DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

(3) Apply soap solution liberally to body panel sur-
face.
(4) Place decal into position on body panel (Fig. 3)
. Smooth out wrinkles by pulling lightly on edges of
decal until it lays flat on painted surface.
(5) Push air pockets from under decal to the
perimeter of the panel from the center of the decal
out.
(6) Squeegee soap solution and air bubbles from
behind decal from the center of the panel out using a
body putty applicator squeegee.
(7) Apply heat to decal to evaporate residual mois-
ture from edges of decal.
(8) Small air or water bubbles under decal can be
pierced with a pin and smoothed out.
TAPE STRIPE
REMOVAL
(1) If the panel that is being serviced is not going
to be refinished, apply a length of masking tape par-
allel to the edge of the original tape stripe to aid
installation.
(2) Warm the panel to approximately 38ÉC (100ÉF)
using a suitable heat lamp or heat gun.
(3) Peel tape stripe (Fig. 4) from body panel using
an even pressure pull.
(4) Remove adhesive residue from body panel
using a suitable adhesive removing solvent.
INSTALLATION
The painted surface of the body panel to be covered
by a tape stripe overlay must be smooth and com-pletely cured before overlay can be applied. If painted
surface is not smooth, wet sand with 600 grit wet/dry
sand paper until surface is smooth. Ripples and
feather edging will read through overlay if surface is
not properly prepared. Clean all residue from sur-
face.
Installation equipment:
²Pail filled with mild dish soap solution.
²Lint free applicator cloth or sponge.
²Body putty applicator squeegee.
²Heat gun or sun lamp.
²Razor knife.
Fig. 3 Decals
1 - TAPE STRIPE
Fig. 4 Tape Stripe Overlay
1 - CAB/DOOR TAPE STRIPE
2 - HOOD TAPE STRIPE
23 - 88 EXTERIORBR/BE
BODY STRIPES AND DECALS (Continued)

(1) Spread replacement tape stripe overlay across
a smooth flat work surface, finish side down.
(2) Peel paper backing away from overlay exposing
adhesive back of overlay.
(3) Apply soap solution liberally to adhesive back
of overlay.
(4) Apply soap solution liberally to body panel sur-
face.
(5) Place overlay into position on body panel.
Smooth out wrinkles by pulling lightly on edges of
overlay until it lays flat on painted surface.
(6) Push air pockets from under overlay to the
perimeter of the panel from the center of the overlay
out.
(7) Squeegee soap solution and air bubbles from
behind overlay from the center of the panel out using
a body putty applicator squeegee (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: Do not cut into painted surface of body
panel when trimming overlay to size.
(8) Trim overlay to size using a razor knife. Leave
at least 13 mm (0.5 in.) for edges of doors and open-
ings.
CAUTION: Do not overheat overlay when perform-
ing step 9.
(9) Apply heat to overlay to evaporate residual
moisture from edges of overlay and to allow overlay
to be stretched into concave surfaces.
(10) Edge turn overlay around doors or fenders.
(11) Install exterior trim if necessary.
(12) Small air or water bubbles under overlay can
be pierced with a pin and smoothed out.
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES
REMOVAL
NOTE: Exterior nameplates are attached to body
panels with adhesive tape.
(1) Apply a length of masking tape on the body,
parallel to the top edge of the nameplate to use as a
guide, if necessary.(2) If temperature is below 21ÉC (70ÉF) warm
emblem with a heat lamp or gun. Do not exceed 52ÉC
(120ÉF) when heating emblem.
(3) Insert a plastic trim stick or a hard wood
wedge behind the emblem to separate the adhesive
backing from the body.
(4) Clean adhesive residue from body with
MOPARž Super Clean solvent or equivalent.
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove protective cover from adhesive tape on
back of emblem.
(2) Position emblem properly on body (Fig. 6).
(3) Press emblem firmly to body with palm of
hand.
(4) If temperature is below 21ÉC (70ÉF) warm
emblem with a heat lamp or gun to assure adhesion.
Do not exceed 52ÉC (120ÉF) when heating emblem.
Fig. 5 Tape Stripe Application
1 - SQUEEGEE
2 - CARRIER
3 - BODY PANEL
4 - TAPE STRIPE
BR/BEEXTERIOR 23 - 89
TAPE STRIPE (Continued)

COWL GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Remove wiper arms (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER ARMS - REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION).
(3) Disconnect windshield washer tubing from cou-
pling near left hood hinge.
(4) Remove plastic nuts attaching cowl cover to
cowl (Fig. 7).
(5) Pull cowl seal from flange on front of cowl.
(6) Separate cowl cover from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position cowl cover on vehicle. Ensure end
seals are positioned correctly and in good condition.
(2) Install cowl seal.
(3) Install plastic nuts attaching cowl cover to cow.
(4) Connect windshield washer tubing to coupling
near left hood hinge.
(5) Install wiper arms.
Fig. 6 Exterior Nameplates
Fig. 7 Cowl Cover
1 - COWL COVER
2 - PLASTIC NUT
3 - END SEAL
4 - PUSHÐIN STUD
5 - END SEAL
23 - 90 EXTERIORBR/BE
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES (Continued)

ROOF JOINT MOLDING
REMOVAL
(1) Warm the roof joint molding and roof panel to
approximately 38ÉC (100ÉF) using a suitable heat
lamp or heat gun.
(2) Pull molding from roof joint (Fig. 8).
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove adhesive tape residue from roof joint.
(2) If molding is to be reused, remove tape residue
from back of molding. Clean molding with MOPARž
Super Kleen solvent or equivalent. Wipe molding dry
with lint free cloth. Apply new body side molding
(two sided adhesive) tape to back of molding.
(3) Clean roof joint with MOPARž Super Kleen
solvent or equivalent. Wipe dry with lint free cloth.
(4) Remove protective cover from tape on back of
molding and apply molding to roof joint.
(5) Heat roof and molding, see step one. Firmly
press molding into roof joint to assure adhesion.
GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Remove bolts attaching bottom of grille to
frame (Fig. 9).
(3) Remove bolts attaching sides of grille to frame.
(4) Remove nuts attaching grille to hood (Fig. 10).
(5) Separate grille from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position grille on vehicle.
(2) Install nuts attaching grille to hood.
(3) Install bolts attaching sides of grille to frame.
(4) Install bolts attaching bottom of grille to frame.
GRILLE FRAME
REMOVAL
(1) Remove bolts attaching guide loop for hood
safety catch release rod to grille frame.
(2) Remove grille.
Fig. 8 Roof Joint Molding
1 - ROOF
2 - JOINT MOLDING
3 - BÐPILLAR
4 - ADHESIVE TAPE
Fig. 9 Grille Ð Sport
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE
3 - GRILLE FRAME
Fig. 10 Grille Ð SLT
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE FRAME
3 - GRILLE
BR/BEEXTERIOR 23 - 91

(3) Remove screws attaching grille frame to hood
(Fig. 11)and (Fig. 12).
(4) Separate grille frame from hood.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position grille frame on hood.
(2) Install screws attaching grille frame to hood.
(3) Install grille.
(4) Install bolts attaching guide loop for hood
safety catch release rod to grille frame.
FRONT END SPLASH SHIELDS
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) Remove front wheel.
(3) Remove plastic rivets attaching wheelhouse
liner to fender at the edge of wheel opening.
(4) Remove plastic rivets attaching liner to the
wheelhouse (Fig. 13).
(5) Separate front wheelhouse liner from wheel-
house.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position front wheelhouse liner in wheelhouse.
(2) Install plastic rivets attaching liner to the
wheelhouse.
(3) Install plastic rivets attaching wheelhouse liner
to fender at the edge of wheel opening.
(4) Install front wheel.
(5) Remove safety stands and lower vehicle.
LEFT FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
REMOVAL).
Fig. 11 Grille Frame Ð SLT
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE FRAME
Fig. 12 Grille Frame Ð Sport
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE FRAME
Fig. 13 Front Wheelhouse Liner
1 - FENDER
2 - BUMPER ASSEMBLY
3 - PLASTIC RIVET
4 - WHEELHOUSE LINER
23 - 92 EXTERIORBR/BE
GRILLE FRAME (Continued)

(2) Remove air cleaner from wheelhouse (DIESEL
ONLY).
(3) Remove coolant overflow bottle (V-10 ONLY).
(4) Remove battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove screws attaching power distribution
center to left wheelhouse (Fig. 14).
(6) Disengage wire harness tie-downs from wheel-
house.
(7) Disconnect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(8) Disconnect wiring harness to airbag sensor and
remove airbag sensor from wheelhouse.
(9) Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake control-
ler to wheelhouse (Fig. 14), if equipped.
(10) Disengage windshield washer tubing tie-
downs from wheelhouse (Fig. 14).
(11) Remove bolts attaching front fender to cowl
reinforcement (Fig. 15).
(12) Remove bolts attaching front fender to radia-
tor closure panel (Fig. 16).
(13) Remove bolts attaching bottom of front fender
to rocker panel lower flange.
(14) Open left door.
(15) Remove bolt attaching front fender to hinge
pillar mounting bracket.
(16) Remove bolts attaching top of fender to radia-
tor closure panel.
(17) Separate left front fender from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position left front fender on vehicle.
(2) Install bolts attaching top of fender to radiator
closure panel.
(3) Install bolt attaching front fender to hinge pil-
lar mounting bracket.
(4) Install bolts attaching bottom of front fender to
rocker panel lower flange.
(5) Install bolts attaching front fender to radiator
closure panel.
(6) Install bolts attaching front fender to cowl rein-
forcement.
(7) Secure windshield washer tubing tie-downs to
wheelhouse.
(8) Install anti-lock brake controller to wheel-
house, if equipped.
(9) Install airbag sensor to wheelhouse and con-
nect wiring harness to airbag sensor.
(10) Connect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(11) Secure wire harness tie-downs to wheelhouse.
(12) Install power distribution center to wheel-
house.
(13) Install battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(14) Install coolant overflow bottle (V-10 ONLY).
Fig. 14 Left Front Fender Access Components
1 - ABS CONTROLLER
2 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
3 - BATTERY
4 - FENDER
5 - WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR
6 - BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Fig. 15 Fender to Cowl ReinforcementÐTypical
1 - BOLT
2 - FENDER
3 - FENDERÐTOÐCOWL REINFORCEMENT
BR/BEEXTERIOR 23 - 93
LEFT FRONT FENDER (Continued)

(15) Install air cleaner (DIESEL ONLY).
(16) Install front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
INSTALLATION).
RIGHT FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
(3) Remove auxiliary battery and tray on right
side, if equipped.
(4) Disengage wire harness tie-downs from wheel-
house.
(5) Disconnect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(6) Disconnect wiring harness to airbag sensor and
remove airbag sensor from wheelhouse.
(7) Remove front wheelhouse liner (Fig. 13) (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT END SPLASH
SHIELDS - REMOVAL).
(8) Disengage air conditioning tubing from inner
fender clips.
(9) Remove bolts attaching front fender to cowl
reinforcement (Fig. 15).
(10) Remove bolts attaching front fender to radia-
tor closure panel.
(11) Remove bolts attaching bottom of front fender
to rocker panel lower flange (Fig. 17).
(12) Open right door.(13) Remove bolt attaching front fender to hinge
pillar mounting bracket (Fig. 17).
(14) Remove bolts attaching top of fender to radia-
tor closure panel (Fig. 17).
(15) Separate right front fender from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fender on vehicle.
(2) Install bolts attaching top of fender to radiator
closure panel.
(3) Install bolt attaching front fender to hinge pil-
lar mounting bracket.
(4) Install bolts attaching bottom of front fender to
rocker panel lower flange.
(5) Install bolts attaching front fender to radiator
closure panel.
(6) Install bolts attaching front fender to cowl rein-
forcement.
(7) Secure air conditioning tubing to inner fender
clips.
(8) Install front wheelhouse liner (Refer to 23 -
BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT END SPLASH SHIELDS
- INSTALLATION).
(9) Install airbag sensor and connect wiring har-
ness to airbag sensor.
(10) Connect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(11) Secure wire harness tie-downs to wheelhouse.
(12) Install auxiliary battery tray and battery on
right side, if equipped.
(13) Connect battery negative cable.
(14) Install front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 16 Left Fender to Radiator Closure Panel
Fasteners
1 - LEFT FENDER
2 - RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL
Fig. 17 Right Front Fender
1 - RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL
2 - RIGHT FENDER
23 - 94 EXTERIORBR/BE
LEFT FRONT FENDER (Continued)

FUEL FILL DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Open fuel fill door.
(2) Remove bolts attaching fuel fill door to cargo
box quarter panel (Fig. 18).
(3) Separate fuel fill door from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Separate fuel fill door on cargo box.
(2) Install bolts attaching fuel fill door to cargo box
quarter panel.
REAR FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Open fuel fill door, left side only.
(2) Remove screws attaching fuel fill neck to rear
fender opening.
(3) Remove tail lamp.
(4) Remove nuts attaching rear fender to cargo box
side panel through tail lamp opening.
(5) Remove clearance lamps.
(6) Remove sockets from clearance lamps.
(7) Remove bolts attaching bottom of fender to
cargo box forward of rear wheel.
(8) Remove bolts attaching bottom of fender to
cargo box rearward of rear wheel.
(9) Remove rear wheelhouse splash shields (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/REAR WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove rear wheelhouse liner, if equipped
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/REAR WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL).(11) Remove nuts attaching front of rear fender to
cargo box from behind side panel forward of wheel-
house.
(12) Remove screws attaching access panel to top
of wheelhouse.
(13) Remove nuts attaching rear fender to cargo
box through access hole in top of wheelhouse.
(14) Separate rear fender from cargo box side
panel (Fig. 19).
INSTALLATION
Ensure the retainers are in good condition.
(1) Position rear fender on cargo box side panel.
(2) Using access hole in top of wheelhouse, install
nuts attaching rear fender to cargo box.
(3) Install screws attaching access panel to top of
wheelhouse.
(4) From behind side panel forward of wheelhouse,
install nuts attaching front of rear fender to cargo
box.
(5) Install rear wheelhouse liners if equipped,
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/REAR WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install rear wheelhouse splash shields (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/REAR WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install bolts attaching bottom of fender to cargo
box rearward of rear wheel.
(8) Install bolts attaching bottom of fender to cargo
box forward of rear wheel.
(9) Install sockets into clearance lamps.
(10) Install clearance lamps.
(11) Using tail lamp opening, install nuts attach-
ing rear fender to cargo box side panel.
(12) Install tail lamp.
(13) Install screws attaching fuel fill neck to rear
fender opening.
Fig. 18 Fuel Fill Door
1 - CARGO BOX
2 - FUEL FILL DOORFig. 19 Rear FenderÐDual Wheels
1 - RETAINER
2 - FENDER (DUAL WHEEL)
BR/BEEXTERIOR 23 - 95

REAR SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove screws holding rear splash shield to
rear wheel opening lip (Fig. 20).
(2) Remove push in fasteners holding rear splash
shield to rear wheelhouse.
(3) Separate splash shield from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position splash shield in wheelhouse opening.
(2) Install plastic rivets holding rear splash shield
to rear wheelhouse.
(3) Install plastic rivets holding rear splash shield
to rear wheel opening lip.
REAR WHEELHOUSE LINER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove plastic rivets attaching rear wheel-
house liner to rear wheel opening lip (Fig. 21).
(2) Remove plastic rivets attaching rear wheel-
house liner to rear wheelhouse.
(3) Separate rear wheelhouse liner form vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position rear wheelhouse liner in wheelhouse
opening.
(2) Install plastic rivets attaching rear wheelhouse
liner to rear wheelhouse.
(3) Working front to rear, install plastic rivets
attaching rear wheelhouse liner to rear wheel open-
ing lip.
CARGO BOX
REMOVAL
CAUTION: The bolts attaching the cargo box to the
frame are specially coated to provide a locking
action. These bolts are not reusable and must be
replaced each time the cargo box is removed or
replaced.
(1) Open fuel fill door.
(2) Remove screws attaching fuel fill neck adaptor
to cargo box side wall.
(3) Separate fuel fill neck from cargo box.
(4) Disengage tail lamp wire connector from main
body harness at left rear frame rail.
(5) Remove bolts attaching cargo box to frame rails
(Fig. 22).
Fig. 20 REAR SPLASH SHIELDS
1 - FUEL FILLER DOOR
2 - REAR FENDER
3 - REAR SECTION REAR WHEEL HOUSE LINER
4 - PUSH IN FASTENERS
Fig. 21 Rear Wheelhouse Liner
1 - FENDER
2 - WHEEL HOUSELINER
3 - PLASTIC RIVET
23 - 96 EXTERIORBR/BE

(6) Using a suitable lifting device, separate cargo
box from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Using a suitable lifting device, position cargo
box on vehicle.
(2) Installnewbolts attaching cargo box to frame
rails. Tighten bolts to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Engage tail lamp wire connector to main body
harness at left rear frame rail.
(4) Install fuel fill neck.
SIDE VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove door trim panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove mirror flag door seal (Fig. 23).
(3) Disengage power mirror wire connector from
door harness, if equipped (Fig. 24).
(4) Remove nuts attaching sideview mirror to door
frame (Fig. 25).
(5) Separate harness grommet form door frame, if
equipped.
(6) Separate sideview mirror from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position sideview mirror on door.
(2) Install harness grommet in door frame, if
equipped.
(3) Install nuts attaching sideview mirror to door
(Fig. 25).
(4) Engage power mirror wire connector to har-
ness, if equipped (Fig. 24).
(5) Install mirror flag door seal (Fig. 23).
(6) Install door trim panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 22 Cargo Box
1 - CARGO BOX
2 - FRAME
3 - BOLT
4 - AXLE
5 - BOLT
Fig. 23 Mirror Flag Door Seal
1 - MIRROR
2 - MIRROR FLAG SEAL
Fig. 24 Sideview MirrorÐPower
1 - POWER MIRROR
2 - NUT
3 - CONNECTOR
BR/BEEXTERIOR 23 - 97
CARGO BOX (Continued)