I just purchased a 2000 dakota sport 4.7 4x4 with slop in the steering. I quickly located a worn universal in the lower intermediate steering shaft. I know they switched to R&P steering in 2000. My problem is that the 2000 shaft is 3 times the price as the 2001-2004 shaft. When I look at photos of each shaft they look identical.
Therefore my question is: Can I install the 01-04 lower steering shaft on a 00? I've searched tons of threads. Some say 97-99 4x4 shaft will work, but I know that's not right. I seriously suspect the cheaper 01-04 lower steering shaft will fit. Anyone know for sure?? This is a tough question to get answered. I'm sure somebody here must know. Thanks in advance.

 

Maybe I should try this question from another angle. Any guys out there that work in parts who could lay a 00 lower intermediate shaft (55351199AC) next to the newer 55351246AA shaft and see if there are any significant differences? I have seen one guy claim he put the 01 shaft on a 00, but with only one thread, it may have been a typo.

 

Maybe this will help a little. Because I am not sure of the difference. The top picture is a 2001-2004 the 2nd is 2000 and the last one is a 97-99. But looking at these there are differences it what looks like the u joints and the length.

 

Any luck.

 

Thanks for the response. No luck yet. Will probably just bite the bullet and cough up 3 times the price for the 2000 shaft. I'll still keep watching this post right up until the last moment in case someone really knows for sure.

 

Pictures don’t show you much plus most times the pic is a generic pic that may not even match the real part. So don’t go by the pic

Stick by what is listed for your year getting anything different and you could get stuck in a bind the day you try to change it out and it doesn’t work then you put in a lot of work for nothing plus you now must ship the part back this is a no fun situation.