wheel DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

²Improved operating economy
²Altitude compensation
²Noise reduction.
The turbocharger also uses a wastegate (Fig. 16),
which regulates intake manifold air pressure and
prevents over boosting at high engine speeds. When
the wastegate valve is closed, all of the exhaust gases
flow through the turbine wheel. As the intake mani-
fold pressure increases, the wastegate actuator opens
the valve, diverting some of the exhaust gases away
from the turbine wheel. This limits turbine shaft
speed and air output from the impeller.
The turbocharger is lubricated by engine oil that is
pressurized, cooled, and filtered. The oil is delivered
to the turbocharger by a supply line that is tapped
into the oil filter head. The oil travels into the bear-
ing housing, where it lubricates the shaft and bear-
ings (Fig. 17). A return pipe at the bottom of the
bearing housing, routes the engine oil back to the
crankcase.
The most common turbocharger failure is bearing
failure related to repeated hot shutdowns with inade-
quate ªcool-downº periods. A sudden engine shut downafter prolonged operation will result in the transfer of
heat from the turbine section of the turbocharger to
the bearing housing. This causes the oil to overheat
and break down, which causes bearing and shaft dam-
age the next time the vehicle is started.
Letting the engine idle after extended operation
allows the turbine housing to cool to normal operat-
ing temperature. The following chart should be used
as a guide in determining the amount of engine idle
time required to sufficiently cool down the turbo-
charger before shut down, depending upon the type
of driving and the amount of cargo.
Fig. 15 Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator
1 - TURBOCHARGER
2 - DIAPHRAGM
3 - WASTE GATE ACTUATOR
Fig. 16 Wastegate Operation
1 - SIGNAL LINE
2 - EXHAUST BYPASS VALVE
3 - WASTEGATE
4 - EXHAUST
5 - TURBINE
11 - 12 EXHAUST SYSTEMDR
TURBOCHARGER (Continued)

(9) If the turbocharger is not to be installed imme-
diately, cover the opening to prevent material from
entering into the manifold.
(10) If replacing the turbocharger, transfer the
compressor outlet and clamp to the new assembly.
(11) Clean and inspect the sealing surface.
CAUTION: The turbocharger is only serviced as an
assembly. Do not attempt to repair the turbocharger
as turbocharger and/or engine damage can result.
CLEANING
Clean the turbocharger and exhaust manifold
mounting surfaces with a suitable scraper.
INSPECTION
Visually inspect the turbocharger and exhaust
manifold gasket surfaces. Replace stripped or eroded
mounting studs.
(1) Visually inspect the turbocharger for cracks.
The following cracks are NOT acceptable:
²Cracks in the turbine and compressor housing
that go completely through.
²Cracks in the mounting flange that are longer
than 15 mm (0.6 in.).
²Cracks in the mounting flange that intersect
bolt through-holes.
²Two (2) Cracks in the mounting flange that are
closer than 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) together.
(2) Visually inspect the impeller and compressor
wheel fins for nicks, cracks, or chips. Note: Some
impellers may have a factory placed paint mark
which, after normal operation, appears to be a crack.
Remove this mark with a suitable solvent to verify
that it is not a crack.
(3) Visually inspect the turbocharger compressor
housing for an impeller rubbing condition (Fig. 20).
Replace the turbocharger if the condition exists.
(4) Measure the turbocharger axial end play:
(a) Install a dial indicator as shown in (Fig. 21).
Zero the indicator at one end of travel.
(b) Move the impeller shaft fore and aft and
record the measurement. Allowable end play is
0.026 mm (0.0001 in.) MIN. and 0.127 mm (0.005
in.) MAX. If the recorded measurement falls out-
side these parameters, replace the turbocharger
assembly.
(5) Measure the turbocharger bearing radial clear-
ance:
(a) Insert a narrow blade or wire style feeler
gauge between the compressor wheel and the hous-
ing (Fig. 22).
(b) Gently push the compressor wheel toward
the housing and record the clearance.(c) With the feeler gauge in the same location,
gently push the compressor wheel away from the
housing and again record the clearance.
(d) Subtract the smaller clearance from the
larger clearance. This is the radial bearing clear-
ance.
(e) Allowable radial bearing clearance is 0.33
mm (0.013 in.) MIN. and 0.50 mm (0.020 in.) MAX.
If the recorded measurement falls outside these
specifications, replace the turbocharger assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the turbocharger. Apply anti-seize to the
studs and then tighten the turbocharger mounting
nuts to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install the oil drain tube to the turbocharger
(Fig. 19). Tighten the drain tube bolts to 24 N´m (18
ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 20 Inspect Compressor Housing for Impeller
Rubbing Condition
Fig. 21 Measure Turbocharger Axial End Play
11 - 14 EXHAUST SYSTEMDR
TURBOCHARGER (Continued)

FRONT AIR DAM
REMOVAL
(1) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
remove the fog lamp trim bezels. (Fig. 1)
(2) Remove the air dam screws through the fog
lamp opening (1 per side).
(3) Remove the two outboard screws.
(4) Remove the three middle screws and remove
the air dam.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the air dam onto the bumper and seat
the carrot type fasteners fully.
(2) Starting at the center screw install the three
middle screws.
(3) Install the screws through the fog lamp open-
ing.
(4) Install the two outboard screws.
(5) Position the fog lamp trim bezels into the
bumper and seat fully.
FRONT BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the bumper on the frame rail tip to aid
installation.
(2) Disconnect the fog lamp electrical connector at
the left frame rail.
(3) Support the bumper with a suitable lifting
device.
(4) Remove the center bracket nuts and bolts and
remove bumper. (Fig. 2)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the bumper onto the frame rails and
position the wheelhouse splash shield into the sup-
port brackets.
(2) Install the bolts and nuts.
(3) Line up the bumper with the marks made pre-
viously and tighten the bolts and nuts to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(4) Check and adjust the bumper alignment as
necessary. (Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/
GAP AND FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
Fig. 1 FOG LAMP BEZEL
1 - BUMPER
2 - BEZEL
Fig. 2 BUMPER SUPPORT BRACKET - TYPICAL
1 - FASCIA - SPORT MODEL
2 - SUPPORT BRACKET
3 - FASCIA SUPPORT BRACKET
4 - WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD SUPPORT BRACKET
5 - BUMPER CENTER BRACKET
6 - NUTS (4 PER SIDE)
7 - FRAME RAIL TIP
8 - CENTER BRACKET NUTS (2 PER SIDE)
9 - CENTER BRACKET BOLTS ASSEMBLY (1 PER SIDE)
10 - FOG LAMP
13 - 2 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR

FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL
ST/SLT/SLT+ - FASCIA REMOVAL
(1) Remove the two screws at each trailing edge of
the fascia. (Fig. 3)
(2) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, care-
fully release the six lower clips and remove the close
out panel.
(3) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, care-
fully remove the step pad.
(4) Remove and discard the four push pin fasten-
ers and remove the fascia.
SPORT FASCIA REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the three screws at each trailing edge
of the fascia. (Fig. 4)
(3) Remove the five lower screws.
(4) Remove and discard the four upper push pins.
(5) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, care-
fully release the six lower clips and remove the close
out panel.
(6) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, care-
fully remove the step pad.
(7) Spread the fascia out at the wheels and remove
from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The left and right inboard bumper to bracket
attachments must be secured before installing the
fascia and step pad.
ST/SLT/SLT+ FASCIA INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fascia.
(2) Position the close out panel and seat the 6
lower clips fully.
(3) Install four new upper push pin fasteners.
(4) Position the step pad onto the fascia and fully
seat the attachment clips.
(5) Align the fascia to the fender with a 19 mm
(0.75 inch) gap and install the two screws at each
trailing edge of the fascia.
SPORT FASCIA INSTALLATION
(1) Position the fascia onto the bumper.
(2) Position the step pad onto the fascia and fully
seat the attachment clips.
(3) Install four new upper push pin fasteners.
(4) Install the five lower screws.
(5) Install the three screws at each trailing edge of
the fascia.
Fig. 3 UPPER FASCIA - ST/SLT/SLT+
1 - STEP PAD
2 - UPPER FASCIA (ST/SLT/SLT+ MODEL ONLY)
3 - INBOARD BUMPER BRACKET ATTACHMENTS
4 - SCREWS (4)
5 - PUSH PIN FASTENERS (4)
Fig. 4 SPORT FASCIA
1 - STEP PAD
2 - FASCIA (SPORT MODEL ONLY)
3 - SCREWS (3 PER SIDE)
4 - UPPER FASCIA SUPPORT BRACKET
5 - WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD BRACKET
6 - INBOARD BUMPER BRACKET ATTACHMENTS
7 - PUSH PIN FASTENERS (4)
8 - LOWER SCREWS (5)
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 3

CAUTION: Do not reuse damaged fasteners, quality
of repair would be suspect. Failure to use only pro-
duction fasteners or fasteners of equivalent hard-
ness can result in loosening or failure. Do not drill
any holes in the frame that are not specifically out-
lined in this or other, DaimlerChrysler procedure as
frame rail failure can result. When using heat to
straighten frame components do not exceed 566ÉC
(1050ÉF), metal fatigue can result.
NOTE: Procedures for 4X2 and 4X4 are common
except as noted in this procedure.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the bolts and position aside the wire
harness and grounds, if required.
(4) Remove the front bumper. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER
- REMOVAL)
(5) Loosen and lower the stabilizer bar mount and
bar. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/STABI-
LIZER BAR - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the front cab mount bolt to the Front
End Sheet Metal (FESM) bracket. (Fig. 6)(7) Make a vertical mark on the inside and outside
face of the frame rail 112 mm (4.5 in.) from the for-
ward edge of the PLP hole in the sides of the rail.
(Fig. 8)
(8) Using a straightedge, connect the two lines on
the top and bottom of the rail.
(9) Using the service tip as a guide, re-check your
cut lines to ensure the service tip will fit when the
cut is made.
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. This
is due to the inaccurate nature of the cut-line and
the fact that the high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.
(10) Using a reciprocating saw or equivalent, care-
fully cut and remove the damaged frame rail tip.
(Fig. 7)
Fig. 6 REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
1 - FRONT END SHEET METAL (FESM) BRACKET
2 - CAB INSULATOR
3 - RING-FILLET WELD/HOLE
4 - PRINCIPLE LOCATING POINT (PLP)
5 - WELD ROOT GAP 4 mm-6mm(0.16 in. - 0.24 in.)
6 - FRONT CAB MOUNT BOLT
7 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
Fig. 7 FRAME CUT LOCATION
1 - REPAIR ROOT OPENING
2 - SERVICE SLEEVE
3 - PRINCIPLE LOCATING POINT (PLP)
4 - SUSPENSION BRACKETS
5 - FRAME
6 - FRAME CUTOFF LOCATION - 112 mm (4.5 in.)
7 - FRAME SERVICE TIP
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 5
FRAME (Continued)

(c) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(28) Tighten the front cab mounting bolt to the
FESM bracket to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(29) Install the stabilizer bar. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER BAR - INSTALLA-
TION)
(30) Install the front bumper. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER
- INSTALLATION)(31) Install the wire harness and ground strap if
previously removed and install the bolt.
(a) If necessary, re-drill and tap the ground
strap mounting hole
(32) Install the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
CAUTION:
All welds should conform to DaimlerChrysler vehicle engineering process standard ªPS 9472º.
WELD PROCESS SPECIFICATIONS
WELDING PROCESS FLUX CORED ARC GAS METAL ARC (MIG)* SHIELDED METAL ARC
(STICK)
Material Thickness3.7 mm to 4.2 mm 3.7 mm to 4.2 mm 3.7 mm to 4.2 mm
Electrode TypeLincoln Electrical Co.
Product #: NR-211 MP
(Do Not Substitute)AWS ER70S-3
(Do Not Substitute)** AWS E 7018
Electrodes Size Inches0.045 Tubular 0.035 Solid 3/329
Electrode Stick Out3/89- 1/291/29- 5/89N/A
PolarityElectrode9-9
Work Piece9+9Electrode9+9
Work Piece9-9Electrode9+9
Work Piece9-9
Shielding GasSelf Shielded 75% Ar
25% CO2Self Shielded
Gas Flow RateN/A 25 - 35 CFM N/A
Wire Feed Speed
(inches per minute)110 - 130 Vertical Down
70 - 90 Flat & Overhead245 - 250 Vertical Down
210 - 225 Flat &
OverheadN/A
Approximate Amperage
Vertical110 - 130 175 85 (3/329Diameter)
Flat & Overhead70 - 90 155 90 (3/329Diameter)
Voltage15-18 19-20 N/A
Direction of Welding
VerticalVertical Down Hill (only) Vertical Down Hill (only) Vertical - Up Hill (only)
Flat & OverheadFlat - Push or Drag Flat - Push or Drag Flat - Drag
*First choice - Gas Metal Arc Welding Process:
Butt joints - apply two layers (passes) of weld metal.
First pass should only fill approximately
1¤2the thick-
ness. Vertical position welds - maintain electrode
wire at leading edge of weld puddle while traveling
down hill to produce maximum penetration into the
sleeve. These techniques work for FCAW as well.**E7018new electrodes may be exposed to the
atmosphere for up to ten hours with no harmful
effect. Reconditioning schedules should come from
the manufacturer.
13 - 10 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROFORM
FENDER RAIL REPAIR
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN GRIND-
ING OR WELDING METAL, SERIOUS EYE INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FRAME REPAIR
INVOLVING GRINDING OR WELDING, VERIFY THAT
VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT LEAKING OR IN
CONTACT WITH REPAIR AREA, PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT ALLOW OPEN FLAME OR HEAT AND
METAL SPATTER FROM ARC WELDING, TO CON-
TACT PLASTIC BODY PANELS. FIRE OR EXPLO-
SION CAN RESULT.
²WHEN WELDED FRAME COMPONENTS ARE
REPLACED, ENSURE COMPLETE PENETRATION
WELD IS ACHIEVED DURING INSTALLATION. IF
NOT, DANGEROUS OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN
RESULT.
²STAND CLEAR OF CABLES OR CHAINS ON
PULLING EQUIPMENT DURING FRAME STRAIGHT-
ENING OPERATIONS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
²DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHI-
CLE THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not reuse damaged fasteners, quality
of repair would be suspect. Failure to use only pro-
duction fasteners or fasteners of equivalent hard-
ness can result in loosening or failure. Do not drill
holes in top or bottom frame rail flanges, frame rail
failure can result. When using heat to straighten
frame components do not exceed 566ÉC (1050ÉF),
metal fatigue can result.
CAUTION: This repair procedure assumes damage
to the right or left hydroform fender rail (Fig. 19).
Prior to any repairs, the vehicle must be mounted
on the appropriate frame repair equipment (ªframe
rackº), checked with three dimensional measuring
equipment, and necessary pull corrections made. If
damage exists in the hydroform fender rail, or cab
beyond the area covered by this service procedure
after dimensional corrections are made, the hydro-
form must be replaced in its entirety. Refer to 23 -
BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/WELD LOCATIONS -
SPECIFICATIONS, when replacing the entire hydro-
form.(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the A/C condenser, if required. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING/A/C CONDENSER - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the A/C lines, if required. Refer to the
Heating and Air Conditioning section of the manual
for recommended procedures.
(6) Remove the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove the air cleaner and support bracket, if
required. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYS-
TEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the integrated power module. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTE-
GRATED POWER MODULE - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the bolts and position aside the wire
harness and grounds, if required.
(10) Remove the upper radiator crossmember.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(12) Remove the front cab mount to the Front End
Sheet Metal bracket (FESM) bolt.
(13) Remove the bolts attaching the lower radiator
crossmember to the hydroform fender rail. (Fig. 19)
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. The
inaccurate and high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.
(14) Using a reciprocating saw or equivalent, cut
the fender rail and shotgun at a straight and square
section of the hydroform and remove.
(15) Smooth and square the cut edges.
(16) Using the damaged structure as a reference
cut the service part at the same location as the first
cut. Smooth and square the cut edges.
NOTE: The repair structure should butt up to the
remaining structure and provide the same overall
vehicle geometry.
13 - 12 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

(26) Install the front cab mount bolt if previously
removed and tighten to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(27) Install the lower radiator crossmember bolts
and tighten to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(28) Install the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(29) Install the upper radiator crossmember. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - INSTALLATION)
(30) Install the wire harness and ground if previ-
ously removed and install the bolts.
(31) Install the integrated power module, if previ-
ously removed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE -
INSTALLATION)
(32) Install the air cleaner bracket and air cleaner,
if previously removed. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT -
INSTALLATION)(33) Install the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
(34) Install the A/C lines, if previously removed.
Refer to the Heating and Air Conditioning section of
the manual for the recommended procedures.
(35) Install the A/C condenser, if previously
removed. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C CONDENSER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(36) Install the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - INSTALLATION)
(37) Install the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(38) Reconnect the battery ground.
Fig. 20 ENGINE COMPARTMENT/FRONT STRUCTURE
13 - 14 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REAR FRAME
H-SECTION REPLACEMENT
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN GRIND-
ING OR WELDING METAL, SERIOUS EYE INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FRAME REPAIR
INVOLVING GRINDING OR WELDING, VERIFY THAT
VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT LEAKING OR IN
CONTACT WITH REPAIR AREA, PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT ALLOW OPEN FLAME OR HEAT AND
METAL SPATTER FROM ARC WELDING, TO CON-
TACT PLASTIC BODY PANELS. FIRE OR EXPLO-
SION CAN RESULT.
²WHEN WELDED FRAME COMPONENTS ARE
REPLACED, ENSURE COMPLETE PENETRATION
WELD IS ACHIEVED DURING INSTALLATION. IF
NOT, DANGEROUS OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN
RESULT.
²STAND CLEAR OF CABLES OR CHAINS ON
PULLING EQUIPMENT DURING FRAME STRAIGHT-
ENING OPERATIONS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
²DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHI-
CLE THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not reuse damaged fasteners, quality
of repair would be suspect. Failure to use only pro-
duction fasteners or fasteners of equivalent hard-
ness can result in loosening or failure. Do not drill
holes in top or bottom frame rail flanges, frame rail
failure can result. When using heat to straighten
frame components do not exceed 566ÉC (1050ÉF),
metal fatigue can result.
CAUTION: This procedure is designed to replace
the H-section/spare tire support located at the rear
of the frame assembly. Prior to any cutting, the
vehicle must be mounted on the appropriate frame
repair equipment (ªframe rackº), checked with three
dimensional measuring equipment, and the neces-
sary pull corrections made. If damage remains in
the frame beyond the area covered by this service
part after the pull, the frame must be replaced in its
entirety.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cargo box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/CARGO BOX - REMOVAL)(3) Remove the trailer hitch. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/TRAILER HITCH -
REMOVAL)
(4) Raise and support the frame so the tires are off
floor.
(5) Remove the shock absorbers. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/REAR/SHOCK - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the rear leaf spring shackle bolts and
let the axle rest on the ground. (Fig. 21)
(7) Remove the spare wheel.
(8) Remove the clip and remove the spare tire
winch tube. (Fig. 22)
Fig. 21 REAR SPRING
1 - SPRING SHACKLE
2 - LEAF SPRING EYE BOLT/NUT
3 - REAR LEAF SPRING
Fig. 22 SPARE TIRE WINCH TUBE
1 - SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
2 - HAIR PIN CLIP
3 - WINCH TUBE
4 - H-SECTION/SPARE WHEEL SUPPORT
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 15
FRAME (Continued)

(9) Remove the bolts and remove the spare tire
winch. (Fig. 23)
(10) Position the wire harness forward of the work
area.
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. The
inaccurate and high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.
(11) Carefully remove the H-section welds using a
grinder or equivalent tool.
(12) Remove the H-section and clean any remain-
ing welds from the frame.
(13) Trial fit the replacement part.
(14) Remove all e-coat from within 25 mm (1.0 in.)
of the weld area.
(15) Using the appropriate measuring equipment,
position the replacement part and verify correct posi-
tioning in all three (X,Y, and Z) planes of space.(Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME - SPEC-
IFICATIONS - FRAME DIMENSIONS)
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(16) Weld the replacement H-section into position.
The welding should be performed in a skip (stitch)
type method to minimize the heat buildup following
I-CAR or the American Welding Society welding pro-
cedures and utilizing the process specifications at the
end of this section. Refer to the Weld Process Speci-
fications welding schedule below.
(17) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound through the existing holes
in the frame ensuring 100% coverage including the
mating face between the frame and replacement
H-section.
(b) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(18) Position the wiring harness back.
(19) Install the spare tire winch and install the
bolts. (Fig. 23)
(20) Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(21) Install the spare tire winch tube and install
the clip. (Fig. 22)
(22) Install the spare tire.
(23) Lift the axle into position and install the rear
shackle bolts. (Fig. 21)
(24) Tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(25) Install the lower shock absorber bolts. (Refer
to 2 - SUSPENSION/REAR/SHOCK - INSTALLA-
TION)
(26) Install the trailer hitch. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/TRAILER HITCH - INSTAL-
LATION)
(27) Install the cargo box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/CARGO BOX - INSTALLATION)
(28) Reconnect the battery ground.
Fig. 23 SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
1 - SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
2 - BOLTS
3 - RETAINER BRACKET
4 - H-SECTION/SPARE WHEEL SUPPORT
13 - 16 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)