The rack and pinion system on a Dodge Dakota is also called the steering rack. This rack takes the rotational motion of the steering wheel and translates it into turning the front wheels. If the steering rack fails, then the truck will become difficult to steer, if it's even possible to steer at all. Once the rack has been removed from the truck, the next step is to install the rack and pinion on the truck, which takes about an hour to do.
Lift the steering rack up into the frame and bolt it in place with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Torque the bolts down to 190 ft/lbs with the 3/8-inch torque wrench. Install the power steering lines to the rack using a line wrench. Fill the power steering fluid canister on the engine with the power steering fluid.
Install the intermediate shaft to the steering rack using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then torque the bolt down to 36 ft/lbs with the 3/8-inch torque wrench.
Install the replacement tie rod ends to the steering rack with an open-end wrench. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Torque the tie rod bolts to 55 ft/lbs with the 3/8-inch torque wrench. Reinstall the front wheels with the tire iron.
Start the Dakota. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and then all the way to the right. Repeat this process 10 times. Lower the truck off of the jack stands with the jack. Pop the hood. Add any necessary power steering fluid to the reservoir as needed.
