98 Neon problems

Hello All,
First let me thank the guys in this group for the excellent feedback they
have given others in the past. In my time lurking in here I have learned
more than a thing or two from your posts. I believe that sharing of
information is the best use for Usenet.

My sister has a 98 Neon. 114k miles, 2 Door, manual transmission, SOHC
model. In general a real basic grocery getter.

Problem 1: The car has within the last week developed a LOT of play in the
steering. I'm talking almost 2 inches of wheel turn. We bought it to the
local Dodge Stealer and they claim there is nothing wrong with it! No F'ing
way! It's a sheer fight to keep the thing in one lane.

Problem 2: The car has VERY little power. Besides the fact that it's a 2.0L
Engine. I mean it has no pep, etc. I changed the plugs and wires. It helped
a little for a week but now it's back to the way it was. The car seems to be
either running VERY rich or burning a lot of oil, or both. Is there a PCV
Valve and or timing adjustment on this thing? We did a leak down test and
the
cylinders / rings don't seem to be bad. Dirty valves maybe?

Problem 3: The gauges randomly decide to come on and go off. I've read in
previous posts that it's probably bad solder joints in the cluster circuit
boards. I pulled the cluster and redid as many solder joints as I could
find, and still no change. Ever time she hits a large bump they go off. I'm
guessing it's a loose connector somewhere?

I've been telling her it's time to replace it; however, she's a college
student and just can't afford it. (Hence why I'm working on it and not a
'real' mechanic.)

Any useful input would be appreciated.

#1- I'd checkout the tie rod ends first, or possible you may have a bad
rack now.Check for play either way.#2- I'm assuming there no codes so
check all all non-elec. items that would pertain too emissions i.e-vacuum
lines, pcv valve, if the egr valve is not elec.it may be sticking, check
pressure from exhaust pipe you may have a partially pluged cat. and so
on.#3-Take the I.P back out and on the two main connectors on it either on
each pin put a tiny bit of solder on them or take a pair of needle nose and
give them a small twist (dont go too much) about a 20 deg. turn you make
that call. That should be enough to make contact again with the female in
the dash. The connectors lose it's spring that's the problem. Hope I gave
you enough help, if not good luck.