Don't get to excited when I talk about shafting/shafts... Anyways, I wanna talk about the intermediate shaft. I think my truck is coming down with an issue that I believe is pointing to it or is in the early stages before total damages have been done. I am getting an inconsistent clunk, click while turning the steering wheel. Its more notable while not moving/barely moving out of a parking spot or turning sharply. Its more so in the 75% of full lock range. I have not noticed it while driving. Just at the lower/barely moving parking lot speeds. Its inconsistent though. I do know I need an outer tie rod, but I cant imagine it being the issue or that bad without a horrendous wobble, hence the shaft being suspect. Will lubing the knuckle help? And if it turns out to be the shaft, from what I have read its pretty much cake to take it out? Moparwholesale - http://www.mopar-wholesale.com/dodge-parts.html I see carries them for a few bucks over $100 are there any cheaper places? I know at least the chain stores don't carry the intermediate, unless its named something other than the obvious and logical name. Anyways any insight, advice or opinions is needed! Thanks!

 

Does it feel like steering or possibly suspension? I have the same symptoms on my truck and noticed the other day that the upper ball joint bushing is completely shot. Just got my new Moog ball joints in the mail today. Hope to have them and new upper control arm bushings changed out next week. I'll let you know.

 

I could feel it through the steering wheel.

Well, I just looked at it. I backed truck in the driveway (it needs and oil change) and the clunking/clicking was there while steering, so I grabbed the wife, and had her rock the steering wheel back and forth to make it click and I held my hand on the shaft and any moving part to feel for it. The intermediate shaft is a-okay and is not the culprit. The driver's side outer tie rod is! I was told about it back in December during the yearly inspection. The guy I have do that told me it was showing signs of wearing and will be needing replaced in the near future, however, it was within specs at the time. Well you can visually see it shift and clunk. I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend... I am going to hold on the oil change till tomorrow. Looks, like I'll be replacing the tie rod end, the stabilizer bar bushings and the oil this weekend

 

Yep, just had my tie rod ends and stabilizer bar end links replaced. Soon as I find some good stabilizer bar bushings, they are getting replaced too.

 

Did you buy her a drink first??

Outer tie rod is a cake walk. Just make sure you count the threads or mark it somehow so you get the new one in the same position so it wont screw up your alignment.

 

Oh, I have bought her many drinks, I think her tolerance is way to high now though. It barely has an effect...

Anyways, yeah I counted threads and left the lock nut in place when I removed the old one. Everything went as smooth as it could have. I had ZERO issues. I also replaced the sway bar bushings on the front too. I had a minor squeaking on the passenger side while driving on roads with minor rolls to them. I cleaned up the wear surfaces with a wire wheel brush and fine sand paper (there was very minor surface pitting that I didnt want to tear the new bushings up with). Installed everything and went for a ride. I have zero pull in any direction which makes me believe the alignment is dead on. The squeaking in the front is gone; however, I think the back bushings need a replacement too. I have the same squeaking sound which sounds like its in the rear now, but the front sounds quiet.

I went with Moog Bushings. The Tie Rod end was a Duralast.

 

Spot on. I'll drink to that.

 

All I can say is the swap is pretty easy, just PB blast the bolts for a few days.

Make sure you buy part# "5 5 3 5 1 2 3 4 A C" its the version 2, with better u-joints

 

Eimer, I have lucked out, it was just an outer tie rod Thanks for the info though

 

So.....1500 miles later and the passenger side outer tie rod is doing what the drivers side was doing...ARGHHH...