Got a clunk and a pretty scary slip that happens when holding the wheel one way, then turning the other way (and some random slipage). I figured out it was towards the end of the shaft where it meets the last universal that goes on the rack.

I ordered a Unisteer steering shaft (8051130) that is supposed to replace it and when I tried to put it on, it didn't match up. The replacement has a splined end like it was meant for a steering box instead of the rack & pinion I have. The rack has more of the D shaft like the steering column. The top bolts on to the steering column fine.

I've looked at borgeson's 000950 (95-02 replacement) and they appear to have the same splined end.

I looked on ebay and found some used ones from newer 3500 diesels and they look nearly exact in the pictures. Can anyone shed some light on what I need?
Thanks!
2002 Ram 1500 4.7 4WD Auto 3in Body lift 33in Tires

 

Obviously this has something to do w your body lift...whats wrong with the stock shaft? Rounded off??

 

Yeah, the bottom of the shaft meets a little adapter that connects to the universal. The universal and the adapter piece both used to have a few splines but are pretty rounded out now.

So really, the shaft itself is ok if I can find the bottom pieces. But I figure I might as well replace the whole thing while I'm at it. And I don't even know that I can find that piece by itself.

 

okay mine at the bottom of the shaft was not splined, but ground flat on two sides. The flat sides were pinched by the bracket by the squeeze of the pinch bolt. I just cant really see what isnt working there? It would take ALOT to mess it up

could you put a picture in the thread?

 

That's about what mine looks like too. Ordered another one so I'll get a pic when I put it on. I thought they switched to the rack & pinion in 2003 so I'm not sure why my 2002 has it. But, that explains why the one I ordered (for my 2002) was splined, it was meant for a steering box.

I'm thinking the last owner might not have torqued the pinch bolts enough when they put the body lift on and that rounded it out over time. Should be in better shape in a few days when the replacement gets here.

Thanks