The circled area in the picture is where its leaking, do I need a new rack and pinion? Or what could I do about this? =O

 

Fairly common problem, usually leaks at the boot. Mine will leak occassionally when it sits for long periods. I top it off and so far it stops when I start driving it again.

 

The steering feels loose and sometimes catches cracks in the road and makes the truck weave. What could it be?

 

Mine drives normal.
Your's sounds like it is truely damaged. I think I would closely inspect and repair it before driving it anymore.

 

Are the steering problems the result of low fluid?

 

There are folks here that have replaced their rack&pinion because of various issues. All I have had was the occassional leak. Speaking for myself I think a seal gets hard when it is cold and the flud leaks, My truck doesn't get driven over the winter months and the leak has been in the spring when I first go to start it.

 

My truck just started leaking from around there as well. I cleaned it up last night and tried turning the wheels to get it to leak, but nothing. So letting it sit in the garage to see if any more leaks. I don't have the steering problem like op said.

 

I had a leak in the same are last summer. Took it into dodge for an oil change, 1st dealer change in 2.5 years so they couldn't say I never had the truck in for service, and asked them to check out the R&P due to a suspected leak at the same time. I fully expected them to say it was normal but they confirmed there was something wrong and replaced mine. Much to my surprise there was no hassle under the 3/36 warranty.

On a side note my truck did sit for almost a year while gas was close to $4. Bought a Saturn for $800.00 that got 35+ MPG for 60 mile commute and only drove truck every other weekend or so. RedTruck-VA may have something with these leaking after sitting for a while.