danalex

Symptom: When driving slowly, I "feel" a kind of knock in the steering. I don't feel it when driving at hwy speeds.
Examination:
--I crawled under truck. Grabbed the lower portion of the steering shaft (at the "U-joint" just before the steering box). I am able to "jiggle" the u-joint connection.
--The Upper portion of the steering shaft does not jiggle.
--The large "sway bars" (running to both wheels) does not jiggle
--The "shock" absorber on one of the swaybars (pass.side) does not jiggle
--I replaced the "vertical stabilizers" (MOOG) on both sides... didn't affect the sympton.
Question: What is causing the "jiggle"/"knock" in the steering? Is it the steering shaft "u-joint"? Is it the steering box? Or neither--it's something else (what?)

railroaderone

U joint needs replaced

danalex

U-joints on the wheels? or steering shaft?

railroaderone

​​​​​​​steering shaft

gorms

I have not been able to find a steering shaft u joint, but replacement shafts can be reasonably priced. Just make sure you lock the steering wheel while changing, keep everything lined up.

Dr. Smasher

I'm in need opf a new intermediate steering shaft too. From what I've found so far is the U-joints are not replaceable, the entire shaft must be replaced. I have an 05' 4x4 3500 and finding that only Borgeson for $260 - $300, source depending, or dealer part only. Most other years I have found can be Dorman for $100.
If any one else has other info on this please contribute.

Dr. Smasher

This is apparently a common problem and I'm surprised there is only this thread on it.

BigIron70

Usually I have found steering box causing this problem. Check up and down play on shaft use pry bar if play is excessive you will need gear box. Chrysler has also updated gear box which will fix problem. Gear box comes with updated pitman arm also.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mopar-HD-Do...YAAOSw4GVYLNvM

Dr. Smasher

I would much rather it be the shaft, so I don't get the shaft in pricing.

Dr. Smasher

I've confirmed the steering box is not thew problem, so I've ordered the new Borgeson shaft from Summit Racing, Though I do want to now also upgrade the Borgeson box or the Mopar upgrade box.


I'm really getting sick with having to upgrade everything on this truck which is a poor design from Dodge.

Dr. Smasher

So the new Borgeson shaft does not fit on my specific truck, 05' 3500 Cummins 4x4, just the 2wd ones. I would have to upgrade to the Borgeson steering box to get it to fit. Not what I want to do, so i'm stuck with getting a factory shaft since we can't find any.

Danderson

There are discount Mopar parts available out there. 30% off is typical.

Dr. Smasher

I have just found out through some research with the dealer that for the 05' year that my truck is, that there are two shafts for over $800.00. Has anyone any experience with this, can it be bypassed?

Dr. Smasher

I just spoke with Geno's Garage and hopefully have gotten this mess cleared up.