suspension DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL 2009 4.G Owners Manual

STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM — POWER
WAGON ONLYYour vehicle is equipped with an electronic disconnecting
stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater front
suspension travel in off-road situations.
Due to the use of taller springs, this vehicle has an
increased ride height of approximately 1.9 in (48.3 mm)
in the front and 1.5 in (38.1 mm) in the rear. A major
advantage to increasing ride height is the positive effect
it has on approach/departure and break over angles.
This system is controlled by the electronic control sway
bar switch located on the instrument panel.The switch has two positions; On-Road and Off-Road.
The system is normally in the On-Road mode, indicated
by a solid green light. The stabilizer/sway bar should
remain in the On-Road mode during normal driving
conditions.
1 — On Road
2 — Off Road
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive on
hard surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph
(29 km/h), you may lose control of the vehicle, which
could result in serious injury. The front stabilizer bar
enhances vehicle stability and is necessary for main-
taining control of the vehicle. The system monitors
vehicle speed and will attempt to reconnect the
stabilizer bar at speeds over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is
indicated by a flashing off road light and solid on
road light. Once vehicle speed is reduced below
14 mph (22 km/h), the system will attempt to return to
the Off-Road mode.
To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4HI
or 4LO as shown in “Four Wheel Drive Operation” and
press the top of the stabilizer/sway bar button to obtain the Off-Road position. The amber indicator light will
flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been fully discon-
nected.
NOTE:
The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked
due to left and right suspension height differences. This
condition is due to driving surface differences or vehicle
loading. In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to
disconnect/reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar
must be aligned. This alignment may require that the
vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked from side
to side.
To return to the On-Road mode; press the bottom of the
stabilizer/sway bar button.
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•
Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
•
Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
•
Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard, or they might hide
damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals,
and propeller shafts.
•
After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have brake drums and rotors,
brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
•
If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
packed material. Packed foreign material can cause a
wheel imbalance and cleaning the wheels will correct
the situation.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent an accident. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary. Failure to do so may result
is serious injury.
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TIRE CHAINSUse “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 model trucks, or
other traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifica-
tions.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains,
observe the following precautions:•
Because of limited chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Bro-
ken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further use.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•
Install chains as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about 0.5 mile (0.8 km).
•
Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
•
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
•
Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2
vehicles.
•
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
•
Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions
on method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for usage. Always use the lower sug-
gested operating speed of the chain manufacturer
if different than the speed recommended by the
manufacturer.
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Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.Tire SizeThe tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.Rim SizeThis is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation PressureThis is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.Curb WeightThe curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.LoadingThe actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
382 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.•
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•
Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to theframe or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. With four-wheel-drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in neutral. Always, block or
chock
the trailer wheels.
•
GCWR must not be exceeded.
•
Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
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18,000 Miles (30,000 km) or
18 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500
(4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the front & rear axle fluid.
Change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
24,000 Miles (40,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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42,000 Miles (70,000 km) or
42 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500
(4x4) models only).Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
48,000 Miles (80,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the CV Joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
488 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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66,000 Miles (110,000 km) or
66 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500
(4x4) models only).Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
72,000 Miles (120,000 km) or 72 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the front & rear axle fluid. Change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the CV Joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
490 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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96,000 Miles (160,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
❏ Inspect the CV Joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
102,000 Miles (170,000 km) or
102 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Lube front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500
(4x4) models only).
❏ Flush and replace the power steering
fluid.
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant if
not done at 60 months.Odometer Reading DateRepair Order #Dealer CodeSignature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 493
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