4X4 DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G User Guide

Miles 22,500 26,250 30,000 33,750 37,500
(Kilometers) (36 000) (42 000) (48 000) (54 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
Miles 41,250 45,000 48,750 52,500 56,250
(Kilometers) (66 000) (72 000) (78 000) (84 000) (90 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
0 - 14 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 60,000 63,750 67,500 71,250 75,000
(Kilometers) (96 000) (102 000) (108 000) (114 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.XX
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.XX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
Miles 78,750 82,500 86,250 90,000 93,750
(Kilometers) (126 000) (132 000) (138 000) (144 000) (150 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect fan hub.X
Inspect damper.X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 97,500 100,000 101,250 105,000 108,750 112,500
(Kilometers) (156 000) (160 000) (162 000) (168 000) (174 000) (180 000)
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXX
Flush and replace engine
coolant.X
Inspect drive belt, replace as
required.X
Inspect water pump weep
hole for blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element.
Clean the water in fuel sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking
brake if necessary.X
Miles 116,250 120,000 123,750 127,500 131,250 135,000
(Kilometers) (186 000) (192 000) (198 000) (204 000) (210 000) (216 000)
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.X² XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXX
Clean engine air filter canister.X
Adjust valve lash clearance.X
Inspect drive belts, replace as
required.X
Drain and refill transfer case
fluid (4X4).X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep
hole for blockage.XX
Replace fuel filter element.
Clean the water in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking
brake if necessary.XX
Drain and refill automatic
transmission fluid. Replace
filter and adjust bands.X
0 - 16 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²LTier 1 EPA (250 hp or 305 hp) Engines Only
(see engine data label for your engine type)
²² California LEV (235 hp) Engines Only (see
engine data label for your engine type)Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Schedule ªAº
Miles 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500
(Kilometers) (12 000) (24 000) (36 000) (48 000) (60 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage X X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect drive belts, replace as necessary. X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Inspect fan hub.X
Inspect damper.X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Miles 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000
(Kilometers) (72 000) (84 000) (96 000) (108 000) (120 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Check transfer case fluid level. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60
months, regardless of mileage.X
Inspect drive belts, replace as necessary. X X
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage X X X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.XX
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensorX
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 82,500 90,000 97,500 100,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (132 000) (144 000) (156 000) (160 000) (168 000)
[Months] [66] [72] [78] [84]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not
done at 60 mos.X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.XX
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
Miles 112,500 120,000 127,500 135,000 142,500 150,000
(Kilometers) (181 000) (193 000) (205 000) (217 000) (229 000) (241 000)
[Months] [90] [96] [102] [108] [114] [150]
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.X² XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXXXX X
Flush and replace engine
coolant, if it has been 160
000 km (100, 000 miles) or 60
months since last change.X
Inspect drive belt, replace as
required.XX
Drain and refill transfer case
fluid (4X4).X
Check tranfer case fluid level
(4X4).X
Inspect fan hub. X X
Inspect damper. X X
Inspect water pump weep
hole for blockage.XXX
Replace fuel filter element.
Clean the water in fuel
sensor.XXX
0 - 18 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

OPERATION
²CASTERis the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides less positive caster. Tilting
the top of the knuckle rearward provides more posi-
tive caster. Positive caster promotes directional sta-
bility. This angle enables the front wheels to return
to a straight ahead position after turns (Fig. 1)
²CAMBERis the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire (Fig. 1)
²TOEis the difference between the leading inside
edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires.
Wheel toe position out of specification cause's unsta-
ble steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel off-
center. The wheel toe position is thefinalfront
wheel alignment adjustment (Fig. 1)
²THRUST ANGLEis the angle of the rear axle
relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and exces-sive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
angle (Fig. 1)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION
Before starting wheel alignment, the following
inspection and necessary corrections must be com-
pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart below for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread
wear.
(2) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(3) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lat-
eral runout and balance.
(4) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(5) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(6) On 4x4 vehicles check suspension height (LD
only).
(7) Road test the vehicle.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FRONT END NOISE 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.3. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering gear. 3. Replace steering gear.
FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tires worn or out of balance. 3. Replace or balance tires.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
2 - 2 WHEEL ALIGNMENTDR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

To adjust the vehicle height turn the torsion bar
adjustment bolt CLOCKWISE to raise the vehicle
and COUNTER CLOCKWISE to lower the vehicle.
CAUTION: ALWAYS raise the vehicle to the correct
suspension height, NEVER lower the vehicle to
obtain the correct suspension height. If the vehicle
suspension height is too high, lower the vehicle
below the height specification. Then raise the vehi-
cle to the correct suspension height specification.
This will insure the vehicle maintains the proper
suspension height.
NOTE: If a height adjustment has been made, per-
form height measurement again on both sides of
the vehicle.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: 4X4 (LD) SUSPENSION HEIGHT MEASURE-
MENT MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGN-
MENT.
NOTE: When the upper control arm pivot bolts are
loosened the upper control arm will normally go
inwards toward the frame automatically with the
weight of the vehicle.
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the upper control arm incon-
junction with the slotted holes in the frame brackets,
Install special tool 8876 between the top of the upper
control arm bracket and the upper control arm (on
1500 series 4X2 & 4X4). Install special tool 8876
between the bottom of the upper control arm bracket
pressing the tool against the frame and the upper
control arm (on 2500/3500 series 4X2) in order to
move the upper control arm outwards for proper
adjustment with the vehicle at normal ride height
(Fig. 3).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE ADJUSTMENT
4X4 SUSPENSION HEIGHT MESUREMENT
MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGN-
MENT.
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the
inner tie rod as necessary (Fig. 4).
(4) Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER, CASTER
AND TOE ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: 4X4 (LD) SUSPENSION HEIGHT MEASURE-
MENT MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGN-
MENT.
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the upper control arm with
the slots in the frame brackets using special tool
8876 to move the upper control arm outwards for
proper adjustment. (Fig. 3)
NOTE: When the upper control arm pivot bolts are
loosened the upper control arm will normally go
inwards toward the frame automatically with the
weight of the vehicle.
CASTER
Moving the front or rear position of the upper con-
trol arm in or out, will change the caster angle and
camber angle significantly. To maintain the camber
Fig. 3 CASTER & CAMBER ADJUSTMENT
1 - FRONT PIVOT BOLT
2 - REAR PIVOT BOLT
3 - SLOTTED HOLES FOR ADJUSTMENT OF CASTER &
CAMBER
4 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
2 - 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTDR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

angle while adjusting caster, move one pivot bolt of
the upper control arm in or out. Then move the other
pivot bolt of the upper control arm in the opposite
direction. Install special tool 8876 between the top of
the upper control arm bracket and the upper control
arm (on 1500 series 4X2 & 4X4). Install special tool
8876 between the bottom of the upper control arm
bracket pressing the tool against the frame and the
upper control arm (on 2500/3500 series 4X2) in order
to move the upper control arm outwards for proper
adjustment with the vehicle at normal ride height
(Fig. 3).
To increase positive caster angle, move the rear
position of the upper control arm inward (toward the
engine). Move the front of the upper control arm out-
ward (away from the engine) slightly until the origi-
nal camber angle is obtained using special tool 8876
to move the upper control arm for proper adjustment.
(Fig. 3)
CAMBER
Move both pivot bolts of the upper control arm
together in or out. This will change the camber angle
significantly and little effect on the caster angle
using special tool 8876 to move the upper control
arm for proper adjustment. (Fig. 3)
After adjustment is made tighten the upper control
arm nuts to proper torque specification.
TOE ADJUSTMENT
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the
inner tie rod as necessary (Fig. 4).
(4) Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALIGNMENT
LINK/COIL SUSPENSION
Before each alignment reading the vehicle should
be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each
bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and
down several times. Always release the bumper inthe down position.Set the front end alignment to
specifications while the vehicle is in its NOR-
MALLY LOADED CONDITION.
CAMBER:The wheel camber angle is preset and
is not adjustable.
CASTER:Check the caster of the front axle for
correct angle. Be sure the axle is not bent or twisted.
Road test the vehicle and make left and right turn.
Observe the steering wheel return-to-center position.
Low caster will cause poor steering wheel returnabil-
ity.
Caster can be adjusted by rotating the cams on the
lower suspension arm (Fig. 5).
TOE POSITION:The wheel toe position adjust-
ment should be the final adjustment.
Fig. 4 TIE ROD END
1 - JAM NUT
2 - TIE ROD - INNER
3 - TIE ROD END - OUTER
Fig. 5 ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT CAM
1 - BRACKET REINFORCEMENT
2 - ADJUSTING BOLT
3 - ADJUSTMENT CAM
DRWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Center and Secure
the steering wheel and turn off engine.
(2) Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts.
(3) Adjust the right wheel toe position with the
drag link. Turn the sleeve until the right wheel is at
the correct TOE-IN position. Position clamp bolts to
their original position and tighten to specifications.
Make sure the toe setting does not change dur-
ing clamp tightening.
(4) Adjust left wheel toe position with tie rod at
left knuckle. Turn the sleeve until the left wheel is at
the correct TOE-IN position. Position clamp bolts to
their original position and tighten to specifications.
Make sure the toe setting does not change dur-
ing clamp tightening.
(5) Verify the right toe setting and a straight steer-
ing wheel.
(6) Road test the vehicle.
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT
NOTE: All alignment specifications are in degrees.
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIP-
TIONSPECIFICATION
VEHICLE
1500WHEEL
BASECASTER
(4.0É
Min,
+.75É
Max)CAMBER
(  .50É)TOTAL
TOE-IN
(  .10É)
4X2 120.5 in 4.0É .0É .10É
4X2 140.5 in 4.2É .0É .10É
4X2 160.5 in 4.4É .0É .10É
VEHICLE
1500WHEEL
BASECASTER
(4.0É
Min,
+.75É
Min)CAMBER
( .50É)TOTAL
TOE-IN
( .10É)
4X4 120.5 in 4.2É .0É .10É
4X4 140.5 in 4.4É .0É .10É
4X4 160.5 in 4.6É .0É .10É
MAX
RT/LT
DIF-
FERENCE
4X2
1500Ð .40É .50É 0.06É
DESCRIP-
TIONSPECIFICATION
MAX
RT/LT
DIF-
FERENCE
4X4
1500Ð .40É .60É 0.06É
VEHICLE
4X2
2500 &
3500WHEEL
BASECASTER
(3.55É
Min,
+.75É
Max)CAMBER
( .50É)TOTAL
TOE-IN
(0.20É
 .10É)
4X2
2500&3500140 4.0É 0.0É .10É  
.05É
4X2
2500&3500160 4.3É 0.0É .10É  
.05É
MAX
RT/LT
DIF-
FERENCE
4X2
2500&3500Ð  0.4É  0.6É 0.1É
VEHICLE
4X4
2500&3500WHEEL
BASECASTER
(4.0É
Min,
+.75É
Max)CAMBER
(.25É
 .5É)TOTAL
TOE-IN
(0.20É
 .10É)
4X4
2500&3500140 4.5É .25É .10É  
.05É
4X4
2500&3500160 4.7É .25É .10É  
.05É
MAX
RT/LT
DIF-
FERENCE
4X4
2500&3500Ð  .5É  .5É 0.1É
DESCRIP-
TIONREAR SPECIFICATION
CAMBER
(-.10É   0.35É)TOTAL TOE-IN
(0.30É   0.35É)
THRUST ANGLE 0É   0.4É
4X2
4X4
1500
THRUST ANGLE -0.2É   0.2É
4X2
4X4
2500&3500
2 - 6 WHEEL ALIGNMENTDR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................9
DESCRIPTION........................10
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................10
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION..................12
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 4WD (LD).................13
REMOVAL - TORSION BAR
CROSSMEMBER BUSHING..............13
REMOVAL - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 2WD (LD).................13
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 4WD (LD).................14
INSTALLATION - TORSION BAR CROSS
MEMBER BUSHING....................15
INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 2WD (LD).................15
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4......................16
REMOVAL - 4X2......................17
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4...................17
INSTALLATION - 4X2...................18
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................19
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT..............................19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................20
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4 (LD)...................21REMOVAL - 4X2......................21
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4 (LD)...............21
INSTALLATION - 4X2...................22
SPRING
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................23
SHOCK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK........24
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X2......................24
REMOVAL - 4X4......................24
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X2...................24
INSTALLATION - 4X4...................24
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................25
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4......................25
REMOVAL - 4X2......................25
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4...................26
INSTALLATION - 4X2...................26
TORSION BAR
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................27
UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT..............................27
UPPER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................28
2 - 8 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR