4WD DODGE RAM 1999 Service Manual PDF

NOTE: Manufacturer does not recommend overhaul of steering. If
faulty, replace steering gear as an assembly.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS\
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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Center Link-To-Pitman Arm Nut .............................. 65 (88)\
Drag Link Nut .............................................. 65 (88)\
Flow Control Valve Fitting ................................. 55 (75)\
Idler Arm-To-Center Link Nut
Dakota (4WD) & Ram Pickup ................................ 65 (88\
)
Ram Van/Wagon ............................................ 47 (64)\
Idler Arm-To-Frame Bolt
Dakota (4WD)
Standard Duty ........................................... 50 (68)\
Heavy Duty ............................................ 195 (264)\
Ram Pickup ............................................... 50 (68)\
Ram Van/Wagon .......................................... 115 (156)\
Mounting Studs ............................................. 35 (47)\
Pitman Arm Nut ( 1) ....................................... 185 (251)
Sector Shaft Adjuster Screw Lock Nut ....................... 20 (27)\
Dakota (4WD) & Ram Van/Wagon ............................. 20 (27\
)
Ram Pickup ............................................... 43 (58)\
Steering Gear Housing-To-Frame Bolt
Dakota (4WD) ............................................. 65 (88\
)
Ram Pickup ............................................. 140 (190)\
Ram Van/Wagon
Steering Gear-To-Bracket .............................. 105 (142)\
Bracket-To-Frame ...................................... 100 (136)\
Tie Rod Clamp Bolt
Dakota (4WD) ............................................. 56 (75\
)
Ram Pickup
Standard Duty ........................................... 45 (61)\
Heavy Duty .............................................. 60 (81)\
Ram Van/Wagon
Standard Duty (9/16" Nut) ............................... 16 (22\
)
Heavy Duty (5/8" Nut) ................................... 26 (35\
)
Tie Rod Nut
Dakota (4WD) & Ram Pickup ................................ 65 (88\
)
Ram Van/Wagon
9/16" ................................................... 55 (75)\
5/8" ................................................... 75 (102)\
Vacuum/Power Steering Pump Assembly-To-Engine Bolts ........ 57 (77)\
Vacuum Pump-To-Power Steering Pump Nuts .................... 18 (24)\
( 1) - Nut must be staked against pitman arm threads.
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SU SPEN SIO N - F R O NT - L IN K/C O IL S PR IN G

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 SUSPENSION
CHRY - Front - Link/Coil Spring
Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION
Link/coil front suspension uses upper and lower suspension
arms attached to frame and drive axle (4WD) or tube axle (2WD). Shoc\
k
absorbers are mounted inside the coil springs, and attached at top to
a bracket with grommets. These brackets are bolted onto the frame with
3 studs on a ring. The shock is mounted at bottom of axle below the
spring seat. See Fig. 1.
A track bar is used, and is attached to a frame rail bracket
with a ball stud. The track bar is isolated with a bushing at the axle
bracket. Other components of the link/coil spring suspension system
are a stabilizer bar, links, upper and lower suspension arms, bushings
and ball joints.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Front Suspension Assembly
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT.

WHEEL BEARING & HUB
Wheel bearing and hub assembly is not serviceable, and is
replaced as an assembly only.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
COIL SPRING
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Position jack under axle for
added support. Scribe alignment marks on lower control arm cam
adjusters and axle bracket for installation reference.
2) Remove upper control arm. See UPPER CONTROL ARM. Loosen
lower control arm bolts. See Fig. 1. On 4WD models, scribe marks on
front drive shaft for installation reference. Disconnect front drive
shaft from axle. On all models, disconnect track bar from frame rail
bracket. See TRACK BAR. Disconnect drag link from pitman arm.
3) Disconnect stabilizer bar link and shock absorber from
axle. Lower axle until spring is free from upper mount. Remove coil
spring. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts
to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Scribe alignment marks on cam
adjusters and suspension arm for installation reference. Remove lower
control arm nut, cam and cam bolt from axle. See Fig. 1.
2) Remove nut and bolt from frame rail bracket. Remove lower
control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove upper control arm nut
and bolt at axle bracket. See Fig. 1. Remove nut and bolt at front
rail and remove upper control arm assembly.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
SHOCK ABSORBER
Removal & Installation
1) Remove nut, retainer and grommet from upper stud in engine
compartment. See Fig. 2. Remove 3 nuts from upper shock bracket.
Remove lower bolt from axle bracket. Remove shock absorber from engine
compartment.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

TR AN SM IS SIO N R EM OVA L & IN STA LLA TIO N

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 TRANSMISSION SERVICING
CHRY - Trans Removal & Installation - Trucks & RWD Vans
Dakota, Ram Pickup, Ram Van/Wagon
WARNING: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist
until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NOTE: For manual transmission replacement procedures, see
appropriate article in CLUTCHES.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DAKOTA & DURANGO
Removal
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support
vehicle. Disconnect and remove necessary skid plates and exhaust
components for transmission removal. Remove engine-to-transmission
struts (if equipped). These struts are located between front of
transmission and engine.
2) Ensure area around transmission oil cooler lines fitting
are clean. Disengage retainer on quick-disconnect cooler line fitting.
Pull cooler line from transmission oil cooler.
CAUTION: Crankshaft position sensor must be removed from transmission
housing before removing transmission to prevent damage to
crankshaft position sensor.
3) Remove starter. Disconnect electrical connector for
crankshaft position sensor. On 2.5L, crankshaft position sensor is
mounted on driver's side of transmission housing. See Fig. 1. On 3.9L,
5.2L and 5.9L, crankshaft position sensor is mounted on passenger's
side of transmission housing. See Fig. 2.
4) Remove crankshaft position sensor bolts or nuts. Remove
crankshaft position sensor from transmission housing. Remove dipstick,
dipstick tube and "O" ring from transmission.
5) Remove torque converter cover. Place reference mark on
flexplate and torque converter for installation reference. Rotate
crankshaft clockwise and remove torque converter bolts.
6) Place reference mark on drive shaft flanges for
installation reference. Remove drive shaft from transmission. On 4WD
models, disconnect drive shaft from transfer case. Disconnect shift
rod for transfer case from transfer case shift lever.
7) On all models, disconnect necessary control cables, wiring
harnesses, and shift linkage or cable from transmission. Support rear
of engine with jack stand. Using transmission jack, slightly raise
transmission to release pressure from rear mount and rear crossmember.
8) Remove bolts securing rear support and rear mount to
transmission and rear crossmember. Raise transmission slightly. Slide
exhaust hanger arm from bracket on rear support. Remove rear support
and rear mount.
9) Remove rear crossmember located below the transmission. On
4WD models, disconnect electrical connectors from transfer case. On

Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure torque
converter is fully seated in transmission by measuring distance from
cylinder block surface on transmission housing to front edge on torque
converter bolt lug on front of torque converter. Distance should be .
50" (12.7 mm) if torque converter is fully seated.
CAUTION: Proper length torque converter bolts must be used. If
replacing any torque converter bolts, ensure proper length
bolt is used.
2) Tighten bolt/nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. Ensure reference mark on torque converter and
flexplate, and drive shaft flanges are aligned. Adjust shift cable or
linkage, throttle valve cable and transfer case shift linkage if
necessary. See AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TRUCKS & RWD VANS article.
3) Use NEW "O" ring when installing dipstick tube. Before
installing oil cooler lines on transmission, ensure all fittings are
clean. Install oil cooler line into quick-disconnect fitting. Push oil
cooler line inward until a click is heard. Pull on oil cooler line to
ensure oil cooler line is locked in place. Fill transmission with
Mopar ATF Plus Type 7176.
RAM PICKUP
Removal
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support
vehicle. Disconnect and remove necessary skid plates and exhaust
components for transmission removal. Remove engine-to-transmission
struts (if equipped). These struts are located between front of
transmission and engine.
2) Ensure area around transmission oil cooler lines fitting
are clean. Disengage retainer on quick-disconnect cooler line fitting.
Pull cooler line from transmission oil cooler. Remove starter.
CAUTION: On 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L gasoline models, crankshaft position
sensor must be removed from transmission housing before
removing transmission to prevent damage to crankshaft
position sensor.
3) On 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L gasoline models, disconnect
electrical connector for crankshaft position sensor. Crankshaft
position sensor is mounted on passenger's side of transmission
housing. See Fig. 2.
4) Remove crankshaft position sensor bolts. Remove crankshaft
position sensor from transmission housing. Remove dipstick, dipstick
tube and "O" ring from transmission.
5) Remove torque converter cover. Place reference mark on
flexplate and torque converter for installation reference. Rotate
crankshaft clockwise and remove torque converter bolts.
6) Place reference mark on drive shaft flanges for
installation reference. Remove drive shaft from transmission. On 4WD
models, disconnect drive shaft from transfer case. Disconnect shift
rod for transfer case from transfer case shift lever.
7) On all models, disconnect necessary control cables, wiring
harnesses, and shift linkage from transmission. Support rear of engine
with jack stand. Using transmission jack, slightly raise transmission
to release pressure from rear mount and rear crossmember.
8) Remove bolts securing rear support and rear mount to
transmission and rear crossmember. Raise transmission slightly. Slide
exhaust hanger arm from bracket on rear support. Remove rear support

and rear mount.
9) Remove rear crossmember located below the transmission. On
4WD models, disconnect electrical connectors from transfer case. On
all models, remove transmission-to-cylinder block bolts. Slide
transmission rearward from dowels on cylinder block.
10) Install "C" clamp on edge of transmission housing to hold
torque converter in place. Lower transmission and remove transmission
from vehicle.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure torque
converter is fully seated in transmission by measuring distance from
cylinder block surface on transmission housing to front edge on torque
converter bolt lug on front of torque converter. Distance should be .
50" (12.7 mm) if torque converter is fully seated.
CAUTION: Proper length torque converter bolts must be used. If
replacing any torque converter bolts, consult parts
department to ensure proper length bolt is used.
2) Tighten bolt/nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. Ensure reference mark on torque converter and
flexplate, and drive shaft flanges are aligned. Adjust shift linkage,
throttle valve cable and transfer case shift linkage if necessary. See
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TRUCKS & RWD VANS article.
3) Use NEW "O" ring when installing dipstick tube. Before
installing oil cooler lines on transmission, ensure all fittings are
clean. Install oil cooler line into quick-disconnect fitting. Push oil
cooler line inward until a click is heard. Pull on oil cooler line to
ensure oil cooler line is locked in place. Fill transmission with
Mopar ATF Plus Type 7176.
RAM VAN/WAGON
Removal
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support
vehicle. Remove engine-to-transmission struts. These struts are
located between front of transmission and engine.
2) Remove starter and oil cooler line bracket. Ensure area
around transmission oil cooler lines fitting are clean. Disengage
retainer on quick-disconnect cooler line fitting. Pull cooler line
from transmission oil cooler.
CAUTION: Crankshaft position sensor must be removed from transmission
housing before removing transmission to prevent damage to
crankshaft position sensor.
3) Disconnect electrical connector for crankshaft position
sensor. Crankshaft position sensor is mounted on passenger's side of
transmission housing. See Fig. 2.
4) Remove crankshaft position sensor bolts. Remove crankshaft
position sensor from transmission housing. Remove dipstick, dipstick
tube and "O" ring from transmission.
5) Remove torque converter cover. Place reference mark on
flexplate and torque converter for installation reference. Rotate
crankshaft clockwise and remove torque converter bolts.
6) Place reference mark on drive shaft yokes for installation
reference. Remove drive shaft from transmission. Disconnect necessary
wiring harnesses and control cables from transmission. Support rear of
engine with hoist. Using transmission jack, slightly raise
transmission to release pressure from rear mount and crossmember.
7) Remove rear mount-to-rear crossmember bolts. Remove bolts
and rear crossmember located below the transmission. Remove engine oil

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.

Fig. 1: Measuring Riding Height (Dakota & Durango 4WD)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
JACKING & HOISTING
FLOOR JACK
CAUTION: DO NOT place jack under any part of vehicle underbody. DO NOT
attempt to raise one entire side of vehicle by placing a jack
midway between front and rear wheels, as permanent body
damage could occur. DO NOT place jack under an axle tube,
aluminum differential, steering linkage, engine or
transmission oil pan, fuel tank or front suspension arm.
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager
To raise front end, place floor jack under front crossmember
forward flange, inboard of lower control arm pivot. To raise rear end,
place floor jack under rear axle, next to leaf spring mount. See
Fig. 2 .

control arm pivot bolt mounting bracket to raise front end. To raise
rear end, position jack under rear axle, next to leaf spring mount.
See Fig. 3 .
2) On 4WD models, raise front end by placing floor jack under
as shown. See Fig. 3 or 4. To raise rear end, place floor jack under
rear axle, next to leaf spring mount. Support vehicle with jackstands
at front and rear ends of frame.
Fig. 3: Identifying Hoisting & Jacking Locations (Dakota & Ram
Pickup)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.

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.