Symptoms
Play at the steering wheel that you can see at the coupler where the intermediate shaft meets the steering box. The truck wanders and needs constant correction on the highway.
The fix, step by step
- Owners say rebuilding the factory pot-joint coupler only returns it to original condition, which wasn't good to begin with.
- The usual fix is a Borgeson shaft with needle-bearing U-joints.
- Geno's Garage says the factory coupler on '79–'93 Dodge trucks can wear in as little as 4,500 miles with towing, plowing or big tires.
- Center the steering, mark the shaft, unbolt it from the box and the column rag joint, and fit the new shaft, cutting the telescoping section if needed.
- Inspect the drag link and tie-rod ends at the same time.
Tools & part numbers
- Sockets and wrenches
- paint marker
- hacksaw (if the shaft needs shortening)
- thread locker
Where to buy the parts
Borgeson steering shaft 000943 ('79–'93 Dodge, removable rag joint)Geno's Garage ↗Amazon ↗
Borgeson rubber rag joint disk ('79–'93)Geno's Garage ↗Amazon ↗
TK11534 drag link, 1978–93 W-series & RamchargerTorque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
Tie rod ends, 1990 Ramcharger 5.2LRockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Dodge Ramcharger (1981–1993) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.