frame DODGE RAM 2003 Service Owners Manual

DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Sensor -
3.7L11 - 9 6
Engine Coolant
Temperature Sensor -
4.7L11 - 9 6
Engine Coolant
Temperature Sensor -
5.7L11 - 9 6
Engine Coolant
Temperature Sensor -
5.9L11 - 9 6
Engine Coolant
Temperature Sensor -
8.0L11 - 9 6
EVAP Canister- to-Bracket
Nuts8.5 - 75
EVAP Canister-to-frame
bolts34 25
Fuel Filler Hose Clamp at
Tank3-30
Fuel Filler Housing-to-
Body Screws2-17
Fuel Pump Module Lock
Ring54 40 -
Fuel Rail Mounting Bolts -
3.7L11 -
100
Fuel Rail Mounting Bolts -
4.7L11 - 100
Fuel Rail Mounting Bolts -
5.7L11 - 100
Fuel Rail Mounting Bolts -
5.9L23 - 200
Fuel Rail Mounting Bolts -
8.0L15 - 136
Fuel Tank Mounting Straps 41 30 -
IAC Motor Mounting
Screws - 3.7L7-60
IAC Motor Mounting
Screws - 4.7L7-60
IAC Motor Mounting
Screws - 5.9L7-60
IAC Motor Mounting
Screws - 8.0L7-60
Leak Detection Pump
Mounting Bolt8.5 - 75
Map Sensor Mounting
Screws - 3.7L3-25
14 - 4 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL DELIVERY - GAS (Continued)

FUEL FILTER/PRESSURE
REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
A combination fuel filter and fuel pressure regula-
tor (Fig. 2) is used on all engines. It is located on the
top of the fuel pump module. A separate frame
mounted fuel filter is not used with any engine.
Both fuel filters (at bottom of fuel pump module
and within fuel pressure regulator) are designed for
extended service. They do not require normal sched-
uled maintenance. Filters should only be replaced if
a diagnostic procedure indicates to do so.
OPERATION
Fuel Pressure Regulator Operation:The pres-
sure regulator is a mechanical device that is not con-
trolled by engine vacuum or the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM).
The regulator is calibrated to maintain fuel system
operating pressure of approximately 339 kPa   34
kPa (49.2 psi   5 psi) at the fuel injectors. It contains
a diaphragm, calibrated springs and a fuel return
valve. The internal fuel filter (Fig. 2) is also part of
the assembly.
Fuel is supplied to the filter/regulator by the elec-
tric fuel pump through an opening tube at the bot-
tom of filter/regulator (Fig. 2).
The regulator acts as a check valve to maintain
some fuel pressure when the engine is not operating.
This will help to start the engine. A second check
valve is located at the outlet end of the electric fuel
ADAPTERS, FUEL PRESSURE TEST, 8.0L - #6539
AND/OR #6631
SPANNER WRENCH - #6856
FITTING, AIR METERING - #6714
O2S (OXYGEN SENSOR) REMOVER/INSTALLER -
#C-4907
Fig. 2 SIDE VIEW - FILTER/REGULATOR
1 - INTERNAL FUEL FILTER
2 - FUEL FLOW TO FUEL INJECTORS
3 - FUEL FILTER/FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
4 - EXCESS FUEL BACK TO TANK
5 - FUEL INLET
6 - RUBBER GROMMET
7 - TOP OF PUMP MODULE
14 - 6 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL DELIVERY - GAS (Continued)

INSTALLATION - EXCEPT DIESEL
(1) If fuel tank is to be replaced, install fuel pump
module into tank. Refer to Fuel Pump Module
Removal/Installation procedures.
(2) Disconnect clamps and remove rubber fuel fill
hose and fuel vent hose at fuel fill tube. Install these
2 hoses to 2 fuel tank fittings. Rotate hoses until
paint marks on hoses line up with alignment marks
(Fig. 31). Tighten both clamps.
(3) Position fuel tank to hydraulic jack.
(4) Raise tank until positioned near body.
(5) Connect EVAP line at tank (Fig. 1).
(6) Connect fuel pump module electrical connector
(Fig. 30) at top of tank.(7) Connect fuel line quick-connect fitting to fuel
filter / fuel pressure regulator (Fig. 1) or (Fig. 30).
(8) Continue raising tank until positioned snug to
body.
(9) Install and position both tank support straps.
Install 2 fuel tank strap nuts (Fig. 29) and tighten.
Tighten rear strap nut first.Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications.
(10) Connect rubber fill and vent hoses to fuel fill
tube and tighten clamps.
(11) Lower vehicle.
(12) Fill fuel tank with fuel.
Fig. 29 FUEL TANK MOUNTING
1 - FUEL TANK
2 - STRAP MOUNTING STUDS
3 - VEHICLE FRAME4 - MOUNTING STRAPS
5 - STRAP NUTS
14 - 22 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL TANK (Continued)

(7) If fuel tank is to be replaced, remove fuel tank
module from tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Module
Removal/Installation procedures.
INSTALLATION - DIESEL
(1) If fuel tank is to be replaced, install fuel tank
module into tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Module Remov-
al/Installation procedures.
(2) Position fuel tank to hydraulic jack.
(3) Raise tank until positioned near body.
(4) Connect fuel tank module electrical connector
at top of tank.
(5) Connect fuel supply and return lines to tank
module.(6) Continue raising tank until positioned snug to
body.
(7) Install and position both tank support straps.
Install 2 fuel tank strap nuts and tighten.Tighten
rear strap nut first.Refer to Torque Specifications.
(8) Remove hydraulic jack.
(9) Connect rubber fill hose to fuel fill tube and
tighten clamp.
(10) Install tire / wheel (if necessary).
(11) Lower vehicle.
(12) Fill fuel tank with fuel.
(13) Start engine and check for fuel leaks near top
of module.
Fig. 22 FUEL TANK MOUNTING
1 - FUEL TANK
2 - STRAP MOUNTING STUDS
3 - VEHICLE FRAME4 - MOUNTING STRAPS
5 - STRAP NUTS
14 - 74 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL TANK (Continued)

OPERATION
The purpose of the fuel transfer pump is to supply
(transfer) a low-pressure fuel source:fromthe fuel
tank,throughthe fuel filter/water separator andto
the fuel injection pump. Here, the low-pressure is
raised to a high-pressure by the fuel injection pump
for operation of the high-pressure fuel injectors.
Check valves within the pump, control direction of
fuel flow and prevent fuel bleed-back during engine
shut down.
Maximum current flow to the pump is 5 amperes.
With the engine running, the pump has a 100 per-
cent duty-cycle with a minimum pressure of 11.5 psi.
The transfer pump is self-priming: When the key is
first turned on (without cranking engine), the pump
will operate for approximately 1/2 second and then
shut off. The pump will also operate for up to 25 sec-
onds after the starter is engaged, and then disen-
gaged and the engine is not running. The pump
shuts off immediately if the key is on and the engine
stops running.
The fuel volume of the transfer pump will always
provide more fuel than the fuel injection pump
requires. Excess fuel is returned from the injection
pump through an overflow valve, and then back to
the fuel tank.
REMOVAL
The fuel transfer pump (fuel lift pump) is attached
to the rear of the fuel filter/water separator housing
(Fig. 25).
(1) Drain fuel from fuel filter housing. Refer to
Fuel Filter/Water Separator - Removal. See Draining.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector (Fig. 25) from
fuel transfer pump.
(3) Disconnect fuel tank supply line from fuel
transfer pump extension line. Do this at disconnec-
tion point at inside of left inner frame rail (Fig. 26).
Refer to quick-connect fittings for procedures.The
fuel line extension is permanently attached to
the transfer pump. Do not attempt to discon-
nect fuel line at transfer pump.
(4) Remove 4 pump mounting bolts (hex-allen),
and remove pump from fuel filter housing.
(5) Confirm that transfer pump o-ring is also
removed from fuel filter housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install a new o-ring to fuel transfer pump.
(2) Lubricate o-ring and OD of transfer pump inlet
connector.
(3) Position fuel transfer pump onto fuel filter
housing.Do not use mounting bolts to draw
transfer pump to filter housing.
Fig. 25 FUEL TRANSFER (LIFT) PUMP
1 - FILTER HOUSING
2 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
3 - FUEL TRANSFER (LIFT) PUMP
4 - FUEL LINE EXTENTION
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
Fig. 26 TRANSFER PUMP FUEL LINE CONNECT
1 - LEFT INNER FRAME RAIL
2 - FUEL RETURN LINE
3 - FUEL SUPPLY LINE
4 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
14 - 76 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL TRANSFER PUMP (Continued)

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION.........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................17
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................18BUSHING
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gears (Fig. 1) is made
up of two main components, the pinon shaft and the
rack. The gear cannot be adjusted or internally ser-
viced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear
must be replaced as an assembly.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(1) Lock the steering wheel.(2) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Remove and discard the steering coupler pinch
bolt.
(5) Remove the power steering hoses from the rack
& pinion.
(6) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(7) Remove the tie rod end nuts and separate tie
rod ends from the knuckles with Special tool 8677
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - REMOV-
AL).
(9) Remove the rack & pinion mounting bolts. (Fig.
2) & (Fig. 3)
(10) Remove the rack & pinion from the vehicle.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - OUTER TIE ROD ENDS
2 - MOUNTING BUSHINGS
3 - BELLOWS
Fig. 2 STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS
1 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS 4X4
19 - 16 GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR

INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before installing gear inspect bushings and
replace if worn or damaged.
NOTE: In the frame there is two holes for the
mounting of the steering gear one is slotted and
one is round, When tightening the gear to specifi-
cations make sure to tighten the mounting bolt with
the hole first to avoided movement of the steering
gear.
(1) Install the gear on the front crossmember and
tighten the mounting bolts to 319 N´m (235 ft. lbs.).
(Fig. 4) & (Fig. 3).
(2) Slide the shaft coupler onto the gear. Install
newpinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.).
(3) Clean and dry the tie rod end studs and the
knuckle tapers.
(4) Install the tie rod ends into the steering knuck-
les and tighten the nuts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) thenan additional 90É. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINK-
AGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the pressure power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 32 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(6) Install the return power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 71 N´m (52 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Install the front skid plate (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE
- INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(10) Fill the system with fluid, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Adjust the toe position. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
Fig. 3 STEERING GEAR 4X2
1-SWAYBAR
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
5 - LEFT INNER & RIGHT OUTER (TIE ROD ENDS)
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR 4X4
1 - FRONT AXLE
2 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING NUTS & BUSHINGS
DRGEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 17
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Gear to Frame Bolts319 235 Ð
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Coupler Bolt49 36 Ð
Tie Rod End
Knuckle Nut61
Then tighten an additional
90É45
Then tighten an additional
90ÉÐ
Tie Rod End
Jam Nut75 55 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line32 23 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return Line71 52 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line To Pump37 27 Ð
BUSHING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering gear (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case.
(2) Mount the steering gear in a soft jawed vise.
NOTE: If the bushings are seized a brass punch can
be used to remove the bushings from the gear
using care not to strike the gear.
(3) Remove the front mounting bushings.
(4) Remove the rear mounting bushings.
(5) Remove the steering gear from the vise and
place it on the bench.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Coat all bushings with a thin rubber lubri-
cate oil prior to installation.
NOTE: A rubber mallet can be used to assist in the
installation of the bushings once lubricated.
(1) Coat the rear bushings with a thin rubber
lubricate oil then install the rear bushings using a
rubber mallet to seat the bushings in the gear.
(2) Coat the front bushings with a thin rubber
lubricate oil then install the front bushings using a
rubber mallet to seat the bushings in the gear.
(3) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(4) Adjust the toe position (if necessary) (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
19 - 18 GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

(4) Disconnect and cap the fluid hoses from steer-
ing gear (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove coupler pinch bolt at the steering gear
and slide shaft off gear (Fig. 2).
(6) Mark the pitman shaft and pitman arm for
installation reference. Remove the pitman arm from
the shaft with Puller C-4150A (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - REMOVAL), (Fig. 3).
(7) Remove steering gear three mounting bolts
(Fig. 4). Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering gear on the frame rail and
install the three mounting bolts (Fig. 4). Tighten the
mounting bolts to 196 N´m (145 ft. lbs.).
(2) Align steering coupler on gear shaft. Install
pinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Align and install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Install the washer and retaining nut on the pit-
man shaft. Tighten the nut to 305 N´m (225 ft. lbs.).
(5) Connect fluid hoses to steering gear (Refer to
19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTALLATION),
tighten to 31 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(6) Add fluid, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) Reset the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION: Steering gear must be adjusted in the
proper order. If adjustments are not performed in
order, gear damage and improper steering response
may result.
NOTE: Adjusting the steering gear in the vehicle is
not recommended. Remove gear from the vehicle
and drain the fluid. Then mount gear in a vise to
perform adjustments.
Fig. 2 COLUMN SHAFT
1 - STEERING COUPLER
2 - STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 3 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - C-4150A PULLER
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
19 - 20 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)

TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Steering Gear Mounting
Frame Bolts196 145 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure32 23 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return71 52 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line To Pump37 27 Ð
Steering Gear
Adjustment Screw Locknut31 23 Ð
Steering Gear
Pitman Shaft Nut305 225 Ð
Steering Gear
Pitman Shaft Cover Bolts68 50 Ð
Steering Gear
Valve Housing to Gear
Bolts54 40 Ð
Steering Gear
Retainer Ring Screw2.26 Ð 20
Steering Gear
Retainer Ring97 72 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR
HANDLE C-4171INPUT SHAFT SEAL INSTALLER - 8987
19 - 22 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)