DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
TPE THERMO POLYETHYLENE TPE, HYTREL, BEXLOY-V FASCIAS, BUMPERS,
CLADDINGS
TPO THERMOPOLYOLEFIN POLYTROPE, RENFLEX,
SANTOPRENE, VISAFLEX,
ETA, APEX, TPO, SHIELDS,
CLADDINGSBUMPERS, END CAPS,
TELCAR, RUBBER, STRIPS,
SIGHT, INTERIOR B POST
TPP THERMO-
POLYPROPYLENETPP BUMPERS
TPU THERMOPOLYURETHANE,
POLYESTERTPU, HYTREL, TEXIN,
ESTANEBUMPERS, BODY SIDE,
MOLDINGS, FENDERS,
FASCIAS
PANEL SECTIONING
If it is required to section a large panel for a plas-
tic repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the panel
(Fig. 1). To bond two plastic panels together, a rein-
forcement must overlap both panels. The panels
must be ªV'dº at a 20 degree angle. The area to be
reinforced should be washed, then sanded. Be sure to
wipe off any excess soap and water when finished.
Lightly sand or abrade the plastic with an abrasive
pad or sandpaper. Blow off any dust with compressed
air or wipe with a clean dry rag.
When bonding plastic panels, Follow repair mate-
rial manufacturers recommendations. Be sure that
enough adhesive has been applied to allow squeeze
out and to fill the full bond line. Once the pieces
have been brought together, do not move them until
the adhesive is cured. The assembly can be held
together with clamps, rivets, etc. A faster cure can be
obtained by heating with a heat lamp or heat gun.
After the parts have been bonded and have had timeto cure, rough sand the seam and apply the final
adhesive filler to the area being repaired. Smooth the
filler with a spreader, wooden tongue depressor, or
squeegee. For fine texturing, a small amount of
water can be applied to the filler surface while
smoothing. The cured filler can be sanded as neces-
sary and, as a final step, cleanup can be done with
soapy water. Wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth
allowing time for the panel to dry before moving on
with the repair.
PANEL REINFORCEMENT
Structural repair procedures for rigid panels with
large cracks and holes will require a reinforcement
backing. Reinforcements can be made with several
applications of glass cloth saturated with structural
adhesive. Semi-rigid or flexible repair materials
should be used for semi-rigid or flexible backing rein-
forcement (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3). Open meshed fiber-
glass dry wall tape can be used to form a
reinforcement. The dry wall tape allows the resin to
penetrate through and make a good bond between
the panel and the adhesive. Structurally, the more
dry wall tape used, the stronger the repair.
Another kind of repair that can be done to repair
large cracks and holes is to use a scrap piece of sim-
ilar plastic and bond with structural adhesive. The
reinforcement should cover the entire break and
should have a generous amount of overlap on either
side of the cracked or broken area.
When repairing plastic, the damaged area is first
ªV'dº out, or beveled. Large bonding areas are desir-
able when repairing plastic because small repairs are
less likely to hold permanently. Beveling the area
around a crack at a 20 degree angle will increase the
bonding surface for a repair (Fig. 4). It is recom-
mended that sharp edges be avoided because the
joint may show through after the panel is refinished.
Fig. 1 PANEL SECTIONING
1 - EXISTING PANEL
2 - NEW PANEL
3 - PANEL ADHESIVE
4 - BONDING STRIP
23 - 6 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

²Panel repair for both flexible and rigid panels
are basically the same. The primary difference
between flexible panel repair and rigid panel repair
is in the adhesive materials used (Fig. 5).
²The technician should first decide what needs to
be done when working on any type of body panel.
One should determine if it is possible to return the
damage part to its original strength and appearance
without exceeding the value of the replacement part.
²When plastic repairs are required, it is recom-
mended that the part be left on the vehicle when
every possible. That will save time, and the panel
will remain stationary during the repair. Misalign-ment can cause stress in the repair areas and can
result in future failure.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Composite materials can mask the severity of an
accident. Adhesive bond lines, interior structure of
the doors, and steel structures need to be inspected
carefully to get a true damage assessment. Close
inspection may require partial removal of interior
trim or inner panels.
Identify the type of repair: Puncture or Crack -
Damage that has penetrated completely through the
panel. Damage is confined to one general area; a
panel section is not required. However, a backer
panel, open fiberglass tape, or matted material must
be bonded from behind (Fig. 7) (Fig. 6).
PANEL SURFACE PREPARATION
If a body panel has been punctured, cracked, or
crushed, the damaged area must be removed from
the panel to achieve a successful repair. All spider
web cracks leading away from a damaged area must
be stopped or removed. To stop a running crack in a
panel, drilla6mm(0.250 in.) hole at the end of the
crack farthest away from the damage. If spider web
cracks can not be stopped, the panel would require
replacement. The surfaces around the damaged area
Fig. 2 SOFTENED EDGES
1 - SOFTENED EDGES
2 - PANEL ADHESIVE
3 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 3 PANEL REINFORCEMENT
1 - PANEL ADHESIVE
2 - REINFORCEMENT
Fig. 4 BEVELING ANGLE - 20 DEGREE
Fig. 5 FIBERGLASS TAPE
Fig. 6 DAMAGE COMPONENT
1 - PUNCTURE
DRBODY 23 - 7
BODY (Continued)

should be stripped of paint and freed from wax and
oil. Scuff surfaces around repair area with 360 grit
wet/dry sandpaper, or equivalent, to assure adhesion
of repair materials.
PATCHING PANELS
An panel that has extensive puncture type damage
can be repaired by cutting out the damaged material
(Fig. 7). Use a suitable reciprocating saw or cut off
wheel to remove the section of the panel that is dam-
aged. The piece cut out can be used as a template to
shape the new patch. It is not necessary to have
access to the back of the panel to install a patch.
Bevel edges of cutout at 20 degrees to expose a larger
bonding area on the outer side. This will allow for an
increased reinforcement areas.
PANEL PATCH FABRICATIONS
A patch can be fabricated from any rigid fiberglass
panel that has comparable contour with the repair
area. Lift gates and fenders can be used to supply
patch material. If existing material is not available
or compatible, a patch can be constructed with adhe-
sive and reinforcement mesh (dry wall tape). Perform
the following operation if required:
(1) Cover waxed paper or plastic with adhesive
backed nylon mesh (dry wall tape) larger than the
patch required (Fig. 8).
(2) Tape waxed paper or plastic sheet with mesh to
a surface that has a compatible contour to the repair
area.
(3) Apply a liberal coat of adhesive over the rein-
forcement mesh (Fig. 8). If necessary apply a second
or third coat of adhesive and mesh after firs coat has
cured. The thickness of the patch should be the same
as the repair area.(4) After patch has cured, peel waxed paper or
plastic from the back of the patch.
(5) If desired, a thin film coat of adhesive can be
applied to the back of the patch to cover mesh for
added strength.
PANEL PATCH INSTALLATION
(1) Make a paper or cardboard pattern the size
and shape of the cutout hole in the panel.
(2) Trim 3 mm (0.125 in.) from edges of pattern so
patch will have a gap between connecting surfaces.
(3) Using the pattern as a guide, cut the patch to
size.
(4) Cut scrap pieces of patch material into 50 mm
(2 in.) squares to use as patch supports to sustain
the patch in the cutout.
(5) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.) in
from edge of cutout hole (Fig. 7).
(6) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.)
away from edge of patch across from holes drilled
around cutout.
(7) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares 13 mm (0.5 in.) from the edge in the center
of one side.
(8) Scuff the backside of the body panel around the
cutout hole with a scuff pad or sandpaper.
(9) Mix enough adhesive to cover one side of all
support squares.
(10) Apply adhesive to cover one side of all support
squares.
(11) Using number 8 sheet metal screws, secure
support squares to back side of body panel with
adhesive sandwiched between the panel and squares
(Fig. 9).
(12) Position patch in cutout against support
squares and adjust patch until the gap is equal along
all sides (Fig. 10).
Fig. 7 DAMAGED PANEL CUTOUT AND PATCH
1 - CUTOUT
2 - DAMAGED BODY PANEL
3-4MM(0.160 IN.) HOLES
4 - PATCH CUT TO SIZE
Fig. 8 FABRICATED PANEL
1 - STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE
2 - FIBERGLASS CLOTH OR FIBERGLASS MESH TAPE
3 - WIDTH OF V-GROOVE
4 - WAXED PAPER
23 - 8 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

(13) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares through the pre-drilled holes in the patch.
(14) Apply a coat of adhesive to the exposed ends
of the support squares (Fig. 11).
(15) Install screws to hold the patch to support
squares (Fig. 12). Tighten screws until patch surface
is flush with panel surface.
(16) Allow adhesive to cure, and remove all screws.
(17) Using a 125 mm (5 in.) 24 grit disc grinder,
grind a 50 mm (2 in.) to 75 mm (3 in.) wide and 2
mm (0.080 in.) deep path across the gaps around the
patch (Fig. 13). With compressed air, blow dust from
around patch.
(18) Apply adhesive backed nylon mesh (dry wall
tape) over gaps around patch (Fig. 14).
(19) Mix enough adhesive to cover the entire patch
area.
(20) Apply adhesive over the mesh around patch,
and smooth epoxy with a wide spreader to reduce fin-
ish grinding. Use two to three layers of mesh and
adhesive to create a stronger repair (Fig. 15).
Fig. 9 SECURE SUPPORT SQUARES TO BODY
PANEL
1 - SUPPORT SQUARES
2 - SCREWS
3 - DAMAGED BODY PANEL
Fig. 10 POSITION PATCH IN CUTOUT AND ALIGN
1 - CUTOUT
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
Fig. 11 APPLY ADHESIVE TO SUPPORT SQUARES
1 - APPLICATOR
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
3 - ADHESIVE
DRBODY 23 - 9
BODY (Continued)

PATCHED PANEL SURFACING
After patch panel is installed, the patch area can
be finished using the same methods as finishing
other types of body panels. If mesh material is
exposed in the patched area, grind surface down, and
apply a coat of high quality rigid plastic body filler.
Prime, block sand, and paint as required.
Fig. 12 INSTALL SCREWS
1 - PATCH
2 - GAP
Fig. 13 GRIND SURFACE
1 - PATCH
2 - GAP
3 - DISC GRINDER
Fig. 14 COVER GAPS WITH MESH
1 - GROUND DOWN AREA
2 - PATCH
3 - MESH
Fig. 15 COVER MESH WITH ADHESIVE
1 - ADHESIVE
2 - MESH
3 - PATCH
4 - SPREADER
23 - 10 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUZZ, SQUEAK &
RATTLE
Buzz, Squeak & Rattles (BSR) may be caused by
any one or more of the following and may be cor-
rected as indicated:
²Loose fasteners should be tightened to specifica-
tions.
²Damaged or missing clips should be replaced.
²Damaged trim panels should be replaced.²Incorrectly installed trim panels should be rein-
stalled properly.
Many BSR complaints such as loose trim, can be
serviced using the MopartParts BSR Noise Reduc-
tion Kit. This kit contains various tapes including
foam, flock and anti-squeak used to eliminate noises
caused by metal, plastic and vinyl components. Long
life lubricants and greases can also be used on a vari-
ety of components. Refer to the Buzz, Squeak & Rat-
tle Kit table for material contents and usage.
BUZZ, SQUEAK & RATTLE KIT
ITEM FEATURES APPLICATIONS SERVICE TEMP
Itch And Squeak
TapeAn abrasion resistant material
thin enough to conform to most
irregular surfaces. Stops most
itches and squeaks.Between metal and metal,
metal and plastic, metal and
vinyl, vinyl and plastic. Interior.
Examples: Trim panels and
bezels.-40É to 225É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 107É
Celsius)
Black Nylon Flock Nylon Flock with an aggressive
acrylic adhesive. Provides for
cushioning and compression fit,
also isolates components.
Water-resistant.Between metal and metal,
metal and plastic, vinyl and
plastic.
Examples: Pull cups, bezels,
clips, ducts, top cover to glass,
cowl panel.-40É to 180É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
High Density
Urethane FoamTear resistant, highly resilient
and durable.Between metal and metal,
metal and plastic. Water-
resistant.
Examples: I/P, heavy metal
rattles, isolating brackets.-40É to 180É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
Open Cell Foam
TapeSoft foam conforms to irregular
surfaces.Wire harness and connector
wrap.
Examples: Seals, gasket,
wiring, heat ducts.-40É to 180É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
Closed Cell Low
Density Foam TapeSoft, conformable. Water-
resistant.Wherever bulk is needed.
Prevents closing flutters and
rattles when applied to door
watershield.
Examples: Door, I/P.-40É to 180É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
NYETGrease 880 Long life. Suspensions.
Examples: Strut busings, sway
bars.-40É to 390É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 200É
Celsius)
KrytoxTOil Long life. Will not dry out or
harm plastics or rubber.When access is not possible, oil
will migrate to condition. Vinyl,
rubber, plastic, metal.
Examples: Convertible top
bushings, pull cups trim panel
inserts.-30É to 400É
Fahrenheit
(-34É to 205É
Celsius)
KrytoxTGrease Long life. Will not dry out or
harm plastics or rubber.Vinyl, rubber, plastic, metal,
glass.
Examples: Weather-strips,
backlite and windshield
moldings.-30É to 400É
Fahrenheit
(-34É to 205É
Celsius)
DRBODY 23 - 11
BODY (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A-pillar trim/grab handle bolts 6 Ð 55
Body Isolator/cab bolts 81 60 Ð
Cargo box bolts 108 80 Ð
Cargo box tie down/cleat bolts 34 25 Ð
Center seat assembly nuts*25 18 Ð
Center seat cushion/hinge bolts*20 15 Ð
Center seat back hinge to storage bin bolts*25 18 Ð
Center seat back free pivot hinge bolt*25 18 Ð
Center seat back inertia hinge pivot bolt*10 Ð 89
Center seat inertia hinge to seat back bolts*25 18 Ð
Fender bolts - front lower 9 Ð 80
Fender bolts - lower inside 17 13 Ð
Fender to hinge support bolts 11 8 Ð
Fender to upper fender rail bolts 9 Ð 80
Footmans loop bolts 12 9 Ð
Front center seat nuts*25 18 Ð
Front door glass lift plate nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door hinge to a-pillar nuts 28 21 Ð
Front door hinge to door nuts/bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door inside handle bolt 9 Ð 80
Front door latch adjustment screw 3 Ð 30
Front door latch assembly bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door regulator bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door regulator stabilizer nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door remote handle actuator nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door run channel screws 10 Ð 89
Front seat assembly front bolts*28 30 Ð
Front seat assembly rear bolts*40 30 Ð
Front seat track nuts*25 18 Ð
Fuel fill door bolts 9 Ð 80
Hood hinge to fender rail bolts 20 15 Ð
Hood latch bolts 11 8 Ð
Hood latch striker/safety catch bolts 11 8 Ð
Hood hinge to hood nuts 23 17 Ð
Instrument panel center bracket bolts 12 9 Ð
Instrument panel column support bolts 14 10 Ð
Instrument panel side mounting bolts 12 9 Ð
23 - 12 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Instrument panel top bolts 12 9 Ð
Load floor nuts 25 18 Ð
Load floor/rear seat bolts 40 30 Ð
Overhead/b-pillar grab handle bolts 6 Ð 55
Radiator and condenser to radiator crossmember bolts 8 Ð 75
Radiator upper crossmember bolts 28 21 Ð
Rear door glass lift plate nuts 10 Ð 89
Rear door glass run channels 10 Ð 89
Rear door hinge to b-pillar bolts 28 21 Ð
Rear door hinge to door bolts/nuts 28 21 Ð
Rear door inside handle bolt 9 Ð 80
Rear door latch adjustment screw 3 Ð 30
Rear door latch bolts 10 Ð 89
Rear door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Rear door regulator bolts 10 Ð 89
Rear door regulator stabilizer nuts 10 Ð 89
Rear door remote handle actuator nuts 10 Ð 89
Rear fender bottom screws 7 Ð 60
Rear fender nuts 7 Ð 60
Rear fender support bracket bolts 11 8 Ð
Rear seat assembly bolts*40 30 Ð
Rear seat back hinge bolts*25 18 Ð
Rear seat cushion hinge bolts*32 24 Ð
Rear shoulder belt anchor bolts 40 30 Ð
Rear view mirror set screw 1 Ð 15
Shifter knob nut 27 20 Ð
Side view mirror nuts 7 Ð 60
Tailgate check cable bolt 23 17 Ð
Tailgate hinge/pivot screws 34 25 Ð
Tailgate latch bolts 23 17 Ð
Tailgate latch striker 34 25 Ð
Tailgate release handle nuts 7 Ð 60
NOTE: *Seat fasteners should be discarded and
replaced with new fasteners during assembly.
DRBODY 23 - 13
BODY (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY
Trim Stick C-4755
Torx Bit Set C-4794-B
Molding Remover C-4829
23 - 14 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

TAILGATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHECK CABLE
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
COVER
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................16INSTALLATION.........................16
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
RELEASE HANDLE/LATCH REMOTE
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
TAILGATE
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
CHECK CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open tailgate.
(2) Pry lock tab outward to clear stud head on
cargo box (Fig. 1).
(3) Push cable end forward until stud head is in
clearance hole portion of cable end.
(4) Separate cable end from stud.
(5) Remove screw attaching cable to tailgate. (Fig.
2)
(6) Separate check cable from tailgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position check cable on tailgate.
(2) Install bolt attaching small end of cable to tail-
gate.
(3) Tighten tailgate check cable bolt to 23 N´m (17
ft. lbs.).
(4) Position large end of cable onto stud head and
slide downward to secure lock tab.
Fig. 1 Tailgate Check
1 - TAILGATE STRIKER
2 - SCREW DRIVER
3 - TAILGATE CHECK CABLE
4 - LOCK TAB
Fig. 2 LATCH HANDLE - LATCH
1 - EXTERIOR HANDLE
2 - CONTROL ASSEMBLY
3 - NUTS (2)
4 - TAILGATE
5-LATCH
6 - CHECK CABLE
7 - CHECK/LATCH BOLT
8 - LATCH BOLT
DRTAILGATE 23 - 15