Oss DODGE RAM 2003 Service User Guide

LARGE BUSHING
(1) Install bushing remover tools 8836-2 (receiver),
8836-4 (spacer) and 8836-5 (driver) with the threaded
rod 8839 and the bearing as shown (Fig. 6) for
replacement of the large bushing.
SMALL BUSHING
(1) Install the bushing tool 8836-6 (driver), 8836-3
(spacer) and 8836-2 (receiver) with the threaded rod
8839 and the bearing as shown for the replacement
of the small bushing (Fig. 7)
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 4WD (LD)
NOTE: Be careful to properly orient the bushing
voids in the correct position to within   10É. The
correct position places the long narrow void out-
board of the bushing and the short wide void
inboard of the bushing (Fig. 8).
Fig. 5 TORSION BAR CROSS MEMBER BUSHING -
REMOVAL
1 - 8838
2 - 8835-1
3 - 8835-4
4 - 8835-3
Fig. 6 LARGE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING -
REMOVAL
1 - 8836-4 (SPACER)
2 - 8836-5 (DRIVER)
3 - 8839 (THREADED ROD)
4 - 8836-2 (RECEIVER)
Fig. 7 SMALL LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING -
REMOVAL
1 - 8839 (THREADED ROD)
2 - 8836-6 (DRIVER)
3 - 8836-3 (SPACER)
4 - 8836-2 (RECEIVER)
Fig. 8 REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING
1 - SHORT - WIDE VOID
2 - INWARD TOWARD VEHICLE
3 - LONG - THIN VOID
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 13
BUSHINGS (Continued)

FRAME MOUNTED BUSHING
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(1) Install the new bushing into the frame using
special tools 8682-3 (receiver), 8682-1 (driver) with
the two bearings and the threaded rod (Fig. 9)mak-
ing sure to properly orient the bushing as shown
(Fig. 8).
CONTROL ARM BUSHING
(1) Install the new lower control arm bushings into
the lower control arm using tools 8682-1 (driver),
8682-5 (receiver) and the two bearings with the
threaded rod (Fig. 10) making sure to properly orient
the bushing in the control (Fig. 8).
(1) Remove the control arm from the vise.
(2) Install the lower control arm (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION).
(3) Reset the vehicle ride height (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(4) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - TORSION BAR CROSS
MEMBER BUSHING
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(1) Install the new bushing into the cross member
using special tools 8835-2, 8835-4 and 8835-3 with
the bearing and the threaded rod 8838 (Fig. 11) mak-
ing sure to properly orient the bushing.
(2) Remove the cross member from the vise.
(3) Install the torsion bar cross member (Refer to
13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/REAR CROSS-
MEMBER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reset the vehicle ride height (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(5) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 2WD (LD)
NOTE: HD 4X2 bushings are not servicable.
Fig. 9 FRAME BUSHING INSTALL
1 - THREADED ROD
2 - BEARINGS
3 - 8682-3 (RECEIVER)
4 - BUSHING
5 - 8682-1 (DRIVER)
Fig. 10 CONTROL ARM BUSHING INSTALL
1 - THREADED ROD
2 - BEARINGS
3 - 8682-1 (DRIVER)
4 - BUSHING
5 - CONTROL ARM
6 - 8682-5 (RECEIVER)
7 - NUT
2 - 14 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
BUSHINGS (Continued)

LARGE BUSHING
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(1) Install the new bushing into the lower control
arm using special tools 8836-2 (receiver), 8836-1
(driver), 8836-4 (spacer) with the bearing and the
threaded rod (8839) (Fig. 12).
SMALL BUSHING
(1) Install the small bushings into the lower con-
trol arm using tools 8836-7 (driver), 8836-2 (receiver),
8836±3 (spacer) and the bearing with the threaded
rod (8839) (Fig. 13).
(1) Remove the control arm from the vise.
(2) Install the lower control arm (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION).
(3) Reset the vehicle ride height (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(4) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor if
equipped, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the halfshaft nut.
Fig. 11 TORSION BAR CROSS MEMBER BUSHING -
INSTALLATION
1 - 8835-2
2 - 8835-4
3 - 8835-3
4 - 8838
Fig. 12 LARGE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING -
INSTALL
1 - 8836-1 (DRIVER)
2 - 8839 (THREADED ROD)
3 - 8836-2 (RECEIVER)
4 - 8836-4 (SPACER)
Fig. 13 SMALL LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING -
INSTALL
1 - 8836-2 (RECEIVER)
2 - 8839 (THREADED ROD)
3 - 8836-3 (SPACER)
4 - 8836-7 (DRIVER)
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 15
BUSHINGS (Continued)

(8) Remove the hub/bearing from the steering
knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/HUB /
BEARING - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The ball joint stud tapers must be
CLEAN and DRY before installing the knuckle.
Clean the stud tapers with mineral spirits to remove
dirt and grease.
NOTE: When installing hub/bearing with ABS
brakes, position the speed sensor opening towards
the front of the vehicle.
(1) Install the hub/bearing to the steering knuckle
and tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.)(LD) or
176 N´m (130 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2) (Fig. 19).
(2) Install the knuckle onto the upper and lower
ball joints (Fig. 19).
(3) Install the upper and lower ball joint nuts.
Tighten the upper ball joint nut to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.) (on 1500 series only an additional 90É turn is
required) and the lower ball joint nut to 52 N´m (38
ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only an additional 90É turn is
required)(LD) or 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2).
(4) Remove the hydraulic jack from the lower sus-
pension arm.
(5) Install the tie rod end and tighten the nut to
61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the front halfshaft into the hub/bearing
(if equipped).
(7) Install the the halfshaft nut and tighten to 251
N´m (185 ft. lbs.) (if equipped).(8)
Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT WHEEL
SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLATION) and brake shield,
rotor and caliper (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/
MECHANICAL/ROTORS - INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(10) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(11) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrication
fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle
before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2)
Mount a dial indicator solidly to the topside of
the lower control arm and then zero the dial indicator.
(3) Position the indicator plunger against the bot-
tom surface of the steering knuckle.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the steering
knuckle.
(4) Position a pry bar under the tire assembly. Pry
upwards on the tire assembly.
(5) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the lower ball joint (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(2) Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the tie rod from the steering
knuckle (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE
ROD END - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the steering knuckle (Fig. 20)(Refer to
2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL).
(5) Move the halfshaft to the side and support the
halfshaft out of the way (If Equipped).
(6) Remove the snap ring, from the lower control
arm (HD 4X2 only)
Fig. 19 STEERING KNUCKLE
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
2 - 18 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
KNUCKLE (Continued)

STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The bar extends across the front underside of the
chassis and connects to the frame crossmember. The
ends of the bar mount to the lower suspension arm.
All mounting points of the stabilizer bar are isolated
by bushings (Fig. 28).
OPERATION
The stabilizer bar is used to minimize vehicle front
sway during turns. The bar helps to maintain a flat
attitude to the road surface.
REMOVAL
NOTE: To service the stabilizer bar the vehicle
should be on a drive on hoist. The vehicle suspen-
sion must be at curb height for stabilizer bar instal-
lation.
(1) Remove the stabilizer bar link upper nuts and
remove the retainers and grommets (Fig. 29).
(2) Remove the stabilizer bar retainer, bolts and
retainers from the frame crossmember (Fig. 29) and
remove the bar.
(3) If necessary, remove the bushings from the sta-
bilizer bar.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: To service the stabilizer bar the vehicle must
be on a drive on hoist. The vehicle suspension
must be at curb height for stabilizer bar installation.
(1) If removed, install the bushings on the stabi-
lizer bar.(2) Position the stabilizer bar on the frame cross-
member brackets and install the bracket and bolts
finger-tight (Fig. 29).
NOTE: Check the alignment of the bar to ensure
there is no interference with the either frame rail or
chassis component. Spacing should be equal on
both sides.
(3) Install the stabilizer bar to the stabilizer link
and install the grommets and retainers.
(4) Install the nuts to the stabilizer link and
tighten to 38 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the brackets to the frame to 61 N´m
(45 ft. lbs.).
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lower nut (Fig. 29).
(3) Remove the upper nut, retainers and grommets
(Fig. 29).
(4) Remove the stabilizer link from the vehicle
(Fig. 29).
REMOVAL - 4X2
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lower nut (Fig. 29).
(3) Remove the upper nut, retainer and grommets
(Fig. 29).
(4) Remove the stabilizer link from the vehicle
(Fig. 29).
Fig. 28 STABILIZER BAR
Fig. 29 STABILIZER LINK
1 - STABILIZER LINK
2 - SWAY BAR BRACKET
2 - 24 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4
(1) Install the stabilizer link to the vehicle.
(2) Install the lower nut and Tighten to 102 N´m
(75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the retainers, grommets and upper nut
and Tighten to 38 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 4X2
(1) Install the stabilizer link to the vehicle (Fig.
29).
(2) Install the lower nut and Tighten to 102 N´m
(75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the retainers, grommets and upper nut
and Tighten to 38 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
TORSION BAR
DESCRIPTION
The front of the bar connects to the back side of
the lower suspension arm. The rear end of the bar is
mounted in a anchor that rests in the frame cross-
member.
OPERATION
The torsion bars are used to control ride height
and ride quality. The vehicle height is adjusted
through an anchor adjustment bolt that increases or
decreases the wind up of the torsion bar. Increasing
or decreasing the bar angle changes the wind up of
the suspension arms.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: The left and right side torsion bars are
NOT interchangeable. The bars are identified and
stamped R or L, for right or left. The bars do not
have a front or rear end and can be installed with
either end facing forward.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle with the front
suspension hanging.
(2) Remove the transfer case skid plate (Refer to
13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER
CASE SKID PLATE - REMOVAL).
NOTE: Count and record the number of turns for
installation reference.
(3) Mark the adjustment bolt setting.
(4) Install Special Tool - 8686 to the anchor arm
and the cross member (Fig. 30).(5) Increase the tension on the anchor arm tool
until the load is removed from the adjustment bolt
and the adjuster nut (Fig. 30).
(6) Turn the adjustment bolt counterclockwise to
remove the bolt and the adjuster nut..
(7) Remove the Special Tool - 8686, allowing the
torsion bar to unload (Fig. 30).
(8) Remove torsion bar and anchor. Remove anchor
from torsion bar (Fig. 31).
(9) Remove all foreign material from torsion bar
mounting in anchor and suspension arm.
(10) Inspect adjustment bolt, bearing and swivel
for damage.
Fig. 30 LOADING/UNLOADING TORSION BAR
1 - SPECIAL TOOL ± 8686
2 - CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 31 TORSION BAR
1 - ANCHOR
2 - SWIVEL
3 - TORSION BAR
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 25
STABILIZER LINK (Continued)

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The left and right side torsion bars are
NOT interchangeable. The bars are identified and
stamped R or L, for right or left. The bars do not
have a front or rear end and can be installed with
either end facing forward.
(1) Insert torsion bar ends into anchor and suspen-
sion arm.
(2) Position the anchor in the frame crossmember.
(3) Install Special Tool - 8686 to the anchor and
the crossmember (Fig. 30).
(4) Increase the tension on the anchor in order to
load the torsion bar.
(5) Install the adjustment bolt and the adjuster
nut.
(6) Turn adjustment bolt clockwise the recorded
amount of turns.
(7) Remove tool - 8686 from the torsion bar cross-
member (Fig. 30).
(8) Install the transfer case skid plate (Refer to 13
- FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION).
(9) Lower vehicle and adjust the front suspension
height (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(10) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT
NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrication
fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle
before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2) Remove the front tires.(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the frame and
then zero the dial indicator.
(4) Position dial indicator plunger on the topside of
the upper ball joint (Fig. 32).
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the ball joint
(Fig. 32).
NOTE: Use care not to pry or tear the ball joint
boot, when checking the free play.
(5) Position a pry bar between the steering
knuckle and the upper control arm. Pry upwards on
the upper control arm (Fig. 32).
(6) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the upper control arm since the upper ball joint is
integral to the arm (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/UPPER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL).
(7) If the upper ball joint is within specs reinstall
the front tires (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 32 UPPER BALL JOINT PLAY
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
3-PRYBAR
4 - KNUCKLE
5 - BALL JOINT BOOT
2 - 26 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
TORSION BAR (Continued)

KNUCKLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the hub bearing (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove tie-rod or drag link end from the steer-
ing knuckle arm.
(3) Remove the ABS sensor wire and bracket from
knuckle. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedures.
(4) Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball stud
nut. Remove the upper and lower ball stud nuts.
(5) Strike the steering knuckle with a brass ham-
mer to loosen.
(6) Remove knuckle from axle tube yokes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering knuckle on the ball studs.
(2) Install and tighten lower ball stud nut to 47
N´m (35 ft. lbs.) torque. Do not install cotter pin at
this time.
(3) Install and tighten upper ball stud nut to 94
N´m (70 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to
line up hole and install new cotter pin.
(4) Retorque lower ball stud nut to 190±217 N´m
(140±160 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to
line up hole and install new cotter pin.
(5) Install the hub bearing (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install tie-rod or drag link end onto the steer-
ing knuckle arm.
(7) Install the ABS sensor wire and bracket to the
knuckle. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedure.
UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LEFT
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the upper suspension arm nut and bolt
at the axle bracket (Fig. 16).
(3) Remove the nut and bolt at the frame rail and
remove the upper suspension arm.
REMOVAL - RIGHT
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Disconnect the exhaust system at the mani-
folds.
(3) Disconnect the rubber exhaust mounts at the
muffler.
(4) Support the transmission.
(5) Remove the transmission cross member.
(6) Lower the exhaust system down in order to
gain access to the removal of the upper bolt.(7) Remove the nut and bolt at the frame rail and
remove the upper suspension arm.
(8) Remove the upper suspension arm nut and bolt
at the axle bracket.
(9) Remove the suspension arm from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LEFT
(1) Position the upper suspension arm at the axle
and frame rail.
(2) Install the bolts and finger tighten the nuts.
(3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(4) Tighten nut at the axle bracket to 163 N´m
(120 ft. lbs.). Tighten nut at frame bracket to 163
N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
INSTALLATION - RIGHT
(1) Position the upper suspension arm at the axle
and frame rail.
(2) Install the bolts, then finger tighten the nuts.
(3) Reconnect the rubber exhaust mounts at the
muffler.
(4) Reconnect the exhaust at the manifolds.
(5) Install the transmission crossmember.
(6) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(7) Tighten nut at the axle bracket to 163 N´m
(120 ft. lbs.). Tighten nut at frame bracket to 163
N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 16 Link/Coil Suspension
1 - STABILIZER BAR
2 - SHOCK ABSORBER
3 - COIL SPRING
4 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
5 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
6 - TRACK BAR
2 - 34 FRONT - LINK/COILDR

SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SPRING SAGS 1. Broken leaf. 1. Replace spring.
2. Spring fatigue. 2. Replace spring.
SPRING NOISE 1. Loose spring clamp bolts. 1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings. 2. Replace bushings.
3. Worn or missing spring tip inserts. 3. Replace spring tip inserts.
SHOCK NOISE 1. Loose mounting fastener. 1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings. 2. Replace shock.
3. Leaking shock. 3. Replace shock.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber
Lower Nut135 100 Ð
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut135 100 Ð
Spring Clamp U-Bolts
Nuts149 110 Ð
Spring
Front & Rear Bolt & Nut163 120 Ð
Spring
Spring Rear Shackle Nuts163 120 Ð
Jounce Bumper
Bolts40 30 Ð
Auxialiary Spring Bumpers 41 30 Ð
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the spring from the vehicle.
(2) Make small relief cuts in the flared up end of
the bushing metal being careful not to cut the spring.
Use a punch to bend the flared bushing metal down
for push out.
(3) Position the spring eye in a press.
(4) Press the bushing out with an appropriate size
driver.
INSTALLATION
(1) Press new bushing into the spring eye with an
appropriate size driver. The bushing should be cen-
tered in the spring eye.
(2) Stake the outermetal of the bushing in a mini-
mum of six points to retain the bushing.
(3) Install the spring on the vehicle.
DRREAR 2 - 39
REAR (Continued)

DRIVELINE VIBRATION
Drive Condition Possible Cause Correction
Propeller Shaft Noise 1) Undercoating or other foreign
material on shaft.1) Clean exterior of shaft and wash
with solvent.
2) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 2) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
3) Loose or bent U-joint yoke or
excessive runout.3) Install new yoke.
4) Incorrect driveline angularity. 4) Measure and correct driveline
angles.
5) Rear spring center bolt not in
seat.5) Loosen spring u-bolts and seat
center bolt.
6) Worn U-joint bearings. 6) Install new U-joint.
7) Propeller shaft damaged or out
of balance.7) Installl new propeller shaft.
8) Broken rear spring. 8) Install new rear spring.
9) Excessive runout or unbalanced
condition.9) Re-index propeller shaft, test,
and evaluate.
10) Excessive drive pinion gear
shaft runout.10) Re-index propeller shaft and
evaluate.
11) Excessive axle yoke deflection. 11) Inspect and replace yoke if
necessary.
12) Excessive transfer case runout. 12) Inspect and repair as necessary.
Universal Joint Noise 1) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 1) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
2) Lack of lubrication. 2) Replace as U-joints as
necessary.
PROPELLER SHAFT BALANCE
NOTE: Removing and re-indexing the propeller
shaft 180É relative to the yoke may eliminate some
vibrations.
If propeller shaft is suspected of being unbalanced,
it can be verified with the following procedure:
(1) Raise the vehicle.
(2) Clean all the foreign material from the propel-
ler shaft and the universal joints.
(3) Inspect the propeller shaft for missing balance
weights, broken welds, and bent areas.If the pro-
peller shaft is bent, it must be replaced.
(4) Inspect the universal joints to ensure that they
are not worn, are properly installed, and are cor-
rectly aligned with the shaft.
(5) Check the universal joint clamp screws torque.
(6) Remove the wheels and tires. Install the wheel
lug nuts to retain the brake drums or rotors.
(7) Mark and number the shaft six inches from the
yoke end at four positions 90É apart.(8) Run and accelerate the vehicle until vibration
occurs. Note the intensity and speed the vibration
occurred. Stop the engine.
(9) Install a screw clamp at position 1 (Fig. 1).
(10) Start the engine and re-check for vibration. If
there is little or no change in vibration, move the
clamp to one of the other three positions. Repeat the
vibration test.
(11) If there is no difference in vibration at the
other positions, the source of the vibration may not
be propeller shaft.
(12) If the vibration decreased, install a second
clamp (Fig. 2) and repeat the test.
(13) If the additional clamp causes an additional
vibration, separate the clamps (1/2 inch above and
below the mark). Repeat the vibration test (Fig. 3).
(14) Increase distance between the clamp screws
and repeat the test until the amount of vibration is
at the lowest level. Bend the slack end of the clamps
so the screws will not loosen.
3 - 2 PROPELLER SHAFTDR
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)