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MikeL
Dakota Enthusiast
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4/01/2001
03:15:27

Subject: vague steering
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I just bought a 97' RC Dakota with 5.2,4x4 5spd. This is one torquely truck,way torqer than my 91' comanche 4L 5spd.

The dealer just replaced the ball joints on the Dakota and did an alignment. I also put on Q4-P265-75/15 Michellins, Q4-Gabriel gas shocks, turned the rotors, replaced the rear pads and the rear brake cables.

The problem is the truck still pull slightly towards the passenger side and I always turn
my steering to 11 o'clock to maintain straight. Also the steering seemd vague and slightly jumpy. Overall ,the steering does not relax me nor give me confidence.

Anyone out there can help(BERND)? Thanks in advanced.



RonW
Gen III
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4/01/2001
03:50:36

RE: vague steering
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1. Was the alignment done after everything else was done?

2. Did they lock the steering wheel at 12 o'clock when they did the alignment?

Ron
00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD

95DakotaV8
*GenII*
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4/01/2001
09:03:56

RE: vague steering
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As for the vague feeling, the tires you have are equivalent to 31" which will feel vague through the power steering. It should not wander though, mine is straight as an arrow with 30" tires.

Kevin Rants
95 CC SLT 4x4, 5.2L, 5spd
Family Man!

MikeL
Dakota Enthusiast
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4/01/2001
14:21:33

RE: vague steering
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Tires, shocks, brakes were done after the alignment, may be I should do one again. This time I am going to the alignment shop instead of the dealer. Thanks guys.

The truck seemed to idle just a little rough, I later found out that earlier dealer repair invoice from the previous owner showed there is a manifo leak,no document support that there is repair done on it. Should I just tighten the bolts up? I plan to put K@N Gen II on the truck,should I also look at the KN charger as well? My friends want me to put them on but I wonder about the add HP?

There is a leak at the front dif. which I will repair.

I am just wondering after all these repairs(it only have 84500km), how many more miles should I expect from my drivetrain?

Did I mention this motor rocks?It only have a 3.50 Diff. But to me its the perfect truck 4work and play. :)



RonW
Gen III
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4/01/2001
14:47:59

RE: vague steering
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You should check the belly pan gasket for the manifold leak.

As for all the things you did after the alignment, you should have waited before you did the alignment. I would definitely get it checked.

These Dodge drivetrains last a long time, but different strokes for different folks. Some have nit-pickin' problems, others go problem-free. A lot of it depends on the type of driving you do and the type of work your truck does. Always do your maintenance at or before your scheduled intervals. If you're tough on the truck, make sure you change your fluids more often.

On the K&N FIPK, I would definitely go for it.

Ron
00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD

Mar
GenI
 User Profile

4/01/2001
18:14:44

RE: vague steering
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There can be a lot of play in the steering. Its probably the michellins (Good for nothing) OH wait sorry good for the swings at the park. But honestly. There are kits to make your steering solid sold by the aftermarket that replace the junk parts that are on your truck now. I have a 99 durango and put 32" tires on it and it wanders like crazy its probably the same problem. Get it fixed because its dangerous.

MaRty

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