Hey, my '04 2wd SXT has a shot u-joint on the steering shaft (big surprise) I've been spraying it almost every day, but im nearing the point where I have to do something. I'm desperately trying to avoid being ripped off completely for the part and labor. Does anybody know how difficult it is to remove and replace these? I've seen aftermarket shafts online for around $200. If I could do it myself I could save hundreds. Thanks for any advice.

 

this sector shaft is actually rather easy to remove. there is only 2 bolts. one on the steering box the other on the bottom of the steering wheel. the shaft should move inword (to the cab) and then once it clears the steering box. you can move it away to have it clear threw the fire wall. and out. i have done mine 2 times in the last 135k. and i have to do another. shortly it might be the steering box tho!

 

If I need to do it, im going to look at a possible better solution. Make one myself! better components, or, dual joints to relieve the angle...jump off that bridge when WD40 fails...

 

thanks for the advice. Did you have to remove anything to get at the upper bolt? It looks to me like my brake booster is right in the way. I have read that people remove the drivers side wheel to make more room. Did you do that? Did you get at the upper bolt from under the truck or reaching in through the hood?

 

Did the Lower Intermediate Shaft on mine this weekend. Got the instructions and the link to the part here http://www.autorepairinstructions.com/?p=50

Removed the driver's side front tire and inner wheel well splash guard. Fairly easy to get to after that. The shaft was less than $100 for my Dakota 4x4 Quad Cab. Getting the old shaft off was a pain as the lower bolt was really rusted. It drives like a new truck.

 

How long did it take you to complete that project?
Also what tools did you use? Just bought mine this
past week. Read up on the directions, but it don't
get into details on what tools to use. Plan on doing
it this weekend, maybe.

Thanks in advance.

 

No special tools were required. I believe the existing bolts require a 1/2" socket and I used a lot of liquid wrench to break them free. I did remove the driver's side tire and the inside plastic wheelwell splash guard. It is pretty accessable after that. It has been suggested that you wrap the seatbelt through the steering wheel to prevent it from spinning when you remove the shaft (protects the clock spring). I don't know if it is necessary but I did it just to be safe. My bolts were very difficult to remove so it took much longer. From the time I took the tools out until they were put away was about 3 hours. If the bolts had been easier to remove it would have been less than an hour.

 

where did you get the part from?

 

Ok thanks EHoskinson.
I bought mine from Ebay, $134. and some change.
Got the whole lower Intermediate shaft and column, for my
4x4. Just wanted to get some extra details before I get started.

Might work on it this weekend if I get some extra time from work.
If not, then next weekend.

 

Great Info and resources thank you all, gonna have to do mine in spring, not that bad yet...