I've got a 98' with 335k on it and I was wondering about the safety of having play in the steering u-Joints. If I move the wheel a tiny bit while parked I get a "clunk" and it intermittently does the same while going down the road. I know it's the Intermediate Shaft because if I pull up on it and move the shaft by hand it won't clunk. From my understanding, a 97-01 shaft is not something that can be purchased new, Borgesson makes an upgraded one that requires some slight modification to install or I can buy a used lower mileage one and send it. This thing isn't going to come apart while turning? Never heard of any horror stories like that.

 

You could check to see if the steering box bolts are snugged up tight. Mine have become loose unexpectedly and it made a clunk.