Hi, I just purchased a new (to me) Dakota 4x4 Club Cab 4.7 year 2000 over the weekend. It is in very good condition but there are a couple questions I have. 127,200 miles.

When I turn tight it feels funny - kinda like a slight jerking. No other noise. Ball joints?? If so, is it a difficult repair?

The rear subwoffer has been removed. Any specific type to get?

Where can I get a stock (OEM) CD radio?

Thanks in advance!!

John.

 

Factory sub?

For the stock stereo look at ebay and or the junk yard...They're usually not cheap.

 

Don't think ball joints are causing your steering issue.It will have a rack in it look at that for leaks or play. Check steering shaft for play. Shaft has small u-joints and they tend to wear out. As far as ball joints the bottom one's are pressed in and the top are riveted in if they are stock. I would check with these folks http://www.crutchfield.com They have some options for speakers. And can help with everything you would need.

 

When you turn does the jerking happen throughout the turn or just once or twice when you turn? There was no factory sub in the dakota so what was there was aftermarket. Might as well upgrade to a aftermarket radio. You can get them with sirus radio in them,bluetooth to make calls, Lots of other things too.

 

Thanks for the responses. I just figured out that the sub issue is an aftermarket one. They used a Thunder Box.

"Don't think ball joints are causing your steering issue.It will have a rack in it look at that for leaks or play. Check steering shaft for play. Shaft has small u-joints and they tend to wear out" Thanks mmguy 18 I'll check out

Dodgeranguy 85 it is just a slight jerk that goes on while I'm executing the tight turn then goes away. Sort of like if it were in 4 hi but it is not.

 

On my last Dakota I had the same problem. Turned out it was the steering rack itself. Once I replaced it problem solved

 

In my 2004 4WD quad it sometimes feels a little tight, jerky (hear the rear wheels slip a bit) in a tight parking situation - I just figured its the lsd rear end.

 

Thanks, I'll check it out. It is only slightly noticable and really only when I'm turning.

Is there a diagram readily available to look at RE the steering?

 

Could be a bad CV joint causing that jerking.