Three problems related to steering knuckle spindle have been reported for the 1999 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1999 Dodge Dakota slt 4wd. Routine state inspection revealed front ball joints excessive wear and play. Failed new hampshire inspection[safety related item:control] only 54k miles. Ball joints replaced and alignment completed at sullivan tire inc. Manager revealed he had done another Dakota and a durango that same day for ball joints also. Frequent item for Dodge so he now keeps them in stock in house.
I notice today an investigation by NHTSA of complaints on Dodge durango upper ball joints. I own a 1999 Dodge Dakota and have replaced same at 48,000 miles (at my own expense). This truck is the pickup version of the durango. The truck still exhibits negative characteristics such as loss of tracking and control when negotiating turns on bumpy roads. Example is the on-ramp to the verrazzano narrows bridge (I-278), brooklyn side. The truck will jump lanes at speeds over 40 mph. Not good.
While driving upper ball joints failed. They were replaced along with the steering knuckle. Problem recurred.