One problem related to steering column has been reported for the 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 reg cab there is a knock and play in the steering wheel. Most Toyota dealerships say it is normal and say nothing is wrong. The problem has been isolated to the slip joint in the main steering column coming loose. This was done by a Toyota service tech. The problem was taken to another dealership with this information and was fixed but they say it will most likely happen again due no change in design by Toyota. The slip joint is crimped over the shaft, and after use it becomes loose causing play in the steering wheel.