97
SUBJECT: Clunk/Rattle Felt In Steering Column/Wheel
DATE: Nov. 21, 1997
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO 1998 DURANGOS BUILT BEFORE OCTOBER 27, 1997 (MDH 1027XX) AND ALL 1997 AND 1998 4X4 DAKOTAS.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A clunk or rattle may be felt in the steering wheel/column during slow turns, rough road driving, and stops.

DIAGNOSIS:
Perform an inspection of front suspension and steering components, including a check of all fasteners for proper torque as specified in the appropriate Service Manual. Test drive the vehicle on a rough or bumpy road. With both hands on the steering wheel, feel for a clunk or listen for a rattling type noise. Perform the Repair Procedure if clunk or rattle is felt or heard.

PARTS REQUIRED:
Quantity Part No. Description
1 55351171AA Shaft, Intermediate, 4X4
2 06504926AA Bolt, Pinch
1 06101510 Nut



REPAIR PROCEDURE:

This bulletin involves replacing the intermediate shaft with a revised part.

Position the front wheels straight ahead. Place a steering wheel holder, SNAP-ON TOOL, p/n WA96A, or equivalent, between the steering wheel and the driver’s seat to secure the wheel.
Remove the toe plate nuts.
Remove the pinch bolt and nut securing the upper intermediate shaft to steering column.
Open the hood of the vehicle and remove the pinch bolt securing the lower intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
Compress the intermediate shaft and remove it from the vehicle.
Feed the new intermediate shaft, p/n 55351171AA, through the cowl panel and install it onto the shaft splines of the steering gear. Then, compress and/or lengthen the intermediate shaft enough to be able to install the shaft onto the lower end of the steering column.
Secure the intermediate shaft to the lower end of the steering column with a new pinch bolt, p/n 06504926AA, and nut, p/n 06101510, and tighten the nut to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).
Secure the intermediate shaft to the steering gear with a new pinch bolt, p/n 06504926AA, and tighten the bolt to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).
Install the toe plate onto the cowl panel studs. Tighten the toe plate nuts to 10 Nm (90 in. lbs.).
Remove the steering wheel holder from the steering wheel.

 

does this applies to 2001 durango RT?
cause i have the rattle too !

 

98 only according to that, sorry, but im sure you could get the part and put it on yourself.

 

Here is a TSB for the 2001 RT Models
NUMBER: 19-009-00
GROUP: Steering
SUBJECT:
Popping Sensation/Sound In Steering Column While Turning
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves repositioning the steering column on the steering
column mounting brackets.
MODELS:
2001 (AN) Dakota
2001 (DN) Durango
2001 (R1) Dakota (International Markets)
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A popping sensation/sound can be felt and/or heard in the steering column
during sharp turns (parking lot maneuvers).
DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR PROCEDURES:
Start the engine. Rotate the steering wheel to the extreme right and then to the extreme left
while monitoring for a popping sound or sensation. If a popping sound or sensation can be
heard and/or felt in the steering column while turning, perform the Repair Procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
THIS REPAIR IS COMPATIBLE WITH DAIMLERCHRYSLER’S MOBILE
SERVICE PROGRAM AND DOES NOT REQUIRE HOISTS OR OTHER
FULL SERVICE FACILITY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT.
1. Start the engine.
2. Rotate the steering wheel so that the steering wheel is in an upside down position
then remove the ignition key to lock the steering wheel in this position.
3. Remove the three screws that secure the lower edge of the steering column
opening cover to the lower instrument panel reinforcement.
4. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide-bladed tool, gently pry the upper edge of
the steering column opening cover. Pry just below the cluster bezel on each side
of the steering column away from the instrument panel far enough to disengage
the snap clip retainers from the receptacles in the instrument panel.
5. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel.
6. Loosen the steering column attaching nuts.
7. Bounce the steering wheel lightly in a vertical motion to normalize the alignment.
8. Without influencing the new location of the steering column, tighten the
rear driver side nut to 25 N·m (225 in. lbs.).
9. Next, tighten the front passenger side nut to 25 N·m (225 in. lbs.).
10. Then, tighten the front driver side nut to 25 N·m (225 in. lbs.).
11. Tighten the rear passenger side nut to 25 N·m (225 in. lbs.).
12. Position the steering column opening cover to the instrument panel.
13. Align the snap clip retainers on the steering column opening cover with
the receptacles in the instrument panel.
14. Press firmly on the steering column opening cover over the snap clip locations
until each of the snap clips is fully engaged in its receptacle.
15. Install and tighten the three screws that secure the lower edge of the
steering column opening cover to the lower instrument panel reinforcement.
Tighten the screws to 2.2 N·m (20 in. lbs.).
16. Start the engine then, rotate the steering wheel back to its normal position.

 

awesome! i dont even have to buy anything!

thx mastertech!

 

I know this is the wrong forum for my truck, but I've got a 2006 RAM 3500... the dealer says this is normal/acceptable.

Any TSBs?

 

we cant really help you with the ram (except maybe hydra)

you should repost in the ram section

but i dont think it is normal on any vehicle jmho

 

i have the same clunk on my 2000 R/T. you can watch the lower joint jump if you have someone turn the wheel while you watch. junkies are all out. dealer has 1 lower 1/2, says its for the 2000 only, and wants 260$!! I was thinking of cutting it off and welding on a 3/4 inch impact universal. anyone have any other leads?