1993 DODGE TRUCK air suspension

GROUP TAB LOCATOR

Introduction

0
Lubrication
and
Maintenance
2
Front Suspension
and
Axle

3
Rear Suspension
and
Axles

5
Brakes

6
Clutch
7
Cooling System

8
Electrical

9
Engines
11
Exhaust System
and
Intake
Manifold

13
Frame
and Bumpers

14
Fuel
System

16
Propeller Shafts

19
Steering

21
Transmission
and
Transfer Case

22
Wheels and Tires

23
Body Components

24
Heating
and Air
Conditioning

25
Emission Control Systems Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms (Rear
of
Manual)

0 - 2
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE

• Commercial service
When a vehicle is continuously subjected to severe
driving conditions, lubricate:
• Body components
• All the driveline coupling joints
• Steering linkage More often than normal driving conditions

DUSTY
AREAS
With this type of severe driving condition, special
care should be given to the:
• Engine air cleaner filter
• PCV filter
• Crankcase ventilation system
• Brake booster control valve air filter. Verify that the filters and the associated compo­
nents are clean. Also verify that they are functioning
effectively. This will minimize the amount of abra­ sive particles that enter the engine.

OFF-ROAD
(4WD)
OPERATION
After off-road (4WD) operation, inspect the under­
side of the vehicle. Inspect the:
• Tires
• Body structure
• Steering components
• Suspension components • Exhaust system
• Threaded fasteners

HARSH
SURFACE ENVIRONMENTS
After extended operation in harsh environments,
the brake drums, brake linings, and rear wheel bear­ ings should be inspected and cleaned. This will pre­
vent wear and erratic brake action.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
The following routine maintenance is recommended
on a monthly basis: TIRES—Inspect the tires for unusual wear/damage.
Determine if the inflation pressure is adequate for
the vehicle load. BATTERY—Inspect and clean the terminals.
Tighten the terminals if necessary. FLUIDS—Determine if the component fluid levels
are acceptable. Add fluid, if necessary. LIGHTS/ELECTRICAL—Test all the electrical sys­
tems in the vehicle for proper operation. It is also recommended that the engine oil and the
washer fluid level be determined at each fuel fill-up.

VEHICLE
NOISE CONTROL
Vehicles with a GVWR of 4 535 kg (10,000 lbs), or
more, are required to comply with Federal Exterior Noise Regulations (Fig. 2).
VEHICLE
NOISE
EMISSION
CONTROL INFORMATION

DATE
OF
VEHICLE
MANUFACTURE

THIS
VEHICLE CONFORMS
TO
U.S. EPA REGULATIONS FOR NOISE EMISSION

APPLICABLE
TO
MEDIUM
AND HEAVY
DUTY
TRUCKS. THE
FOLLOWING
ACTS OR THE CAUSING THEREOF BY ANY PERSON ARE PROHIBITED BY THE NOISE CONTROL ACT
OF 1972. (A) THE
REMOVAL
OR

RENDERING
INOPERATIVE, OTHER
THAN
FOR
PURPOSES
OF
MAINTENANCE,
REPAIR.
OR REPLACEMENT, OF ANY NOISE CONTROL DEVICE OR ELEMENT OF
DESIGN
(LISTED
IN
THE
OWNERS
MANUAL)
INCORPORATED
INTO
THIS
VEHICLE
IN COMPLIANCE
WITH
THE NOISE CONTROL
ACT:
(B) THE
USE
OF
THIS
VEHICLE
AFTER SUCH DEVICE
OR
ELEMENT
OF
DESIGN HAS BEEN REMOVED
OR
RENDERED
INOPERATIVE.

PU626D

Fig.
2 Vehicle
Noise
Emission
Control Information
Label

UNAUTHORIZED
DEFEAT
OF
NOISE
CONTROL COMPONENTS
Federal law prohibits removal, altering or other­
wise defeating any noise control component. This in­
cludes before or after the vehicle is in use. Federal
law also prohibits the use of a vehicle after a noise
control component is defeated.

REQUIRED MAINTENANCE/SERVICE
FOR
NOISE
CONTROL

The following maintenance is required after each
6-month or 9 600 km (6,000 miles) interval. This will
ensure that the vehicle noise control components are
operating properly.

EXHAUST SYSTEM
Inspect exhaust system for exhaust leaks and dam­
aged components. The exhaust hangers, clamps and
U-bolts should be attached and in good condition.
Burned or ruptured mufflers, damaged exhaust pipes should be replaced. Refer to Group 11—Exhaust Sys­
tem/Intake Manifold for service information.

AIR
FILTER
HOUSING/CANISTER
Inspect the air filter assembly for proper fit. Verify
the cover is securely attached to the housing/canis­
ter. Inspect all the air filter housing hoses for con­ nections. The gasket between the air filter housing and throttle body must be in good condition. The air
filter element should be clean and serviced according
to the maintenance schedule.

FUEL
REQUIREMENTS
GASOLINE
ENGINES
All engines require the use of unleaded gasoline to
reduce the effects of lead to the environment. Also unleaded fuel is necessary to prevent damage to the
catalytic converter/02 sensor. The fuel must have a
minimum octane rating of 87 based on the (R + M)/2
calculation method.

0 - 4
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE

COMPONENTS
REQUIRING
NO
LUBRICATION

There are many components that should not be lu­
bricated. The components that should not be lubri­ cated are: • Air pumps
• Generator bearings
• Brake booster cylinder • Clutch release bearings
• Distributors
• Drive belts • Drive belt idler pulleys • Drive shaft center bearings
• Idler arms • Rubber bushings
• Starter motor bearings • Suspension strut bearings
• Rear spring shackle bolts • Rear wheel bearings (not equipped with a Dana
or 70 axle)
• Throttle control cables
• Throttle linkage ball joints • Water pump bearings

0 - 12
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE

• A vehicle equipped with SAE approved sling-type
towing equipment can be used (Fig. 10). However,
many vehicles are equipped with air dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. In this case a wheel-lift
towing vehicle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recom­ mended (Fig. 10). If a flat bed device is used, the ap­
proach angle should not exceed 15 degrees.
GROUND CLEARANCE The lifted wheels of the disabled vehicle should be
a minimum of 10 cm (4 in.) off the ground. Make
sure there is enough clearance at the opposite end.
This is critical when towing over rough terrain. If necessary, the rear ground clearance can be in­creased by removing the wheels from the lifted end
and then towing with the lifted end closer to the
ground. If the rear wheels are removed, secure the
brake drums. A 20 cm (8 in.) ground clearance must
be maintained between brake drums or rotors and the ground.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The following safety precautions must be consid­
ered when preparing for and during a vehicle towing operation:
• Remove exhaust pipe tips that interfere with the
tow sling and crossbar • Padding should be placed between the tow sling/
crossbar and any painted surfaces
• If the vehicle is damaged, secure the loose and pro­
truding parts
• Always use a safety chain system that is indepen­ dent of the lifting and towing equipment
• When placing tow hooks on the rear axle, position them so they do not damage the brake tubing or
hoses
• Do not allow any of the towing equipment to con­
tact the fuel tank
• Do not tow the vehicle by connecting to the front
or rear shock absorbers
• The operator should not go under a vehicle while
it is lifted by the towing equipment. The vehicle
should first be supported by safety stands
• Do not allow passengers in a vehicle being towed
• Observe all state and local laws involving warning signals, night illumination, speed, etc.
• Do not exceed a towing speed of 48 km/h (30 mph)
• Avoid towing distances of more than 24 km (15
miles) whenever possible • Do not attach tow chains or a tow sling to a
bumper, the steering linkage, the universal joints, or a drive shaft
REAR-END RAISED TOWING It is recommended that the rear-end raised towing
method be used. Vehicles can be towed with the front
wheels on the ground for extended distances at speeds not exceeding 48 km/h (30 mph) (Fig. 11). (1) Attach the J-hooks around the axle shaft tubes
outboard of the rear springs. (2) Position and center the sling under and for­
ward of the rear bumper. (3) Attach safety chains (with pads) at each end of
the rear bumper.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel. (5) Clamp the steering wheel with the front wheels
in the straight ahead position.

CAUTION:
Do not use the steering
column
lock
to

secure
front
wheel
in the straight-ahead
position.

(6) Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.

POSITION CENTER BAR FORWARD
OF
BUMPER
-
/
J-HOOKS OUTBOARD
OF
SPRINGS
RN967A

Fig. 11 Rear-End
Raised
Towing
FRONT'END RAISED TOWING If a vehicle cannot be towed from the rear, the
front-end raised towing method normally can be
used (Fig. 12). (1) Center the sling with the bumper and position
it at the frame front crossmember.

CAUTION:
Use tow
chains
with
J-hooks
for
con­
necting
to the
disabled
vehicle's
lower
suspension
arms.
Never use
T-hooks.

(2) Route the J-hooks and tow chains over the
steering linkage outboard of the coil spring.
(3) Attach the J-hooks to the outer end of the
lower suspension arms.
(4) Raise the vehicle.
(5.) Attach the safety chains to the disabled vehicle
at the frame rails.
Vehicles equipped with a MANUAL TRANSMIS­
SION can be towed with the rear wheels on the

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.

•

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

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

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