Sorry, had this posted in the Generation 3 thread by mistake:

Had my 2001, 4.7 4WD Dakota in for front end alignment 10 days ago. A few days
later, the steering wheel was off-center, and I frequently hear a loud clunk coming from
front end, accompanied by steering wheel position changing. This happens from a cold start\
backing up or going forward, or cranking tightly at slow speed, not at highway speeds.

Took it back to mechanic who said the camber nuts/bolts are too rusted to unthread
without blow torch treatment, and further said that the driver side bolts holding
the upper control arm is slipping back and forth. I am not entirely convinced. The
other day I sprayed white lithium grease over the bracket and took it for a drive.
Afterwards, I could see no signs of slippage in the bracket holding those bolts.

Any suggestions? Steering box? loose linkage somewhere? I am not a mechanic
but I think I am being handed a line. My regular mechanic does not have alignment
facilities in his shop, so I am at the mercy of others at this time. Will take it to him
for a quick look first.

Thanks in advance.

 

Is the intermediate shaft slipping on the splines?

 

Good question. I will ask that tomorrow and hopefully have an answer

Thanks

 

Problem fixed. Turns out it was just the nut/bolt after all, Enough movement to cause the "clunk" A few days of sitting with WD 40 seemed to help.