Page 49 of 1502

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.
Page 50 of 1502

•
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
0 - 31
Fig. 4 Master Cylinder Fluid Level
FLUID
SPECIFICATION
Power brake systems require MOP AR®Heavy-D uty
Brake Fluid, or an equivalent product identified with
FMVSS No. 116, DOT-3 and SAE J-1703 Standard designations. Use fresh brake fluid only when adding fluid to the
reservoir. Never use reclaimed fluid, fluid that does not conform to the DOT/SAE Standards, or fluid from a container that has been left open.
CAUTION:
Use of a
brake fluid that
has a
lower ini
tial
boiling point then specified
by
FMVSS
No. 116
or
DOT 3
could result
in
sudden brake failure dur
ing
hard, prolonged braking.
CAUTION:
Do not
allow petroleum base
fluids
to
contaminate
the
brake fluid. Seal damage
will
re
sult.
BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION (1) Inspect the brake pads and linings for excessive
wear, cracks and broken rivets.
(2) Inspect brake pads and linings for contamina
tion with brake fluid, axle lubricant and/or other flu
ids.
(3) Replace the front brake pads and the rear
brake linings if they are worn to within 0.78 mm (1/32 in) of a rivet head.
(4) Operate the rear brake self-adjuster lever and
pivot. Test the operation of the self-adjuster screw for ease of movement. (5) Inspect the self-adjuster components for frayed
cables, loose or overheated springs, and a binding
condition.
(6) Inspect the caliper dust boots for damage/tears
and indications of brake fluid leakage. Inspect the
bushings and pins for corrosion, tears and a binding condition.
(7) Inspect the rear wheel cylinder dust boots for
fluid leaks. Inspect the pistons and cylinder bores for
proper appearance. (8) Inspect the brake differential warning valve
and housing for indications of leakage, kinked hoses and loose fittings.
BRAKE
FLUID
HOSES/TUBING
The rubber brake fluid hoses should be inspected
for:
• Correct length
• Severe surface cracking
• Swelling
• Pulling
• Scuffing
• Excessively worn areas If the hose fabric casing is exposed either by
cracks or abrasions in the rubber cover, the
hose should be replaced.
Faulty brake fluid hose installation can cause
twisting, and wheel/tire or chassis interference.
(1) Inspect all the hoses for kinks, a distorted con
dition and fluid leakage. (2) Inspect the hose and tubing routing under the
vehicle. Verify that no hose/tubing is rubbing against any exhaust system or other underbody components.
PARKING
BRAKE
LUBRICATION
The pivot and sliding contact areas of the parking
brake ratio lever should be lubricated to maintain ease of operation (Fig. 5).
(1) Apply MOPAR®Spray White Lube or equiva
lent to the sliding contact areas.
(2) Lubricate the control lever pivot areas with en
gine oil.
PARKING
BRAKE
FUNCTIONAL
TEST
AND
INSPECTION
(1) Engage the parking brake pedal and then re
lease it. (2) Test it for smooth operation and vehicle-hold
ing capability.
(3) Inspect the parking brake cables for kinks,
fraying and a binding condition. (4) With the parking brake released, the rear
wheels should rotate without restriction. Adjust the
parking brake cable tension, if necessary.
(5) Repair any parking brake malfunctions.
BRAKE OPERATIONAL TEST (1) Drive the vehicle and test for proper brake ac
tion.
Page 51 of 1502

0
- 32
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
•
Fig.
5 Parking Brake Ratio Lever Lubrication (2) Note any indication of brake overheating,
wheel dragging or the vehicle pulling to one side.
(3) Evaluate any performance complaints received
from the owner/operator. (4) Repair the brake system as necessary (refer to
Group 5—Brakes for additional information and ser
vice procedures).
BODY
COMPONENT
MECHANISMS
LUBRICATION REQUIREMENTS
All operating mechanisms and linkages should be
lubricated when necessary. This will maintain ease of operation and provide protection against rust and
excessive wear. The door weatherstrip seals should
be lubricated to prolong their life as well as to im prove door sealing.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
All applicable exterior and interior vehicle operat
ing mechanisms should be:
• Inspected • Cleaned
• All the pivoting/sliding contact areas on the mech anisms should then be lubricated.
MOPAR®Multi-Mileage Lubricant or an equiva
lent, should be used to lubricate the mechanisms.
The door weatherstrip seals should be lubricated
with silicone lubricant spray. Refer to the Body Lu
bricant Specifications chart below for additional lu
bricant applications.
LUBRICATION
(1) When necessary, lubricate the cab and cargo
box operating mechanisms with the specified lubri
cants.
(2) Apply silicone lubricant to a cloth and wipe it
on door seals to avoid over-spray that can soil pas
senger clothing. (3) Before applying lubricant, the component
should be wiped clean. After lubrication, any excess
lubricant should be removed.
(4) The hood latch, latch release mechanism, latch
striker and safety latch should be lubricated periodi
cally.
(5) The door lock cylinders should be lubricated 2
times each year (preferably autumn and spring): • Spray a small amount of lock cylinder lubricant di
rectly into the lock cylinder
• Apply a small amount to the key and insert it into
the lock cylinder • Rotate it to the locked position and then back to
the unlocked position several times
• Remove the key. Wipe the lubricant from it with a
clean cloth to avoid soiling of clothing.
TIRES
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The condition of the tires should be inspected. The
inflation pressures tested/corrected at the same time as the engine oil is changed and the oil filter is re
placed.
The tires/wheels should be rotated periodically to
ensure even tread wear. The tires/wheels should be
rotated at the first 12 000 km (7,500-miles) interval.
Thereafter, at each 24 000 km (15,000-miles) inter
val.
INSPECTION
Inspect the tires for excessive wear, damage. Test
the tires for the recommended inflation pressure and adjust the pressure accordingly. Refer to the tire in
flation pressure decal located on the left door face. Also to Group 22—Tires And Wheels for tire pressure charts, tire replacement, and treadwear indica
tors.
ROTATION
Tires/wheels should be rotated according to the rec
ommended interval. The first tire/wheel rotation is
the most important for establishing the prevention of uneven tread wear. After rotation, adjust the tire in
flation pressure to the air pressure recommended on
the decal located on the left door face.
Refer to Group 22—Tires And Wheels for the rec
ommended method of tire/wheel rotation.
HEADLAMPS
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Every six months check the headlamp beams to en
sure that the headlamp beams are correctly posi
tioned.
AIM
ADJUSTMENT
Refer to Group 8L—Lamps for headlamp aim ad
justment procedures.
Page 52 of 1502

•
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.
Page 53 of 1502
Page 54 of 1502

•
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
Page 55 of 1502
2 - 2
FRONT
SUSPENSION AND
AXLE
•
Page 56 of 1502

FRONT SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
2 - 3
FRONT
WHEEL
ALIGNMENT
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Front wheel alignment involves
the
correct posi
tioning
of the
tire contact patch
in
relation
to the
pavement.
The
positioning
is
accomplished through
the suspension
and
steering linkage adjustments.
An
alignment
is
essential
for
efficient steering
and
direc
tional stability.
The
most important factors
of
front
end alignment
are
camber, caster
and toe
position. Routine inspection
of
the front
suspension
and
steering components
is a
good
preventative
maintenance practice.
Inspection
also
helps
to
ensure
safe operation
of the
vehicle.
• CAMBER
is the
number
of
degrees
the top of the
wheel
is
tilted either inward
or
outward.
An
excessive
negative camber angle will cause tread wear
at the in
side
of
the tire.
An
excessive positive camber angle will
cause tread wear
at the
outside
of
the tire (Fig.
1),
• CASTER
is the
number
of
degrees
of
forward
or
rearward tilt
of the
steering knuckles. Forward tilt
provides
a
negative caster angle. Rearward tilt pro vides
a
positive caster angle
(Fig. 1).
• WHEEL
TOE
POSITION
is the
difference between
the leading
and
trailing inside edges
of the
front
tires (Fig.
1).
Incorrect wheel
toe
position
is the
most common cause
of
unstable steering
and
steering wheel off-center.
The
wheel
toe
position
is the
final
front wheel alignment adjustment. • STEERING AXIS INCLINATION ANGLE
is
mea
sured
in
degrees
and is the
angle that
the
steering
knuckles
are
tilted (Fig. 1).
The
inclination angle
has
a fixed relationship with
the
camber angle. This will
not change except when
a
spindle
or
ball stud
is
damaged
or
bent.
The
angle
is not
adjustable
and the
damaged component(s) must
be
replaced
to
correct
mis-alignment.
CAUTION:
Do not
attempt to modify
any
suspension
or steering
component
by
heating
and
bending.
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Before starting
a
front wheel alignment,
the
follow
ing inspection
and
necessary corrections must
be
completed.
(1)
Tires with
the
same recommended
air
pressure,
size,
and
tread wear. Refer
to
Group
22,
Wheels
and
Tires
for
diagnosis information. (2) Front wheel bearings
for
wear
or
adjustment.
(3) Ball studs
and
linkage pivot points, steering
gear
for
looseness, roughness, binding
or a
sticking
condition. Refer
to
Group
19,
Steering
for
additional information.
CASTER
POSITIVE CASTER
STEERING
WHEEL CENTER
i 0.5
CCW
0
5
CW
CCW
=
COUNTER CLOCKWISE
CW
-
CLOCKWISE
CAMBER
NEGATIVE CAMBER (SHOWN)
TOP
OF
WHEEL INBOARD
POSITIVE CAMBER
(NOT
SHOWN)
TOP
OF
WHEEL OUTBOARD
NOMINAL-PREFERRED
THE NOMINAL VALUE
IS
THE
PREFERRED
VALUE
LEFT/RIGHT
DIFFERENCE
THE VALUE
Of
THE LEFT SIDE
MINUS THE VALUE
OF
THE
RIGHT SIDE
EX.
If
FT CASTER
- +6 5
RIGHT
CASTER
»
+8.0
LEFT/RIGHT DIFFERENCE
65 8.0
=
1
5
TOE
NEGATIVE TOE (TOE
OUT)
B>A
POSITIVE TOE (TOE
IN) 6
FRONT
Of
VEHICLE
ft
THRUST
ANGLE
ANGLE
OF
REAR
AXLE RELATIVE
TO
VEHICLE CENTERUNE
(+)
AXLE POINTS LEFT
(-)
AXLE POINTS RIGHT
PRODUCTION
TOLERANCE
THE RANGE
Of
ACCEPTABLE
VALUES
AROUND THE NOMINAL
-
PREFERRED PRODUCTION
+6.5A7.5
PREFERRED:
+7.0
TOLERANCE:
0.5
J9302-61
Fig.
1
Wheel
Alignment
Measurements