Ok guys, I'm new here, and I need some help. I am a full time mechanic, so I have tools and mechanically inclined, but I work on natural gas compressors, and trucks aren't my specialty. That being said, I just bought a 2000 model Dodge Dakota yesterday. It has the 4.7L engine, auto trans, 119K miles, 4wd works well, from what I've seen. I did notice a small power steering fluid leak under the hood when I test drove it, and heard a slight whine, got a good deal and bought the truck. I checked the level, and it was barely on the stick, added Bar's Leaks Power Steering Stop Leak with SEAL CONDITIONER. The truck drove another 60 miles or so and power steering became almost non-existent. I figure it swelled the O-rings and has stopped proper operation, but hoping its not permanent. I got it out tonight and put regular steering fluid in. Didn't get better immediately, but hopefully it will???? Also, I got in some mud and kicked it in 4wd, it spun the tires for a few seconds in the mud. Got back on the road, put it in 2wd, and the rear diff was locked up like posi-trac or something. If I went around a curve at all, the outside tire squealed. I drove about 4 miles like that really slow, and I put it in reverse to back up my driveway. Once I did that, I heard the rear end click and the diff went back to operating properly. I have to say, I did notice a small leak from a plug on the rear diff. Freak accident? Or is the rear end going out? Should I add diff oil or what? I really appreciate the help.

 

welcome to the club man!! first thing i can think of is you have the 4x4 shift **** on the dash right? if so you should always back up when taken it out of 4wheel drive cuz it has a cad unit on the front axle. its a collar on the passenger axle shaft that has to slide over. and that small leak on the diff is normal. almost every dodge truck ive seen has this small leak. i was thinkin of changen mydiff fluid and when i fill the rear back up i was gonna use a lull rtv around the plug just to help it out lol. hope this helps you man

 

Thanks, Fry Daddy. That def helps me feel better about the rear end and putting it in reverse. I just hope those swollen O-rings go back down and there's nothing wrong with the power steering setup. It was fine until I added that stop leak with seal conditioner. Anybody have any idea as to whether it should get better on its own???