Three problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 1998 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When leaving steering wheel set in a certain position and vehicle turned off. Consumer returned after six hours and steering wheel was locked up. Consumer felt unsafe because vehicle will take off in that position.
Clunk felt in steering column, felt in wheel and pedals when turning. Coupler replaced per tsb19-012-97, only marginally better. Now at 24,000 miles it's back as bad as ever.
Steering wheel column and mid shaft was replaced per TSB 971121191297. The noise and feeling never completely ended. The knock is still noticeable during stopping and turning, regardless of speed. It also seems to be more apparent during turning and breaking.