
•
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
0 - 27 (3) Continue lubricating until it appears at the
pressure relief hole in the expansion plug located at the slip-yoke end.
(4) Cover the pressure relief hole with a finger.
Continue to force lubricant into the fitting until it
appears at the slip-yoke seal.
U-JOINT
INSPECTION
U-joint seals should be inspected for damage when
ever the vehicle is serviced for other reasons (Fig.
10).
If external leaks or damage exists, the U-joint
coupler should be replaced.
Fig.
10 U-Joint
Seal
Inspection
U-JOINT/CV-JOINT
LUBRICATION
Lubrication of u-joint couplers that are not
equipped with lube (Zerk) fittings is not necessary.
Replacement U-joints are equipped with lube fittings.
If installed, lubricate them according to the informa tion provided below.
Lubricate the U-joint and CV-joints every 12 000
km (7,500 miles) for LIGHT DUTY CYCLE vehicles.
For HEAVY DUTY CYCLE vehicles, the couplers should be lubricated every 9 600 km (6,000 miles).
Refer to Figures 11 and 12. If the vehicle is operated
in water, the U-joint/CV-joint couplers should be lu
bricated daily. If a vehicle, is used in a severe driving condi
tion,
lubricate the U-joint/CV-joints every 4 800
km (3,000 miles). Lubricate Ram Truck Model W350 U-joint/CV-joint couplers every 1 600 km
(1,000 miles). A severe driving condition includes:
GREASE
FITTINGS
RK40
Fig.
11 Rear Drive Shaft U-Joint
Fig.
12 Front Drive Shaft
CV-Joint
(4WD)
• Off-road driving
• Driving in deep mud or snow
• When 1/3 or more of the vehicle operation involves
driving with a full-load.
LUBRICANT
SPECIFICATION
Drive shaft slip yokes and U-joint/CV-joint couplers
should be lubricated with a NLGI GC-LB lubricant.
The U-joints/CV-joint couplers should be lubricated with MOPAR®Multipurpose Lubricant, NLGI GC-
LB).

•
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
0 - 29
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
SERVICE SCHEDULE
FLUID
LEWEL
WARNING.
THE
POWER
STEERING
FLUID LEVEL
SHOULD
ALWAYS
BE
CHECKED
WITH THE EN
GINE
OFF TO
PREVENT
PERSONAL
INJURY.
The power steering fluid should be checked when
ever the engine is being serviced for other reasons. Clean the outside of the cap before removing. The
fluid should be at the proper level indicated on cap dipstick (Fig. 1).
Fig.
1
Power
Steering Reservoir & Cap—Typical
The reservoir fluid level can be determined with
the fluid either hot or cold. If the fluid level is below
the FULL HOT or FULL COLD marks on the dip stick, add power steering fluid. The dipstick is at
tached to the reservoir cap (Fig. 1).
FLUID SPECIFICATION MOPAR03)Power Steering Fluid is highly recom
mended.
FRONT
WHEEL BEARINGS
INSPECTION/LUBRICATION SCHEDULE
2WD
VEHICLES
It is recommended that 2WD front wheel bearings
be inspected for proper lubrication whenever the
brake rotors are removed or at least: • At each 39 000 km (24,000 miles) interval for ve
hicles subject to the LIGHT DUTY CYCLE Mainte nance Schedule • At each 36 000 km (22,500 miles) interval for ve
hicles subject to the HEAVY DUTY CYCLE Mainte nance Schedule The bearings should be cleaned and re-packed
with a high temperature, multi-purpose EP lu
bricant.
4WD
VEHICLES
It is recommended that 4WD front wheel bearings
be inspected for proper lubrication whenever the
brake rotors are removed or at least:
• At each 24 000 km (15,000 miles) interval for ve
hicles subject to the LIGHT DUTY CYCLE Mainte nance Schedule
• At each 19 000 km (12,000 miles) interval for ve
hicles subject to the HEAVY DUTY CYCLE Mainte nance Schedule
For vehicles used for extensive off-road, 4WD
operation, the front wheel bearings should be in spected every 1 600 km (1,000 miles).
The bearings should be cleaned and re-packed
with a high temperature, multi-purpose EP lu
bricant whenever the disc brake rotors are re surfaced.
INSPECTION If the lubricant:
• Is not sufficient
• Contaminated with foreign particles
• Appears dry or has been contaminated with water
to produce a milky appearance, the bearings should
be cleaned and re-packed with lubricant.
CAUTION:
Do not add
lubricant
to the
wheel
bear
ings.
Re-pack completely. Mixing
of
different
types
of lubricants
in
wheel
bearings should
be
avoided.
This could possibly result
in
excessive thinning
and
leakage
of the
lubricant.
LUBRICATION (1) Discard the original seal.
(2) Clean the original lubricant from the bearings
and from the hub cavity (Figs. 2 and 3).
(3) Inspect the bearing rollers for indications of
pitting. Light bearing roller discoloration is consid ered normal. A wheel bearing must be replaced if any serious damage exists.
(4) Re-pack the bearings with a high temperature,
multi-purpose NLGI GC-LB lubricant. The use of a
bearing packer is recommended. A small amount of fresh lubricant also should be added to the hub cav ity.
BEARING INSTALLA TION/ADJUSTMENT (1) Install the hub/rotor (with inner bearing and
seal) on steering knuckle spindle.
(2) Install the outer bearing, the thrust washer
and the nut.
(3) Tighten wheel bearing nut to 27-34 N^m (240-
300 in. lbs.) torque while rotating hub/rotor. This
will seat the bearings.
(4) Loosen the nut 1/4 of-a-turn (90°), then tighten
it finger-tight.

0 - 30
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
— - •
Fig.
2 Front
Wheel
Bearing—2WD Vehicles
Fig.
3 Front
Wheel
&
Spindle
Bearings—4WD
Vehicles
(5) Position nut lock on the nut with one pair of
slots aligned with the cotter pin hole. Install the cot
ter pin.
(6) Install the dust cap and wheel/tire. Tighten the
wheel lug nuts to 115 N*m (85 ft. lbs.) torque. Install
the wheel cover.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATION
Use a high temperature, multi-purpose NLGI
GC-LB lubricant (MOPAR®Wheel Bearing Lubricant,
or an equivalent lubricant).
REAR
WHEEL BEARINGS
LUBRICATION
DANA
60
AND
70
AXLES
The rear wheel bearings for vehicles equipped with
a Dana 60 or 70 axle should be cleaned and re
packed whenever the rear brakes are serviced. Refer
to Group 3—Rear Axles for the service procedure.
CHRYSLER
AXLES
, Vehicles equipped with 8 3/8-inch and 9
1/4-inch
axles have axle shaft bearings instead of wheel bear
ings.
These bearings are lubricated by the axle hous
ing sump.
LOWER
AND UPPER
SUSPENSION
ARM
BUSHINGS
INSPECTION
SCHEDULE
The lower and upper suspension arm bushings
should be inspected each time the underside of the
vehicle is serviced.
INSPECTION
The lower suspension arm bushings can be visually
inspected by raising the vehicle on a hoist and in specting from underneath. The upper suspension arm
bushings can be inspected after removing the front wheels. If failure exists, replace the bushing (refer to Group 2—Front Suspension for the proper proce
dures).
The suspension arm bushings never should be
lubricated.
GUIDELINES
(1) Faulty bushings are detected by the bushing
being off-center in relation to the outer sleeve.
(2) Total failure is evident by excessive movement
within the bushing.
(3)
Small cracks in the outer, non-confined rubber
does not indicate failure of the rubber. '
POWER BRAKE SYSTEM
Vehicles are equipped with power disc brakes at
the front wheels and drum brakes at the rear wheels.
MASTER CYLINDER
FLUID
LEVEL INSPECTION
The brake fluid level should be inspected at the
same time as other underhood service is done (Fig.
4).
If necessary, add fluid to raise the level to the
bottom of the split rings. With disc-brakes, the fluid level can be expected to lower as the brake pads
wear. However, a low fluid level can also be caused
by a leak, and repair will then be necessary.

•
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
0 - 33 BODY LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
COMPONENT
SERVICE
INTERVAL
LUBRICANT
Door
Hinges
As
Required
Engine
Oil
Door
Latches
As
Required Multi-Purpose Grease
NLGI
GC-LB
(Water
Resistant)
(1)
Hood
Latch Release Mechanism
&
Safety Latch
As
Required
(When Performing Other Underhood Services) Multi-Purpose Grease
NLGI
GC-LB
2
EP
(2)
Hood
Hinges
As
Required
Engine
Oil
Seat Regulator
&
Track Release Mechanism
As
Required Multi-Purpose Grease
NLGI
GC-LB
2
EP
(2)
Tailgate Hinge
As
Required Multi-Purpose Grease
NLGI
GC-LB
2
EP
(2)
Tailgate Support Arms
As
Required
Engine
Oil
Tailgate Latches
As
Required
White
Spray Lubricant
(3)
Tailgate Release Handle (Pivot & Slide Contact Surfaces)
As
Required Multi-Purpose Grease
NLGI
GC-LB
2
EP
(2)
Window System Components (Regulators, Tracks,
Rods
&
Channel Areas — Except
Glass
Run Weatherstrips
and
Felt
Lubricator,
if
Equipped)
As
Required
White
Spray Lubricant
(3)
Lock
Cylinders Twice/Year
Lock
Cylinder Lubricant
(4)
Parking Brake Mechanism
As
Required Multi-Purpose Grease
NLGI
GC-LB
(1)
1.
Mopar
Wheel
Bearing Grease (High
Temperature)
2. Mopar Multi-Mileage Lubricant 3. Mopar Spray
White
Lube
4. Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant
J9200-58
SPEEDOMETER
CABLE
SERVICE INFORMATION Speedometer cable lubrication is not necessary. For
service information involving noisy or erratic cables,
refer to Group 8E—Instrument Panel and Gauges.

•
FRONT SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
2 - 1
CONTENTS
page
FRONT SUSPENSION—2WD VEHICLES
......
7
FRONT SUSPENSION—4WD VEHICLES
14
FRONT WHEEL
ALIGNMENT
...............
3
GENERAL INFORMATION
1
page
MODEL
44
FRONT AXLE
17
MODEL
80
FRONT AXLE
49
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
75
GENERAL
INFORMATION
FRONT SUSPENSION—2WD VEHICLES
All two-wheel drive (2WD)
Ram
Truck
and
Ram
charger vehicles
are
equipped with (Fig
1);
• Steering knuckles
• Stabilizer
bar
(optional) • Suspension arms
• Strut
rod
• Coil springs
• Dual-action shock absorbers
• Jounce bumpers (used
to
limit
the
travel
of the
suspension) The upper and lower suspension arms (Fig.
1)
have
replaceable bushings located
at the
inboard end.
Re
placeable ball studs
are
located
at
the
outboard end.
The lower suspension arms
are
equipped with ten sion-type ball studs. The upper suspension arms also
provide
for
caster
and
camber adjustments.
STABILIZER
BAR
J9102-67
Fig. 1 Front Suspension—2WD Vehicles
FRONT SUSPENSION—4WD VEHICLES
All four-wheel drive (4WD) Ram Truck
and
Ram
charger vehicles
are
equipped with (Fig
2);
• Leaf-springs (fixed-rate type)
• Dual-action shock absorbers • Stabilizer
bar
(optional)
• Jounce bumpers (used
to
limit
the
travel
of the
suspension)
Air-adjustable shock absorbers
are
installed
on
ve
hicles equipped with
the
Heavy Duty Snow Plow Package with
the
Diesel engine. Refer
to
the Own
ers Manual
for
additional information.
FRONT DRIVE AXLE The front axle
on 4WD Ram
Truck
and
Ram
charger vehicles
has a
hypoid gear differential.
Model
44
and
60
axles consists
of
an iron center cast
ing with axle shaft tubes extending from either side.
Ram Truck
and
Ramcharger vehicles equipped
for
standard duty 4WD operation use
the
Model
44
front
axle.
Vehicles equipped
for
heavy duty 4WD operation
use
a Model 60 front axle. The Model 60 front axle has lock
ing hubs that must
be
engaged
for
4WD operation.
The steel cover provides
a
means
for
service with
out removing
the
complete axle. A metal axle gear ratio identification
tag is at
tached
to the
housing cover
via one of the
cover
bolts.
This
tag
also identifies
the
number
of
ring and
pinion gear teeth.
IDENTIFICATION Model
44 and 60
axles have
the
assembly part
number
and
gear ratio listed
on a
tag. The
tag
is at
tached
to
the
left side
of
the housing cover (Fig.
3,
4).
Build date identification codes
on
axles
are
stamped
on
the
axle shaft tube cover side.
LUBRICANTS
Multi-purpose API
GL
5
quality hypoid gear lubri
cant should
be
used
for
front axles. MOPAR Hypoid Gear Lubricant conforms
to
these specifications. The axle
has a
fitting
for a
vent hose used
to re
lieve internal pressure. If the front axle
is
submerged
in
water,
the
lu
bricant must
be
replaced immediately.
FRONT
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE

2 - 4 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE
•
I
FRONT END
|
|*?£E;
LOOSE
OR WORN
FRONT WHEEL
BEARINGS
LOOSE
C
SHOCKS
MOUNTir
WAR
SHOCK
A )RWORN
JSORBER
nIG
HARD-
E
OR
BSORBER
EXCiSSIVE
PLAY
STEERING
LINKAGE
LOOSE
OR WORN
FRONT WHEEL
BEARINGS
LOOSE
C
STEERINC
SHAFT
C
)RWORN
7
COLUMN
OUPLING
DIFFICULT
STEERING
LOOSE
OR WORN
WHEEL BEARINGS
TIRE/V
OUT OF
f
VHEEL
JA
LANCE
LOW OR UNEVEN
TIRE
AIR
PRESSURE
LO(
WHEEL B
DSE
EARINGS
LOW OR UNEVEN
TIRE AIR
PRESSURE
1vsnciEi
I
1
PULLS
TO I
I
|
ONE SIDE
j
LOOSE,
WORN
OR
GLAZED
P/S PUMP BELT LOW OR UNEVEN
TIRE PRESSURE
WHILE BR
REFE
BRAKES
AKING—
R
TO
SERVICE
LOOSE
STEERING
GEAR-TO-FRAME
RAIL BOLTS
LOOSE
STEERING
GEAR-TO-FRAME
RAIL BOLTS UNEVEN TIRE TREAD
WEAR,
OR
EX
CESSIVELY
WORN TIRE TREAD
BROKEN
OR WEAK
REAR
SPRING LOW
POWER STEERING
FLUID
LEVEL
BROKEN
OR WEAK
REAR
SPRING
WORN
UPPER
SUSPENSION ARM BUSHINGS WORN TIE-
ROD
END
BALL
STUDS WORN TIE-
ROD
END
BALL
STUDS
SHOCK
ABSORBER
NOT FUNCTIONING
CORRECTLY
LACK
OF ASSIST
FROM POWER
STEERING
PUMP
LOOSE
OR WORN
SUSPENSION
BUSHINGS
WORN LOWER
SUSPENSION
ARM
PIVOT
BUSHINGS INCORRECT
STEERING
GEAR ADJUSTMENT
LOOSE
OR WORN
SUSPENSION
ARM
BUSHINGS
INCORRECT
STEERING
GEAR ADJUSTMENT
BALL
STUDS
REQUIRE
LUBRICATION INCORRECT FRONT
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (EITHER CASTER OR CAMBER)
LOOSE
LOWER
SUSPENSION
ARM
LOOSE
OR WORN
UPPER
SUSPENSION ARM BALL STUDS
LOOSE
OR WORN
SUSPENSION
ARM
BUSHINGS
STEERING
GEAR
LUBRICANT LEVEL LOW
WORN ISOLATOR
PAD
BETWEEN COIL
SPRING
AND
FRAME
BRACKET INCORRECT FRONT-
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (PARTICULARLY
CASTER)
INCORRECT FRONT
WHEEL ALIGNMENT INCORRECT
STEERING
GEAR ADJUSTMENT
STEERING
GEAR
MALFUNCTION
INCORRECT FRONT
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (PARTICULARLY
CASTER)
J9002-97
SUSPENSION AND STEERING
SYSTEM
DIAGNOSIS

•
FRONT
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
2 • 7
FRONT SUSPENSION
—2WD
VEHICLES
INDEX
page
Coil Springs
9
Lower Ball Stud
. 10
Lower Suspension
Arm 10
Lower Suspension
Arm
Bushing
11
Lower Suspension
Arm
Strut
8
Service
Information
7
Shock
Absorber
9
page
Stabilizer
Bar 8
Steering Knuckle
13
Upper Ball Stud
11
Upper Suspension
Arm 11
Upper Suspension
Arm
Bushing Replacement
. . . 12
Wheel
Hub and
Bearings
7
SERVICE
INFORMATION
Periodic lubrication of the front suspension (steer
ing) system components is required. Refer to Group 0, Lubrication And Maintenance for the service in
terval.
Rubber bushings must never be lubricated.
All front suspension components that are
cushioned by rubber should be tightened with
the suspension system at the normal height.
WHEEL
HUB
AND
BEARINGS
REMOVAL (1) Block the brake pedal in the up (non-depressed)
position.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the wheel.
(4) Remove bolts from the disc brake caliper.
(5) Separate the disc brake caliper from the rotor.
Position and support the caliper away from the im
mediate work area. Do not allow the caliper to
hang from the brake fluid hose.
(6) Remove the dust cap, cotter pin, and remaining
hub components from the spindle (Fig. 1).
CAUTION:
Use care
to
prevent
the
inner wheel bear
ing
and
bearing seal from contacting
the
steering
knuckle spindle threads during removal
(Fig. 1).
Otherwise,
the
threads, bearing,
and
seal could
all
be damaged.
(7) Carefully slide the wheel hub/rotor from steer
ing knuckle spindle (Fig. 1).
(8) For bearing cleaning or replacement, remove
the seal and inner wheel bearing from the wheel
hub/rotor bore (Fig. 1).
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (1) Thoroughly clean both wheel bearings and in
terior of the hub/rotor (Fig. 1). Remove all of the residual lubricant.
(2) To clean the bearings:
• Soak them in an appropriate cleaning solvent
BRAKE
INNER
Fig.
1 Front
Wheel
Bearings
&
Hub/Rotor
• Strike the flat of each bearing against a hardwood
block several times • Flush bearing between strikes
• Repeat the procedure above until each bearing is
clean
• Dry the bearings with compressed air but do not spin them
(3) After cleaning, apply engine oil to each bear
ing. (4) Rotate each bearing slowly while applying
downward force. Examine the rollers for pitting and
roughness. Replace worn or otherwise defective bear
ings.
If a bearing has pitted and/or rough surfaced
rollers, replace both the bearing and bearing cup (Fig. 1).
(5) If reusable, remove the engine oil from each
bearing. Pack each bearing with multi-purpose NLGI, grade 2, EP-type lubricant. Place the bearings
in a clean, safe place.
Ensure that lubricant is forced into all the cav
ities between the bearing cage and rollers.

•
Fig.
11 Upper Suspension Arm Bushing installation
STEERING KNUCKLE
REMOVAL
(1) Block the brake pedal in the up position. Raise
the vehicle and remove the wheel cover and wheel/
tire.
Remove the brake caliper, refer to Group 5,
Brakes. (2) Remove the brake rotor from the spindle. Refer
to Wheel Hub and Bearings service procedures
within this Group.
(3) Remove the brake splash shield. Remove and
discard the dust seal.
(4) Remove the cotter pin and the nut from the tie-
rod end ball stud.
(5)
Install Puller Tool C-3894A (Fig. 12) and apply
sufficient force with the tool to loosen the tie-rod end
ball stud from the steering knuckle arm bore.
Fig.
12 Tie-Rod End
Ball
Stud
Removal
FRONT SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
2 - 13
Fig.
13 Steering
Knuckle
(16) Remove the brake adapter and steering
knuckle bolts from the steering knuckle. Separate
the components.
INSTALLATION (1) Install the brake adaptor on the steering
knuckle. Tighten the bolts to 136 Nnn (100 ft-lbs)
torque.
(2) Align the steering knuckle arm bolt holes with
the steering knuckle bolt holes. Install the bolts and
tighten to 291 Nnn (215 ft-lbs) torque. (6) Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle,
refer to the removal procedures. (7) Install Spring Compressor Tool DD-1278 in the
spring (Fig. 5). Tighten the nut finger-tight, and
then loosen the nut 1/2 of-a-turn.
(8) Remove the cotter pins and the lower and up
per ball stud nuts at the steering knuckle.
(9) Install Ball Stud Loosening Tool C-3564-A on
the lower ball stud (Fig. 4). Turn the threaded por
tion of the tool and lock the tool securely against the lower stud (Fig. 5). Expand the tool enough to place
force on the lower ball stud. Strike the steering
knuckle sharply with a hammer to loosen the stud.
Do not attempt to force the stud out of the steer
ing knuckle with the loosening tool.
(10) Remove the loosening tool and remove the
lower ball stud from the steering knuckle bore with an appropriate tool.
(11) Reverse the position of Ball Stud Loosening
Tool C-3564-A, and remove the upper ball stud.
(12) Remove the loosening tool.
(13) Remove the upper ball stud from the steering
knuckle bore with an appropriate tool. (14) Slowly loosen the coil spring compressor tool
(Fig. 5) until all tension is relieved from the spring.
(15) Separate the steering knuckle and the steer
ing knuckle arm from the ball studs (Fig. 13).