i got a 2005 dakota 4x4 quad cab with a 2.5" leveling kit in it. the wheel bearings are new, cv axles look intact and were replaced last year, there is no play in the ball joints or tie rods from what i can tell, however they're getting replaced soon. what I am experiencing is a vibration through the steering wheel and the floor of the truck ONLY when I accelerate and it ONLY happens between 20-50km/h. I checked the front drive shaft and it has a fair bit of backlash too it, could this be the problem? what else would you guys suggest is the issue? This problem just began occurring over the past week.

 

Sounds like the front DS needs repaired and/or replaced.
Remove the front driveshaft and see if the vibes go away.

 

The front drive shaft should have some backlash in it...

Does the vibration go away as soon as you let off or does it change with the speed you are going?

 

it goes away when i let off, yes it does change with speed.

 

My best guess is either you have low tire pressure, shook a wheel weight/you have a tire out of balance or worst case scenario you have a U Joint going on the rear drive shaft beings it just started. The front driveshaft does turn when you are moving; however its only from the front wheels driving it. The likelihood its the front driveshaft is slim as more of your driveline wear would be in the rear unless you are an AWD or you have 4WD locked in all the time which from what you have listed isn't the case. I'd check the balance of the tires or air pressure of the tires first and go from there.

Also you havent been offroading lately and have must caked up somewhere in the driveline right?

 

i have a feeling its the steering rack. just over the past few days I noticed that the power steering is stiffer and while turning there are points where the wheel really stiffens up.