If anyone is having trouble getting that locknut and bolt off, just cut it off with a hyper tough mini sawzall ($40) and go to the hardware store and ask for that same bolt and nut. I tried numerous other methods to get it off but the mini sawzall was what worked in the end.
Were did you buy the Steering shaft ? I have a Dakota like this need to replace steering shaft, and thank U vary much for taking the time to post this video.
I had to tighten the bearing preload bolt or whatever it's called in my Darts 16 to 1 steering box. Steering wheel had a lot of play in it before that. I haven't had to touch it since and I've had it since 79. I'd highly recommend it for your Valiant but they're rare as I'm pretty sure only 66 to 69 A bodies got them, and very few of those. Not the same setup as the Dakota but everything has tweaks and adjustments to improve things.
My girlfriends 98 Dakota has been 20k since she bought it and I fixed the transmission. It has been good and reliable during that time and has like 170k on it now. Even 4wd on 31 10.50 it averages about 18mpg.
Lucky 😂 I got an 03 4x4 that I lifted about 8-1/2 inches or so (that’s suspension, body, and larger tires) and if I’m lucky I’ll get about 10 miles to the gallon lol. Runnin 33x12.50r17 MTs.
Great video , very helpful , could you tell me the shaft you ordered, I’m seeing a lot guys having bad luck with the aftermarket ones not fitting well ……second questions my truck the Steering wheel was moving aprox one inch either way with out moving the wheels, Was this what led ypu to make this repair? I’m doing this instead of changing the rack ..I did upper and lower balls joints and t sway bar end link etc .. any help would be greatly appreciated
Get under the truck and have someone rock the steering wheel. You will see the issue. Then replace that part. No guessing when repairing vehicles. My shaft came from eBay. No matter where you get it there will probably be and issue. I got one from rock auto to check and I sent it back because it was also wrong.
I paid $1200 for an 01 Dakota once. 3.9 5 speed. I trusted the guy I got it from but turns out the title was long gone and was never in his name so I was screwed over. Fun truck tho. So I pegged it out til the motor locked up
Great video, Thanks, it was simple and informative. I think I will do the shaft, ball joints and the rack all together this summer on my 2000 Sport with 199,300 miles then get the alignment. Is there some way to move the rack or adjust the shaft to make the steering wheel remain straight or is this dependent on the manufacturer of the shaft? Where did you get the shaft? A real loaded question, right?
It seems all the aftermarket shafts are like this. Adjusting the alignment is not the correct way to fix it. I’m looking for an oem shaft for mine to properly fix it.
Where did you find a complete shaft? I am looking to do mine and could only find the lower. Just replaced my rack/tie rods and still having steering issues so this is my next step.
Hello!! My Dakota feels an empty space when I turn the steering to the sides. I estimate that I have to do the same work as you, so that it is accurate, since on the road it feels very unsafe. Could you give me the purchase link for the two pieces you changed? Thank you very much for your contribution, I see you from Argentina
This is off RockAuto. There are different part numbers depending on which model Dakota you have. I can’t confidently give you a part number without knowing your truck.
Just did the replacement on my 1999 R/T. Now my steering wheel is off like yours. My question is: is there enough adjustment in the tie rod ends to make the wheel straight again? If so, won't this change the travel from lock to lock, in other words, won't it turn father one direction than the other after corrected? Or am I over thinking this?
I wonder how hard it would be to remove the pin and rubber from the shaft and inject urethane into it?? I've seen people remove the rubber from motor mounts and refill the voids with 100% urethane and I made some urethane feet for a pool pump that has lasted about 5 years so far without issue and I am in Tampa Bay. So even more heat! Could be a fun video!!!
What would be your recommendation for someone looking into ASE Certifications? In time I would love accomplish the Master of the Trade. At home help, it’s myself and I most of the time and some TH-cam honestly and I have a passion for cars themselves and would just love any motivational and inspiring knowledge as I am dedicated to learning. As most can relate, at home life can truly suffocate a lot and I’m wanting to learn and just know don’t where to start exactly on my journey in Master Mechanics.
I went to trade school in high school. Alone with in the field training by some other great technicians and a lot of trial and error at home. When I worked at Toyota, they also sent me to school. Now days I’d say reading books and watching educational TH-cam videos can help a beginner then find a shop that sends their guys to school. Maybe Toyota still does. I’m not sure.
Truly a master mechanic! Keep it up Alex, you are an inspiration to all.
Thank you!!
If anyone is having trouble getting that locknut and bolt off, just cut it off with a hyper tough mini sawzall ($40) and go to the hardware store and ask for that same bolt and nut. I tried numerous other methods to get it off but the mini sawzall was what worked in the end.
Thank you for the videos! 🎥
Nice how clean those Florida vehicles are underneath compared to the rust belt! Nice work !! Our 2wd Durango weighed 4400 lbs on the scale also.
⚓️
Thanks 👍 I have a 2000 4x4 4.7 extended cab, longbed.
Were did you buy the Steering shaft ? I have a Dakota like this need to replace steering shaft, and thank U vary much for taking the time to post this video.
Rock Auto
Please provide video on adjusting headlight beam. I tried adjusting mine, 1998 dodge durango but headlights did not adjust upward. Thanks.
My Dakota and Durango are gone. Sorry.
I had to tighten the bearing preload bolt or whatever it's called in my Darts 16 to 1 steering box. Steering wheel had a lot of play in it before that. I haven't had to touch it since and I've had it since 79. I'd highly recommend it for your Valiant but they're rare as I'm pretty sure only 66 to 69 A bodies got them, and very few of those. Not the same setup as the Dakota but everything has tweaks and adjustments to improve things.
My girlfriends 98 Dakota has been 20k since she bought it and I fixed the transmission. It has been good and reliable during that time and has like 170k on it now. Even 4wd on 31 10.50 it averages about 18mpg.
Awesome. I love these little trucks. I’d like a 4x4 crew cab 360 truck.
Lucky 😂 I got an 03 4x4 that I lifted about 8-1/2 inches or so (that’s suspension, body, and larger tires) and if I’m lucky I’ll get about 10 miles to the gallon lol. Runnin 33x12.50r17 MTs.
@@SoreTv Thing probably pushes more air than a semi standing that tall! LOL
Great video , very helpful , could you tell me the shaft you ordered, I’m seeing a lot guys having bad luck with the aftermarket ones not fitting well ……second questions my truck the Steering wheel was moving aprox one inch either way with out moving the wheels, Was this what led ypu to make this repair? I’m doing this instead of changing the rack ..I did upper and lower balls joints and t sway bar end link etc .. any help would be greatly appreciated
Get under the truck and have someone rock the steering wheel. You will see the issue. Then replace that part. No guessing when repairing vehicles.
My shaft came from eBay. No matter where you get it there will probably be and issue. I got one from rock auto to check and I sent it back because it was also wrong.
You make it look easy, would have taken me 1/2 day.
I paid $1200 for an 01 Dakota once. 3.9 5 speed. I trusted the guy I got it from but turns out the title was long gone and was never in his name so I was screwed over. Fun truck tho. So I pegged it out til the motor locked up
Great video, Thanks, it was simple and informative. I think I will do the shaft, ball joints and the rack all together this summer on my 2000 Sport with 199,300 miles then get the alignment. Is there some way to move the rack or adjust the shaft to make the steering wheel remain straight or is this dependent on the manufacturer of the shaft? Where did you get the shaft? A real loaded question, right?
It seems all the aftermarket shafts are like this. Adjusting the alignment is not the correct way to fix it. I’m looking for an oem shaft for mine to properly fix it.
Where did you find a complete shaft? I am looking to do mine and could only find the lower. Just replaced my rack/tie rods and still having steering issues so this is my next step.
try to fix the one you have. all the aftermarket shafts are incorrectly manufactured as i show in the video.
Hello!! My Dakota feels an empty space when I turn the steering to the sides. I estimate that I have to do the same work as you, so that it is accurate, since on the road it feels very unsafe. Could you give me the purchase link for the two pieces you changed? Thank you very much for your contribution, I see you from Argentina
This is off RockAuto. There are different part numbers depending on which model Dakota you have. I can’t confidently give you a part number without knowing your truck.
@@TheGasTap I think they are basically the same, at least in this regard. I have a 3.9 v6 extended cab from 1999
Just did the replacement on my 1999 R/T. Now my steering wheel is off like yours. My question is: is there enough adjustment in the tie rod ends to make the wheel straight again? If so, won't this change the travel from lock to lock, in other words, won't it turn father one direction than the other after corrected? Or am I over thinking this?
You are correct. I never found a shop that would set my alignment. The manufacturer doesn’t care too. I tried making recommendations.
@@TheGasTap that figures, so we are stuck with the steering wheel being off.
I don't see why you couldn't take the steering wheel off the splines and then back on straight?@@tat2freddy
Because it isn't splined like you are thinking. @@davidjones8358
I wonder how hard it would be to remove the pin and rubber from the shaft and inject urethane into it?? I've seen people remove the rubber from motor mounts and refill the voids with 100% urethane and I made some urethane feet for a pool pump that has lasted about 5 years so far without issue and I am in Tampa Bay. So even more heat! Could be a fun video!!!
What would be your recommendation for someone looking into ASE Certifications? In time I would love accomplish the Master of the Trade. At home help, it’s myself and I most of the time and some TH-cam honestly and I have a passion for cars themselves and would just love any motivational and inspiring knowledge as I am dedicated to learning.
As most can relate, at home life can truly suffocate a lot and I’m wanting to learn and just know don’t where to start exactly on my journey in Master Mechanics.
I went to trade school in high school. Alone with in the field training by some other great technicians and a lot of trial and error at home.
When I worked at Toyota, they also sent me to school. Now days I’d say reading books and watching educational TH-cam videos can help a beginner then find a shop that sends their guys to school. Maybe Toyota still does. I’m not sure.
Any chance of a Dakota build?
I would love to. I’ve had two first gen dakotas and I’d like to have another
Wanted to ask why you let the 360 Dakota go?
Good question. I sure wish I still had it. I just thought racing was out of my life…. I was wrong. Lol
Mine is clunking and hanging up while turning. I suspect this shaft is boogered.