wheel alignment DODGE RAM 1999 Service Owner's Guide

be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Part has been changed,
affecting alignment .... A ....... Require alignment check.
Pull, shown to be caused
by faulty alignment .... A ............. Require alignment.
Steering wheel
off-center ............. 2 ............. Suggest alignment.
Tire wear, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Wander, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.









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WHEELS AND TIRES
TIRES
These guidelines do not apply to split rims. Some vehicle
manufacturers restrict replacement of tires to specific brands, types,
or sizes.
WARNING: High pressure temporary compact spare tires should not be
used with any other rims or wheels, nor should standard
tires, snow tires, wheel covers, or trim rings be used
with high pressure compact spare rims or wheels.
Attempting to mount a tire of one diameter on a wheel of
a different diameter or flange type may result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING: Only specially trained persons should dismount or mount
tires. Explosions of tire and wheel assembly can result
from improper mounting, possibly causing serious injury
or death.
WARNING: Consult the vehicle owner's manual or vehicle placard for
correct size, speed rating, designation, and cold
inflation pressure of the original tires. DO NOT exceed
the maximum load or inflation capacity of the tire
specified by the Tire and Rim Association
WARNING: When replacing tires, it is suggested that the
replacement tires match or exceed the OEM speed rating
designation. If tires of different speed rating
designations are mixed on the same vehicle, the tires may
vary in handling characteristics. DO NOT mix different
speed rating designations on the same axle.
WARNING: DO NOT mix radials with non-radial tires on the same
axle, as this may affect vehicle handling and stability.
If radial tires and bias or bias-belted ply tires are
mixed on the same vehicle, the radials must be on the
rear. High-pressure temporary compact spare tires are
exempt from this rule.
WARNING: DO NOT mix size or type (all season, performance, mud and
snow) of tires on the same axle.
TIRE INSPECTION









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WHEEL A LIG NM EN T S PEC IF IC ATIO NS

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 WHEEL ALIGNMENT
CHRY - Specifications & Procedures - Trucks & FWD Vans
Caravan, Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van/Wagon,
Town & Country, Voyager
NOTE: Prior to performing wheel alignment, perform visual and
mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension
components. See PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS in WHEEL ALIGNMENT
THEORY & OPERATION article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
CHECKING PROCEDURE
NOTE: Information on vehicles not listed was not available from
manufacturer.
1999 Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager
Before adjusting alignment, check riding height. Measure
height from inboard edge of fenderwell directly above center of wheel,
unless specified otherwise. Riding height must be checked with vehicle
on level floor, correct size tires properly inflated and fuel tank
full. Bounce vehicle several times and allow suspension to settle.
Visually inspect vehicle for signs of abnormal height from
front-to-rear and side-to-side. Check passenger and luggage
compartments for extra-heavy items and remove if present. Riding
height between left side and right side of vehicle should vary less
than 0.5 (12.7 mm). Information on riding height between front and
rear is not available from manufacturer. See RIDING HEIGHT
SPECIFICATIONS (1999 CARAVAN, TOWN & COUNTRY, & VOYAGER) table. If
riding height is not within specification, check, repair or replace
suspension components.
Dakota & Durango (4WD)
1) Measure and record distance between floor surface and
center of lower suspension arm rear mounting bolt head. Measure and
record distance between floor surface and center of front wheel. See
Fig. 1 . Subtract first measurement from second measurement. On Dakota,
difference between both measurements should be 1.725-1.975" (43.82-50.
16 mm). On Durango, difference between both measurements should be 2.
78-3.02" (70.6-76.7 mm).
2) If necessary, adjust height differential to specification.
Adjust each front suspension arm by rotating torsion bar anchor
adjustment bolt clockwise to raise vehicle and counterclockwise to
lower vehicle. Always raise vehicle to correct height. If vehicle
height is greater than maximum specification, lower height to less
than specification, then back up to specification. After each
adjustment, jounce vehicle before measuring height to determine
effects of adjustment.

Application Front - In. (mm) Rear - In. (mm\
)
Gas Engine With
14" & 15" Wheels (1) ....... 29.04-29.82
(737.5-757.5) .......... 29.76-30.54\
(756.0-776.0)\
Gas Engine With 15",
16" & 17" Wheels ( 2) ....... 29.27-30.05
(743.5-765.5) ........... 30.0-30.78\
(762.0-782.0)\
CNG & Electric Vehicles ..... 30.46-31.24
(783.5-803.5) ........... 31.2-31.98\
(792.5-812.5)\
( 1) - With tire sizes P205/75R 15 and P215/65R 15.
( 2) - With tire sizes P215/70R 15, P215/65R 16 and 215/65R 17.









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HOIST
CAUTION: On Ram Van/Wagon, ensure there is adequate drive shaft
clearance while raising vehicle. DO NOT raise vehicle by
hoisting or jacking against front lower control arms. If rear
axle, fuel tank, spare tire and liftgate will be removed for
service, place additional weight on rear end of vehicle. This
will prevent tipping as center of gravity changes.
Caravan, Ram Van/Wagon, Town & Country, & Voyager
To raise vehicle on single and twin post type hoists, ensure
hoist pads contact vehicle frame behind front control arm pivots and
inside rear wheels on rear axle housing. Always use hoist adapters.
See Fig. 2 or 5.
Dakota & Ram Pickup
Vehicle may be raised on single or twin post swiveling arm,
or ramp-type drive hoists. If using swiveling arm hoist, ensure
lifting arms, pads or ramps are positioned evenly on frame rails, and
adequate clearance is maintained for transfer case (4WD models) or
skid plate. All hoists must be equipped with adapters to properly
support vehicle. See Fig. 3.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES
FRONT WHEEL CAMBER & CASTER ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION: DO NOT adjust caster by heating or bending suspension
components. If caster angle is incorrect, replace
component(s) causing incorrect angle.
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager
1) Caster is factory preset and cannot be adjusted. Camber is
factory preset, but can be adjusted with a camber service kit. Raise
and support vehicle. While holding lower strut attaching bolts
stationary, loosen attaching nuts. See Fig. 6. Remove upper attaching
nut and bolt. Install camber service kit attaching/adjusting bolt and
nut. While holding bolt stationary, lightly tighten nut. Repeat
procedure for lower attaching nut and bolt.
2) Lower vehicle until vehicle weight is supported by
suspension. Bounce vehicle several times and allow suspension to
settle. Rotate new cam bolt to move top of wheel in or out to
specified camber. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten
through-bolt nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

Suspension)
Loosen pivot bar attaching bolts, and move ends of upper
control arm either in or out to obtain proper camber and caster
angles. See Fig. 7. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten
pivot bar retaining bolts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Ram Pickup (Link/Coil Suspension)
Camber is factory set and is not adjustable. To adjust
caster, rotate adjuster cam on lower control arm. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
SPECIFICATIONS table. See Fig. 8.
Fig. 8: Adjusting Caster (Ram Pickup With Link/Coil Suspension)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Ram Van/Wagon
1) Use Adjuster Tool 8199 for this procedure. See Fig. 9.
Clamp tool onto upper control arm frame bracket using 2 clamp bolts.
Tighten adjustment nut on each tool until bolts are snug against pivot
bar. Loosen both upper control arm retaining bolts completely.
2) To obtain proper camber and caster angles, tighten or
loosen tool adjustment bolts on adjuster tool to move one or both ends

of upper control arm. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table.
Tighten pivot retaining bolts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Fig. 9: Camber & Caster Angle Adjustment Tool
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
FRONT WHEEL TOE ADJUSTMENT

NOTE: Set each front wheel at 1/2 of total toe specification. On
vehicles equipped with power steering, set wheel toe position
with engine running.
Except Ram Van/Wagon & 4WD Models
Center steering wheel and hold with steering wheel clamp.
Loosen tie rod lock nuts. Rotate rods to set toe to specification. See
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten tie rod lock nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Adjust steering gear
to tie rod boots at tie rod. Remove steering wheel clamp. See Fig. 10.
Ram Van/Wagon & 4WD Models
Center steering wheel and hold with steering wheel clamp.
Loosen tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp bolts. Rotate adjustment sleeve
to align toe to specification. See ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table.
Position sleeve clamps on underside of sleeve so clamp ends are not
over sleeve slot, and tighten adjustment sleeve clamp bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Remove steering wheel
clamp. See Fig. 11.
Fig. 10: Adjusting Front Wheel Toe With Tie Rod (Except Ram
Van/Wagon & 4WD Models)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.

Fig. 11: Adjusting Front Wheel Toe With Adjustment Sleeve (Ram
Van/Wagon & 4WD Models)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
REAR WHEEL CAMBER & TOE ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Rear wheel alignment is set at the factory. No adjustments
procedures are provided by the manufacturer.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS








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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Axle Bracket Eccentric Cam Nut
Ram Pickup .............................................. 95 (130)\
Pivot Bar-To-Frame Bolts
Dakota, Durango & Ram Pickup ........................... 155 (210)\
Ram Van/Wagon .......................................... 220 (298)\
Strut-To-Knuckle Nuts
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager ................... ( 1) 65 (88)
Tie Rod Adjustment Sleeve Bolts
Ram Pickup ................................................... ( 2)
Ram/Van Wagon
Standard Duty ........................................... 17 (23)\
Heavy Duty .............................................. 26 (35)\
Tie Rod Lock Nut(s)

Caravan, Dakota, Durango, Town & Country, & Voyager ...... 55 (75)\
Wheel Lug Nuts
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager ..................... 100 (135)\
Dakota & Durango
1998 ........................................... 85-110 (115-149)\
1999 ........................................... 85-115 (115-156)\
Ram Pickup
5 Stud Wheel ........................................... 95 (129)\
8 Stud Wheel .......................................... 135 (183)\
8 Stud Dual Wheel ..................................... 145 (197)\
Ram/Van Wagon
5 Stud ......................................... 80-110 (108-149)\
8 Stud ........................................ 120-150 (163-203)\
(1) - Tighten an additional 1/4 turn.
( 2) - Information is not available.









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ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS








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Application Preferred Range
Caravan, Town & Country,
& Voyager
1998 2WD & AWD With
14" & 15" Tires ( 1)
Camber ( 2)
Front .................. 0.15 ................. -0.25 To 0.55
Rear .................... 0 ................... -0.25 To 0.25
Caster ( 2) ............... 1.4 ..................... 0.4 To 2.4
Toe-In ( 3)
Front ............... 0.05 (1.5) .. -0.05 To 0.15 (-1.5 To 4\
)
Rear ................... 0 (0) ........ -0.2 To 0.2 (-5 To 5\
)
Toe-In ( 2)
Front ................... 0.1 ................... -0.1 To 0.3
Rear ..................... 0 .................... -0.4 To 0.4
1998 2WD & AWD With 15",
16" Or 17" Tires ( 4)
Camber ( 2)
Front ( 1) ............. 0.05 ................. -0.35 To 0.45
Rear ................... 0 ................... -0.25 To 0.25
Caster ( 2) ............... 1.4 ..................... 0.4 To 2.4
Toe-In ( 3)
Front ............... 0.05 (1.5) .. -0.05 To 0.15 (-1.5 To 4\
)
Rear ................... 0 (0) ........ -0.2 To 0.2 (-5 To 5\
)
Toe-In ( 2)
Front .................. 0.1 .................... -0.1 To 0.3
Rear .................... 0 ..................... -0.4 To 0.4
Dakota
Camber ( 2)
All Models ............... 0.38 ................. -0.12 To 0.88
Caster ( 2)
2WD shortbed ............. 2.99 .................. 2.49 To 3.49
4WD Shortbed ............. 3.16 .................. 2.66 To 3.66
2WD Longbed .............. 3.09 .................. 2.59 To 3.59
4WD Longbed .............. 3.23 .................. 2.73 To 3.73
2WD Club Cab ............. 3.13 .................. 2.63 To 3.63
4WD Club Cab ............. 3.27 .................. 2.77 To 3.77
Toe-In ( 3)
All Models ............ 0.07 (1.5) .... 0.02 To 0.12 (0.5 To 3\
)


WHEEL A LIG NM EN T T H EO RY/O PER ATIO N

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wheel Alignment Theory & Operation
ALL MODELS
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: This article is intended for general information purposes
only. This information may not apply to all makes and models.
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL ALIGNMENT CHECKS
Before adjusting wheel alignment, check the following:
* Each axle uses tires of same construction and tread style,
equal in tread wear and overall diameter. Verify that radial
and axial runout is not excessive. Inflation should be at
manufacturer's specifications.
* Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive play.
Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints. Springs must
not be sagging. Control arm and strut rod bushings must not
have excessive play. See Fig. 1.
Fig. 1: Checking Steering Linkage
* Vehicle must be on level floor with full fuel tank, no
passenger load, spare tire in place and no load in trunk.
Bounce front and rear end of vehicle several times. Confirm

vehicle is at normal riding height.
* Steering wheel must be centered with wheels in straight ahead
position. If required, shorten one tie rod adjusting sleeve
and lengthen opposite sleeve (equal amount of turns). See
Fig. 2.
* Wheel bearings should have the correct preload and lug nuts
must be tightened to manufacturer's specifications. Adjust
camber, caster and toe-in using this sequence. Follow
instructions of the alignment equipment manufacturer.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to correct alignment by straightening parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced.
Fig. 2: Adjusting Tie Rod Sleeves (Top View)
CAMBER
1) Camber is the tilting of the wheel, outward at either top
or bottom, as viewed from front of vehicle. See Fig. 3.
2) When wheels tilts outward at the top (from centerline of
vehicle), camber is positive. When wheels tilt inward at top, camber
is negative. Amount of tilt is measured in degrees from vertical.