I have a 2002 Dakota SXT 4x4 that has recently developed a steering issue. Back in November I installed a two inch lift on the truck (keys up front and add-a-leafs in the back) and immediately took it to Les Schwab to have the alignment done. I drove around on it for a few weeks and things seemed alright, but now the steering is acting up. Whenever I make a turn, regardless of the direction, the steering wheel stays kinked in that direction even though the truck is now straightened out. It's not that big of a deal, except whenever I hit a spot in the road that is big enough to jostle the truck (I'm out in the country, so there's a lot of those) whatever is bound up immediately loosens up and the steering straightens back out... causing me to swerve. Les Schwab didn't tell me that they've seen anything on the steering that's worn out, and the tires are almost brand new, so I'm not really sure where to look to find the issue. If somebody has any ideas, I'm all ears.

One thing I will mention is that the steering box has had a small, but constant leak since I bought it last year (trucks got roughly 93,000 miles on it)

 

How far off is the wheel? 30 degrees? 45?

2002 should have a steering rack, not a steering box. Steering box, I would say loose pitman arm on the sector shaft. Having a rack, my leading guess would be that the intermediate steering shaft has come decoupled or partially decoupled. It's somewhat common.

 

The Dakota's [and Durangos too] will be nothing but steering trouble if you lift the suspension. Sadly, it's a design flaw in the suspension and there's not much you can do about it. If you really want or need a lifted truck you'll have to buy something else. I feel your pain. I bought a 03 Dak last year with thoughts of lifting the suspension. I'm still happy with my truck though. I've learned to love it for other reasons . .

 

magnethead, I can't say for certain how far off the wheel goes, other times its just slightly off-center enough to be noticeable, and other times it probably would hit about 30 degrees off the mark. As for the intermediate steering shaft, is there any way I can test this and see if it's bad? When I installed the lift I kind of half-heartedly looked at the steering shaft, but I didn't really mess with anything.

 

dalewpitt, I read somewhere that people had these kinds of issues even before I installed the lift, but the lifts that these guys were working with were four or almost five inch lifts. I thought a two inch lift wouldn't be bad, but I guess that was too optimistic on my part.

 

May have nothing to do with the lift..... Pop the hood, unlock the steering (don't start the engine) and have someone turn the steering while you watch. Pay attention to the shaft between the column, and the rack. Sounds like something is slipping there.

 

Heyyou, Thanks for the idea, I'll give that a shot and see if there is anything unusual going on.

 

The steering and suspensions issues with lifting Dakotas and Durangos are well known. Go to google and look for lift kits for suspension on them . . there are NONE. no company makes lift kits for them . . . something that makes you go hmmmmmmmmmmm

 

09-12 Lifted Dodge owners.. Steering Issues.. HELP!!I have a 11 Ram 1500, i put a lift ...

even the regular trucks have issues . . . its a design flaw.

 

I still love my Dakota. It is the best riding truck. If you need to have a lifted truck buy something else. Dodge trucks aren't the lifting kind.