Steering wheel rattles on gravel road

Don't notice until I go over bad dirt or rough gravel roads. I have looked and looked and cannot find the issue with my steering column, nothing is leaking, no tear on steering boots.

Truck:
2004 V6 DC TRD

 

It's in the steering joint in the steering column itself. Pain in the ass to take apart...but you can tack weld the joint together and it'll fix the slop. A new joint from dealer is a bit over $200.

 

^this. It's called an Intermediate Shaft.

 

pretty common (annoying) problem. I'd love to get rid of it!

 

isnt the joint there for safety purposes?

 

well...sort of, but just a tack weld to it wont hurt or hinder anything. now....that said, probably not a good idea to solid weld it.

 

had mine fix under a tsb...gave the truck a more solid feel and stopped the rattle...now if i can just get the front brake pads to stop rattling.

 

it is tsb 0119-10-02

 

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161689&highlight=steering+wheel+rattle

Do this. I did and it changed my life, literally.