i recently got a 97 ram 1500 4x4 that the airbag had been deployed. i picked up a used steering column and installed it and the airbag light went out and the cruise worked for about five miles but then light came on and no cruise or horn and the steering wheel only locks when its upside down... clockspring maybe??? if so then anyone have any info on how to replace the clockspring correctly and make the steering wheel lock in the right position? any help would be much appreciated! thanks.

 

Steering wheel locking only when upside down is pretty much normal. (no clue why dodge thought that was a good idea.)

For the other problems, yeah, sounds like a busted clockspring.

You can download the 96 service manual from the FAQ section here, correct procedure will be in there. (yeah, I know, your truck is a 97.... 96 manual will be pretty much the same though.)

Welcome to DF.