mrwaters

This is my first story of a series that I have about the work I have done to my 98 12 valve 4x4.

I had the dreded clunk during slow speed turns and over bumps but the truck drove very good. I started to inspect everything, My track bar was only couple months old my ball joints had no play I checked a hundred times I even had a 6 foot crow bar under the tire trying to lift because they are original. all tie rod end links are new, I removed the lower shock bolts inspected them they had no wear, shocks are only 2 years old put in new upper shock mount bushings, I removed the rear sway bar, removed the front sway bar still had the clunk. I installed new sway bar end links the old ones were very rusted and corroded under the bushings.
I have read about the intermediate shaft before but I thought MINE WAS GOOD (NOT) I put plastic wire ties up under the slip joint then wire tied them put the rubber boot over and no more clunk or rattle and my truck drives like new.
I knew about the intermediate shaft but I refused to think that was my problem because when you pull and push on it, it feels fine. Hopefully someone else will go straight to it and try the wire ties and save money and lots of time. I plan on a borgeson someday but they are $$$.
Thanks for reading
Mike

MARKY MARK

Mike, where is the intermediate shaft located? I have a clunk and can't track it down. Can you post pictures?

Thanks, Mark

crobtex

Yep, me too.

mrwaters

Here is a little reading, Its the shaft connectiing the steering column to the steering box on the frame.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/steering.htm

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-08-97.htm

crobtex

Sorry, I guess I'm a little dense this morning. Exactly where does the wire wrap go?

P.O.R.

from what i under stand there is a slip joint in the steering shaft going from steering wheel down to the steering box,and this is where the clunk and play is,and i think they are sliding the plastic zip tie up in between the slip joint to take up play and to stop clunk,and then putting a zip tie around the shaft to hold the other tie's that are taking up slop in place...hope this helps

crobtex

Got it! It will be Monday before I can do anything, but I did reach down there and gave it a tug, and sure nuff, it moved a little.

Thanks for the help and the tip. The truck drives great, with no steering problems or drift, but I was getting tired of the "bump/rattle" and hope this fixes it.