ok, i found the problem. when i went to change the tire, i jacked it up and noticed that you can turn the left frint tire very easily and independednt of the other, it was like jsut flopping around. i looked and saw that there was a a steering or suspension part just kind of hanging off. not good. so i posted on a Dodge forum about my experience and some other R/T people said to give Dodge a call and see what they say. so i did that, and after checking my VIN, there was a recall (issued in 1998) for certain Dakota R/Ts for the steering system, and my truck was never taken in for it. there was also a recall on all 1998-2002 Dakotas for ball joints, which mine was never taken in for either. so, Dodge is coming to my house tomorrow morning with a flat bed to take it to the dealer where everything will be fixed free of charge. good to kno everything will be taken care of, and i guess it was jsut a freak thing. im still scared away from racing on public roads though.