wheel torque DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Owner's Guide

from the centered position, without damaging the
clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered, with a molded plastic locking
pin installed (Fig. 19). This locking pin should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the locking pin is removed
before the clockspring is installed on a steering col-
umn, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(3) Rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise to the
end of its travel.Do not apply excessive torque.
(4) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise.
The engagement dowel and yellow rubber boot
should end up at the bottom, and the arrows on the
clockspring rotor and case should be in alignment.
(5) The clockspring is now centered. Secure the
clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain
clockspring centering until it is reinstalled on the
steering column.
(6) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto thesteering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
REMOVAL
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
Fig. 19 Clockspring and Multi-Function Switch
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE (2)
2 - LOCATING TAB
3 - LOCKING PIN
4 - MOUNTING TAB (2)
5 - UPPER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
6 - LABEL
7 - ENGAGEMENT DOWEL & BOOT
8 - CASE
9 - CENTERING ARROWS
10 - ROTOR
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSDR
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

SPEED CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
SPEED CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM
SUPPLY TEST.........................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TEST....3
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - SPEED CONTROL.............3
CABLE
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................4
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................5
SERVO
DESCRIPTION..........................6OPERATION............................6
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................7
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................8
VACUUM RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM
RESERVOIR..........................9
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................10
SPEED CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
All 3.7L/4.7LGas Engines and/or Diesel With
Automatic Trans.
The speed control system is operated by the use of
a cable and a vacuum controlled servo. On all
engines except diesels, electronic control of the speed
control system is integrated into the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM). If equipped with a diesel engine,
electronic control of the speed control system is inte-
grated into the Engine Control Module (ECM). The
controls consist of two steering wheel mounted
switches. The switches are labeled: ON/OFF, RES/
ACCEL, SET, COAST, and CANCEL.
The system is designed to operate at speeds above
30 mph (50 km/h).
WARNING: THE USE OF SPEED CONTROL IS NOT
RECOMMENDED WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS DO
NOT PERMIT MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPEED,
SUCH AS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ON ROADS THAT
ARE WINDING, ICY, SNOW COVERED, OR SLIP-
PERY.
5.7L Gas
The speed control system is fully electronically con-
trolled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).A
cable and a vacuum controlled servo are not
used. This is a servo-less system.The controls
consist of two steering wheel mounted switches. The
switches are labeled: ON/OFF, RES/ACCEL, SET,
COAST, and CANCEL.
The system is designed to operate at speeds above
30 mph (50 km/h).
WARNING: THE USE OF SPEED CONTROL IS NOT
RECOMMENDED WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS DO
NOT PERMIT MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPEED,
SUCH AS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ON ROADS THAT
ARE WINDING, ICY, SNOW COVERED, OR SLIP-
PERY.
DRSPEED CONTROL 8P - 1

(5) Before starting engine, operate accelerator
pedal to check for any binding.
(6) Install cable/lever cover.
SERVO
DESCRIPTION
A speed control servo is not used with any
5.7L V-8 engine, or with the 5.9L diesel engine
when equipped with a manual transmission.
The speed control servo is attached to the bottom
of the battery tray.
The servo unit consists of a solenoid valve body,
and a vacuum chamber. The solenoid valve body con-
tains three solenoids:
²Vacuum
²Vent
²Dump
The vacuum chamber contains a diaphragm with a
cable attached to control the throttle linkage.
OPERATION
A speed control servo is not used with any
5.7L V-8 engine, or with the 5.9L diesel engine
when equipped with a manual transmission.
The following information applies only to
vehicles equipped with a mechanical servo.
When/if a servo is used on gasoline powered vehi-
cles, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls
the solenoid valve body. When/if a servo is used on
certain diesel powered vehicles, the Engine Control
Module (ECM) controls the solenoid valve body. The
solenoid valve body controls the application and
release of vacuum to the diaphragm of the vacuum
servo. The servo unit cannot be repaired and is ser-
viced only as a complete assembly.
Power is supplied to the servo's by the PCM/ECM
through the brake switch. The PCM/ECM controls
the ground path for the vacuum and vent solenoids.
The dump solenoid is energized anytime it receives
power. If power to the dump solenoid is interrupted,
the solenoid dumps vacuum in the servo. This pro-
vides a safety backup to the vent and vacuum sole-
noids.
The vacuum and vent solenoids must be grounded
at the PCM/ECM to operate. When the PCM/ECM
grounds the vacuum servo solenoid, the solenoid
allows vacuum to enter the servo and pull open the
throttle plate using the cable. When the PCM/ECM
breaks the ground, the solenoid closes and no more
vacuum is allowed to enter the servo. The PCM/ECM
also operates the vent solenoid via ground. The vent
solenoid opens and closes a passage to bleed or hold
vacuum in the servo as required.The PCM/ECM duty cycles the vacuum and vent
solenoids to maintain the set speed, or to accelerate
and decelerate the vehicle. To increase throttle open-
ing, the PCM/ECM grounds the vacuum and vent
solenoids. To decrease throttle opening, the PCM/
ECM removes the grounds from the vacuum and
vent solenoids. When the brake is released, if vehicle
speed exceeds 30 mph to resume, 35 mph to set, and
the RES/ACCEL switch has been depressed, ground
for the vent and vacuum circuits is restored.
REMOVAL
The speed control servo assembly is attached to the
bottom of the battery tray (Fig. 6).
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery
(both cables at both batteries if diesel).
(2) To gain access to servo, remove plastic wheel-
house splash shield over left-front wheel.
(3) Disconnect vacuum line at servo (Fig. 6).
(4) Disconnect electrical connector at servo (Fig. 6).
(5) Remove 3 servo mounting screws (Fig. 6).
Depending on engine application, different sets of
mounting lugs (Fig. 6) are used to support servo to
battery tray. While removing, note proper lugs.
(6) Disconnect servo cable at throttle body. Refer to
Servo Cable Removal/Installation.
(7) Remove 2 mounting nuts holding servo cable
sleeve to bracket (Fig. 7).
(8) Pull speed control cable sleeve and servo away
from servo mounting bracket to expose cable retain-
ing clip (Fig. 7) and remove clip. Note: The servo
mounting bracket displayed in (Fig. 7) is a typical
bracket and may/may not be applicable to this model
vehicle.
(9) Remove servo from mounting bracket. While
removing, note orientation of servo to bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position servo to mounting bracket (Fig. 7).
(2) Align hole in cable connector with hole in servo
pin. Install cable-to-servo retaining clip (Fig. 7).
(3) Insert servo mounting studs through holes in
servo mounting bracket.
(4) Install 2 servo-to-mounting bracket nuts and
tighten. Refer to torque specifications.
(5) Position servo assembly to correct mounting
lugs on battery tray (Fig. 6) and install 3 screws.
Tighten 3 screws. Refer to torque specifications.
(6) Connect vacuum line at servo.
(7) Connect electrical connector at servo.
(8) Connect servo cable to throttle body. Refer to
servo Cable Removal/Installation.
(9) Install left-front wheel-well liner.
(10) Connect negative battery cable to battery
(connect both cables if diesel).
8P - 6 SPEED CONTROLDR
CABLE (Continued)

The previous disengagement conditions are pro-
grammed for added safety.
Once the speed control has been disengaged,
depressing the ACCEL switch restores the vehicle to
the target speed that was stored in the PCM's RAM
(ECM for diesel).
NOTE: Depressing the OFF switch will erase the set
speed stored in the PCM's/ECM's RAM.
If, while the speed control is engaged, the driver
wishes to increase vehicle speed, the PCM(ECM for
diesel)is programmed for an acceleration feature.
With the ACCEL switch held closed, the vehicle
accelerates slowly to the desired speed. The new tar-
get speed is stored in the PCM's/ECM's RAM when
the ACCEL switch is released. The PCM/ECM also
has a9tap-up9feature in which vehicle speed
increases at a rate of approximately 2 mph for each
momentary switch activation of the ACCEL switch.
The PCM/ECM also provides a means to decelerate
without disengaging speed control. To decelerate from
an existing recorded target speed, depress and hold
the COAST switch until the desired speed is reached.
Then release the switch. The ON, OFF switch oper-
ates two components: the PCM's/ECM's ON, OFF
input, and the battery voltage to the brake switch.
REMOVAL
Depending on engine control computer (JTEC
having a 3±plug connector or 5.7L V-8 NGC hav-
ing a 4±plug connector), 2 types of switches are
used. Both types of switches are internally and
externally different. The switches used with the
NGC system have attached pigtail leads (Fig. 9).
The switch used with the JTEC system does not
have an attached pigtail lead.
(1) Remove switch mounting screw (Fig. 8). or
(Fig. 9)
(2) Pull switch from steering wheel.
(3) Unplug electrical connector from switch (Fig.
8), or, switch pigtail wire harness from steering
wheel wire harness (Fig. 9) and remove switch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Plug electrical connector into switch (Fig. 8), or
connect pigtail wire harness to steering wheel wire
harness (Fig. 9). Be sure wires are not pinched.
(2) Position switch to steering wheel.
(3) Install switch mounting screw and tighten.
Refer to torque specifications.
Fig. 8 SPEED CONTROL SWITCHES (EXCEPT 5.7L
V-8 ENGINE)
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
2 - MOUNTING SCREWS
3 - RIGHT SWITCH
4 - LEFT SWITCH
Fig. 9 SPEED CONTROL SWITCHES (WITH 5.7L V-8
ENGINE)
1 - MOUNTING SCREWS
2 - RIGHT SWITCH
3 - LEFT SWITCH
4 - PIGTAIL LEADS
8P - 8 SPEED CONTROLDR
SWITCH (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIONS
NOISY VALVES 1. High or low oil level in
crankcase.1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil and filter.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
4. Dirt in lash adjusters. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Worn rocker arms. 5. Replace as necessary.
6. Worn lash adjusters 6. Replace as necessary.
7. Worn valve guides. 7. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
8. Excessive runout of valve seats
on valve faces.8. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
CONNECTING ROD NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil and filter.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Connecting rod journal
out-of-round.5. Service or replace crankshaft.
6. Misaligned connecting rods. 6. Replace bent connecting rods.
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil and filter.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Excessive end play. 5. Check thrust washers for wear.
6. Crankshaft journal out-of round. 6. Service or replace crankshaft.
7. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.7. Tighten to correct torque
9 - 6 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

(6) Air ingested into oil due to broken or cracked
oil pump pick up.
(7) Worn valve guides.
(8) Rocker arm ears contacting valve spring
retainer.
(9) Rocker arm loose, adjuster stuck or at maxi-
mum extension and still leaves lash in the system.
(10) Oil leak or excessive cam bore wear in cylin-
der head.
(11) Faulty lash adjuster.
a. Check lash adjusters for sponginess while
installed in cylinder head and cam on camshaft at
base circle. Depress part of rocker arm over adjuster.
Normal adjusters should feel very firm. Spongy
adjusters can be bottomed out easily.
b. Remove suspected lash adjusters, and replace.
c. Before installation, make sure adjusters are at
least partially full of oil. This can be verified by little
or no plunger travel when lash adjuster is depressed.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust pipe at the right side
exhaust manifold.
(4) Drain the engine coolant(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Remove the intake manifold(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the cylinder head cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the fan shroud(Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove oil fill housing from cylinder head.
(10) Remove accessory drive belt(Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(11) Rotate the crankshaft until the damper timing
mark is aligned with TDC indicator mark.
(12) Verify the V6 mark on the camshaft sprocket
is at the 12 o'clock position. Rotate the crankshaft
one turn if necessary.
(13) Remove the crankshaft damper(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(14) Remove the timing chain cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(15) Lock the secondary timing chains to the idler
sprocket using Special Tool 8429 Timing Chain Hold-
ing Fixture.NOTE: Mark the secondary timing chain prior to
removal to aid in installation.
(16) Mark the secondary timing chain, one link on
each side of the V6 mark on the camshaft drive gear.
(17) Remove the right side secondary chain ten-
sioner(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIM-
ING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL).
(18) Remove the cylinder head access plug.
(19) Remove the right side secondary chain
guide(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: The nut on the right side camshaft
sprocket should not be removed for any reason, as
the sprocket and camshaft sensor target wheel is
serviced as an assembly. If the nut was removed,
torque nut to 5 N´m (44 in. lbs.).
(20) Remove the retaining bolt and the camshaft
drive gear.
CAUTION: Do not allow the engine to rotate. severe
damage to the valve train can occur.
CAUTION: Do not overlook the four smaller bolts at
the front of the cylinder head. Do not attempt to
remove the cylinder head without removing these
four bolts.
CAUTION: Do not hold or pry on the camshaft tar-
get wheel for any reason. A damaged target wheel
can result in a vehicle no start condition.
NOTE: The cylinder head is attached to the cylinder
block with twelve bolts.
(21) Remove the cylinder head retaining bolts.
(22) Remove the cylinder head and gasket. Discard
the gasket.
CAUTION: Do not lay the cylinder head on its gas-
ket sealing surface, do to the design of the cylinder
head gasket any distortion to the cylinder head
sealing surface may prevent the gasket from prop-
erly sealing resulting in leaks.
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 33
CYLINDER HEAD - RIGHT (Continued)

CAUTION: The nut on the right side camshaft
sprocket should not be removed for any reason, as
the sprocket and camshaft sensor target wheel is
serviced as an assembly. If the nut was removed,
torque nut to 5 NM ( 60 in. lbs.).
(7) Position the secondary chain onto the camshaft
drive gear, making sure one marked chain link is on
either side of the V6 mark on the gear then using
Special Tool 8428 Camshaft Wrench, position the
gear onto the camshaft.
CAUTION: Remove excess oil from camshaft
sprocket retaining bolt before reinstalling bolt. Fail-
ure to do so may cause over-torquing of bolt result-
ing in bolt failure.
(8) Install the camshaft drive gear retaining bolt.
(9) Install the right side secondary chain guide(Re-
fer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/
CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the cylinder head access plug.
(11) Re-set and install the right side secondary
chain tensioner(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIM-
ING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS -
INSTALLATION).
(12) Remove Special Tool 8429.
(13) Install the timing chain cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(14) Install the crankshaft damper(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION). Tighten damper bolt 175 N´m (130
Ft. Lbs.).
(15) Install accessory drive belt(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(16) Install the fan shroud(Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION).
(17) Install the cylinder head cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the intake manifold(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).
(19) Install oil fill housing onto cylinder head.
(20) Refill the cooling system(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(21) Raise the vehicle.
(22) Install the exhaust pipe onto the right
exhaust manifold.
(23) Lower the vehicle.
(24) Reconnect battery negative cable.
(25) Start the engine and check for leaks.CAMSHAFT(S)
DESCRIPTION
The camshafts consist of powdered metal steel
lobes which are sinter-bonded to a steel tube. Four
bearing journals are machined into the camshaft.
Camshaft end play is controlled by two thrust walls
that border the nose piece journal. Engine oil enters
the hollow camshafts at the third journal and lubri-
cates every intake lobe rocker through a drilled pas-
sage in the intake lobe.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: When the timing chain is removed and
the cylinder heads are still installed, DO NOT force-
fully rotate the camshafts or crankshaft indepen-
dently of each other. Severe valve and/or piston
damage can occur.
CAUTION: When removing the cam sprocket, timing
chains or camshaft, Failure to use special tool 8379
will result in hydraulic tensioner ratchet over exten-
sion, Requiring timing chain cover removal to re-set
the tensioner ratchet.
(1) Remove the cylinder head cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(2) Set engine to TDC cylinder No. 1, camshaft
sprocket V6 marks at the 12 o'clock position.
(3) Mark one link on the secondary timing chain
on both sides of the V6 mark on the camshaft
sprocket to aid in installation.
CAUTION: Do not hold or pry on the camshaft tar-
get wheel for any reason, Severe damage will occur
to the target wheel. A damaged target wheel could
cause a vehicle no start condition.
(4) Loosen butDO NOTremove the camshaft
sprocket retaining bolt. Leave bolt snug against
sprocket.
NOTE: The timing chain tensioners must be
secured prior to removing the camshaft sprockets.
Failure to secure tensioners will allow the tension-
ers to extend, requiring timing chain cover removal
in order to reset tensioners.
CAUTION: Do not force wedge past the narrowest
point between the chain strands. Damage to the
tensioners may occur.
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 35
CYLINDER HEAD - RIGHT (Continued)

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Main bearings are select fit. Refer to
Crankshaft Main Bearings in this section for proper
bearing selections.
CAUTION: When installing crankshaft, use care not
to damage bearing surfaces on the crankshaft.
NOTE: Apply sealant to the tone wheel retaining
screws prior to installation.
(1) Lubricate upper main bearing halves with
clean engine oil.
(2) Install the crankshaft tone wheel. Torque the
mounting screws to 15 N´m (11 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position crankshaft in cylinder block.
(4) Install the thrust washers (Fig. 33).
CAUTION: The bedplate to cylinder block mating
surface must be coated with MoparTEngine RTVsealant prior to installation. Failure to do so will
cause severe oil leaks.
NOTE:Make sure that the bedplate and cylinder block
sealing surfaces are clean and free of oil or other con-
taminants. Contaminants on the sealing surfaces may
cause main bearing distortion and/or oil leaks.
(5) Apply a 2.5mm (0.100 inch) bead of Mopart
Engine RTV sealant to the cylinder block-to-bedplate
mating surface as shown (Fig. 34).
(6) Coat the crankshaft main bearing journals
with clean engine oil and position the bedplate onto
the cylinder block.
Fig. 33 Crankshaft Thrust Washer Installation
1 - CRANKSHAFT THRUST WASHER
Fig. 34 BEDPLATE SEALANT
1 - CYLINDER BLOCK
2 - SEALENT
3 - SEALANT
9 - 42 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

²Timing chain cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S)
- REMOVAL).
²Cylinder head(s) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLIN-
DER HEAD - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(3) If necessary, remove top ridge of cylinder bores
with a reliable ridge reamer before removing pistons
from cylinder block.Be sure to keep tops of pis-
tons covered during this operation.Pistons and
connecting rods must be removed from top of cylinder
block. When removing piston and connecting rod
assemblies from the engine, rotate crankshaft so the
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
CAUTION: DO NOT use a number stamp or a punch
to mark connecting rods or caps, as damage to
connecting rods could occur
NOTE: Connecting rods and bearing caps are not
interchangeable and should be marked before
removing to ensure correct reassembly.
(4) Mark connecting rod and bearing cap positions
using a permanent ink marker or scribe tool.
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to damage the
fractured rod and cap joint face surfaces, as engine
damage may occur.
(5) Remove connecting rod cap. Install Special Tool
8507 Connecting Rod Guides into the connecting rod
being removed. Remove piston from cylinder bore.
Repeat this procedure for each piston being removed.
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to nick crank-
shaft journals, as engine damage may occur
(6) Immediately after piston and connecting rod
removal, install bearing cap on the mating connect-
ing rod to prevent damage to the fractured cap and
rod surfaces.
CLEANING
CAUTION: DO NOT use a wire wheel or other abra-
sive cleaning devise to clean the pistons or con-
necting rods. The pistons have a Moly coating, this
coating must not be damaged.
(1) Using a suitable cleaning solvent clean the pis-
tons in warm water and towel dry.
(2) Use a wood or plastic scraper to clean the ring
land grooves.
CAUTION: DO NOT remove the piston pin from the
piston and connecting rod assembly.
INSPECTION
Check the connecting rod journal for excessive
wear, taper and scoring (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/EN-
GINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the connecting rod for signs of twist or bend-
ing.
Check the piston for taper and elliptical shape
before it is fitted into the cylinder bore (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON & CONNECT-
ING ROD - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the piston for scoring, or scraping marks in
the piston skirts. Check the ring lands for cracks
and/or deterioration.
INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing piston and connecting rod
assemblies into the bore, install the piston rings.
(2) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil. Position a ring compressor over the piston
and rings. Tighten ring compressor.Ensure posi-
tion of rings do not change during this opera-
tion.
(3) Position bearing onto connecting rod. Ensure
that hole in bearing shell aligns with hole in connect-
ing rod. Lubricate bearing surface with clean engine
oil.
(4) Install Special Tool 8507 Connecting Rod
Guides into connecting rod bolt threads (Fig. 53).
(5) The pistons are marked on the piston pin bore
surface with an raised ªFº indicating installation
position. This mark must be pointing toward the
front of engine on both cylinder banks. The connect-
ing rod oil slinger slot faces the front of the engine
(Fig. 54).
(6) Wipe cylinder bore clean and lubricate with
engine oil.
(7) Rotate crankshaft until connecting rod journal
is on the center of cylinder bore. Insert rod and pis-
ton into cylinder bore and carefully position connect-
ing rod guides over crankshaft journal.
(8) Tap piston down in cylinder bore using a ham-
mer handle. While at the same time, guide connect-
ing rod into position on rod journal.
CAUTION: Connecting Rod Bolts are Torque to
Yield Bolts and Must Not Be Reused. Always
replace the Rod Bolts whenever they are loosened
or removed.
(9) Lubricate rod bolts and bearing surfaces with
engine oil. Install connecting rod cap and bearing.
Tighten bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus 90É.
(10) Install the following components:
²Cylinder head(s). (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLIN-
DER HEAD - INSTALLATION).
9 - 52 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIONS
NOISY VALVES 1. High or low oil level in
crankcase.1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil and filter.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
4. Dirt in lash adjusters. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Worn rocker arms. 5. Replace as necessary.
6. Worn lash adjusters 6. Replace as necessary.
7. Worn valve guides. 7. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
8. Excessive runout of valve seats
on valve faces.8. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
CONNECTING ROD NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil and filter.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Connecting rod journal
out-of-round.5. Service or replace crankshaft.
6. Misaligned connecting rods. 6. Replace bent connecting rods.
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil and filter.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Excessive end play. 5. Check thrust washers for wear.
6. Crankshaft journal out-of round. 6. Service or replace crankshaft.
7. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.7. Tighten to correct torque
9 - 92 ENGINE - 4.7LDR
ENGINE - 4.7L (Continued)