Front axle DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G User Guide

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)

CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled
vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will over-
heat and could fail.
(7) Allow battery in disabled vehicle to charge to
at least 12.4 volts (75% charge) before attempting to
start engine. If engine does not start within 15 sec-
onds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool
(15 min.), before cranking again.
DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOISTING
Refer to the Owner's Manual for emergency vehicle
lifting procedures.
WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN A CHASSIS OR DRIVETRAIN COMPO-
NENT IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE
CENTER OF GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME
HOISTING CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY
SUPPORT (Fig. 6) OR SECURE VEHICLE TO HOIST-
ING DEVICE WHEN THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
FLOOR JACK
When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used
to lift a vehicle (Fig. 7). Support the vehicle in the
raised position with jack stands at the front and rear
ends of the frame rails (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: Do not lift vehicle with a floor jack posi-
tioned under:
²An axle tube.
²A body side sill.
²A steering linkage component.
²A drive shaft.
²The engine or transmission oil pan.
²The fuel tank.
²A front suspension arm.NOTE: Use the correct frame rail lifting locations
only (Fig. 8) and (Fig. 9).
HOIST
A vehicle can be lifted with:
²A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
²A twin-post, chassis hoist.
²A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.
NOTE: When a frame-contact type hoist is used,
verify that the lifting pads are positioned properly
(Fig. 7). The forward lifting pads should be posi-
tioned against the forward flange of the transmis-
sion crossmember brackets at the bottom of the
frame rail (Fig. 8). The real lifting pads should be
wedged between the forward flange of the leaf
spring bracket and the frame rail (Fig. 9). Safety
stands should be placed under the frame rails at
the front and rear ends (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6 Safety Stands
1 - SAFETY STANDS
0 - 20 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
JUMP STARTING (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)

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)

FRONT - LINK/COIL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT - LINK/COIL
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................29
SPECIAL TOOLS
91/4AA ............................30
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................32
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT..............................34
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................35
UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT..............................36
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................36
KNUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LEFT.....................37
REMOVAL - RIGHT....................37
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LEFT..................37
INSTALLATION - RIGHT................37
LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
SHOCK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK........38
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
SPRING
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
FRONT - LINK/COIL
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut54 40 Ð
Shock Absorber
Lower Bolt136 100 Ð
Lower Suspension Arm
Frame Nuts217 160 Ð
Lower Suspension Arm
Axle Nut217 160 Ð
Upper Suspension Arm
Frame Nuts149 110 Ð
Upper Suspension Arm
Axle Nut149 110 Ð
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 29

DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Stabilizer Bar
Frame Bolt61 45 Ð
Stabilizer Link
Lower Control Arm Nut102 75 Ð
Stabilizer Link
Axle Bracket71 52 Ð
Stabilizer Link
Stabilizer Bar Nut38 27 Ð
Hub/Bearing
Bolts202 149 Ð
Axle Nut 179 Beginning Torque,
Then Rotate 5 to 10
Times With a Final Torque
of 356132 Beginning Torque,
Then Rotate 5 to 10
Times With a Final Torque
of 263Ð
Tie Rod End
Nut75 55 Ð
NOTE: Suspension components with rubber/urethane bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at nor-
mal ride height. It is important to have the springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fasteners
are torqued. If springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected and pre-
mature bushing wear may occur.
SPECIAL TOOLS
9 1/4 AA
Puller C-3894±A
Remover, Wheel Stud C-4150A
BALL JOINT PRESS - C-4212F
REMOVER / INSTALLER BALLJOINT - 8445
2 - 30 FRONT - LINK/COILDR
FRONT - LINK/COIL (Continued)

HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the hub extension mounting nuts and
remove the extension from the rotor if equipped (Fig.
1).
(4) Remove the brake caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the cotter pin and the hub nut from
the axle shaft (Fig. 2).
(6) Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor wire
from under the hood. Remove the sensor wire from
the frame and steering knuckle if equipped.
(7) Back off the hub/bearing mounting bolts 1/4
inch each (Fig. 3). Then tap the bolts with a hammer
to loosen the hub/bearing from the steering knuckle.
(8) Remove the hub/bearing mounting bolts and
remove the hub/bearing.
(9) Remove the rotor assembly (Fig. 4), brake
shield and spacer from the steering knuckle.
RECEIVER CUP - 6761
BALLJOINT RECIEVER/INSTALLER KIT- 8975
Fig. 1 Hub Extension
1 - HUB EXTENSION
2 - HUB
Fig. 2 Hub Nut Cotter Pin
1 - HUB NUT
2 - COTTER PIN
Fig. 3 Hub/Bearing Mounting Bolts
1 - SOCKET AND EXTENSION
2 - ROTOR AND HUB
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 31
FRONT - LINK/COIL (Continued)

(6) Position the hub spacer (Fig. 8) and brake
shield (Fig. 9) on bolts just installed in knuckle.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a wheel speed
sensor the brake shield must be positioned on the
hub bearing (Fig. 10).
(7) Align the rotor hub with the drive shaft and
start the shaft into the rotor hub splines.NOTE: Position wheel speed sensor wire at the top
of the knuckle if equipped.
(8) Align the bolt holes in the hub bearing flange
with the bolts installed in the knuckle. Then thread
the bolts into the bearing flange far enough to hold
the assembly in place.
(9) Install the remaining bolts. Tighten the hub/
bearing bolts to 202 N´m (149 ft. lbs.
(10) Install the washer and axle nut and tighten a
beginning torque of 179 N´m (132 ft. lbs.).
(11) Rotate the axle 5 to 10 times to seat the hub
bearing.
(12) Tighten to a final torque of 356 N´m (263 ft.
lbs.).
(13) Align the axle nut to the next forward cotter
pin hole and install a new cotter pin in the axle nut.
(14) Install the brake caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the sensor wire to the steering knuckle
and frame and if equipped. Connect the wheel speed
sensor wire under the hood.
(16) Install the wheel and tire assemblies, (Refer
to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(17) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(18) Apply the brakes several times to seat the
brake shoes and caliper piston. Do not move the vehi-
cle until a firm brake pedal is obtained.
Fig. 8 Hub Spacer
1 - ROTOR HUB BOLTS
2 - HUB SPACER (POSITION FLAT TO REAR)
3 - APPLY ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND TO SPLINES
Fig. 9 Brake Shield
1 - BRAKE SHIELD
2 - HUB BEARING BOLTS
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 10 Brake Shield With Wheel Speed Sensor
1 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 - HUB BEARING
3 - SHIELD
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 33
HUB / BEARING (Continued)

LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
To properly diagnose the lower ball joint two read-
ings from the dial indicator are necessary, The two
readings must be added together to find a total ball
joint movement as identified in the steps below.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Attach a dial indicator with the indicator rest-
ing on the flat part of the steering knuckle by the
lower ball stud (Fig. 11).
(3) Set the dial indicator to zero.
NOTE: Use care not to damage the upper ball joint
grease seal.
(4) Pry between the knuckle and the axle tube
yoke next to the upper ball joint, Record the reading
on the dial indicatorThis will be the first reading
(Fig. 12).
(5) Set the dial indicator back to zero.
(6) Set up a jackstand and use a long prybar to lift
the knuckle assembly (Fig. 13), pry upwards on the
flat part of the steering knuckle next to the ball joint
stud and nut (Fig. 14) using the jackstand as lever-
age. Record the reading on the dial indicatorThis
will be the second reading.(7) Add the two reading together for a total lower
ball joint movement, If this reading is above 2.29 mm
(0.090 in) then replacement of the lower ball joint is
necessary (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/
LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
Fig. 11 DIAL INDICATOR POSITION
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 12 FIRST READING
1-PRYBAR
2 - UPPER BALL JOINT
3 - GEASE SEAL
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 13 SECOND READING
1-PRYBAR
2 - DIAL INDICATOR
3 - JACK STAND
2 - 34 FRONT - LINK/COILDR