1999 Dodge Dakota two time to start engine and steering lo

No check engine light at any time, also when I turn the key off, yes it starts right up with no problem. For the converter I haven't had it checked, is there a way I can do that my self or I need to take it in.

This truck has great heat, burns no oil. I drive it slow any way seeing its not a race truck I just want to get the turdiness out of it. If that makes any sense.

The power loss and fuel usage is getting worse. The convertor is ok, and I have the new Mitchell on demand car repair cd's and have done the re-routing for the plug wires for the spark knock on accelerating. ( Still has spark knock) I have also checked for vaccum from the pcv valve just in case the plentum gasket was going bad but that checks out ok as well. No check engine lights at all, no codes either. And to answer there is no fuel coming from the tail pipe either, no oil loss,
Just trying to see if this is a simple hard to find repair or should I pay big money for a dealer with the right computer to check it out for me. Seems I have done every thing I can my self so far, But this truck takes off like a 4 cylinder and uses gas like a fleet of cars.
Any other help would be great

After investigating this 5.2 v-8 doesn't have the EGR set up nor the spark knock sensor.
Is there any thing else you can think of to try nest, thanks

I had the local dodge dealer reflash my pcm also no change in the spark knock, and finally see that i'm getting about 9 to 10 mpg, how is that and why is that, the dealer ship here states its normal( I dont see how), any further help, its already cost me 125 just to reflash and no fix, runs fine, good idle, just dont know, also can a faulty fuel pump cause this, also seems theres more power whens its really cold out side. Thanks