Cardone 97-349 Rack and Pinion Assembly

Reliable Rack and Pinion Assembly for Dodge Dakota and Durango

The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-349 is engineered to restore precise steering control for Dodge Dakota and Durango models. Designed with durable aluminum casting and including tie rod ends, this assembly ensures consistent performance and fitment.

• Aluminum casting material for strength and corrosion resistance
• Rack length of 49.96 inches (1269 mm) for accurate fit
• Includes tie rod ends and installation instruction sheet
• Input shaft diameter of 0.73 inches (18.6 mm) and length of 1.46 inches (37 mm)
• Pressure port thread size M18 x 1.5 and return port thread size M16 x 1.5
• Distance between mounting holes: 14.33 inches (364 mm) with 2 mounting holes
• Black steering rack color with O-ring hose port type
• Total turns lock to lock: 3.17 for responsive steering

About the Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly Line

The Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly product line focuses on delivering complete steering gear solutions that meet or exceed OEM specifications. This line includes assemblies designed for direct replacement, featuring quality materials and precise engineering to ensure compatibility and reliable operation in specific vehicle applications such as the Dodge Dakota and Durango.

Detailed Product Description

This new Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly (part number 97-349) is constructed with a robust aluminum casting to provide durability and resistance to corrosion. The assembly features a rack length of nearly 50 inches, designed to match the steering geometry of Dodge Dakota and Durango models. It includes two mounting holes spaced 14.33 inches apart, ensuring secure installation. The input shaft measures 0.73 inches in diameter and 1.46 inches in length, compatible with the vehicle’s steering column interface. The assembly also comes with tie rod ends, facilitating a complete steering system replacement. Hose ports utilize O-ring seals for leak prevention, and the pressure and return ports have metric thread sizes (M18 x 1.5 and M16 x 1.5 respectively) for proper hydraulic connections. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a clean appearance under the hood.

Common Steering Issues Addressed

• Excessive play or looseness in steering
• Difficulty steering or uneven steering response
• Leaking power steering fluid from worn seals
• Noise or vibration during steering maneuvers
• Worn or damaged rack and pinion components causing alignment problems

Installation Notes and Tips

• Ensure vehicle compatibility with Dodge Dakota and Durango models before installation
• Follow the included instruction sheet carefully for mounting hole alignment and torque specifications
• Check and replace power steering fluid after installation to avoid air in the system
• Inspect tie rod ends and related steering components for wear during installation
• Verify proper steering wheel alignment and lock-to-lock turns after assembly

Quality Assurance and Warranty

This Cardone Rack and Pinion Assembly 97-349 is supplied new and meets industry standards for fit and function. Cardone provides a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, ensuring reliable performance for your Dodge Dakota or Durango steering system replacement.