
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
0-11
J
DRIVE-ON
HOIST
I
FRAME
CONTACT
HOIST
TWIN
POST
CHASSIS
HOIST
FLOOR
JACK
RROOD30
Fig.
8 Correct Vehicle Lifting
Locations
An axle tube
A body side sill
A steering linkage component
A drive shaft
The engine or transmission oil pan
The fuel tank
• A front suspension arm Use the correct frame rail lifting locations only
(Fig. 8).
HOIST A vehicle can be lifted with:
• A single-post, frame-contact hoist
• A twin-post, chassis hoist
• A ramp-type, drive-on hoist
When a frame-contact type hoist is used, verify
that the lifting pads are positioned properly (Fig. 8).
WARNING:
WHEN
A
SERVICE
PROCEDURE
RE
QUIRES
THE
REMOVAL
OF
THE
REAR
AXLE,
FUEL
TANK,
OR
SPARE
TIRE,
EITHER:
• PLACE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT ON THE REAR
END OF THE VEHICLE
« ATTACH THE VEHICLE TO THE HOIST
« PLACE JACK STANDS UNDER THE VEHICLE
FOR SUPPORT TO PREVENT TIPPING WHEN
THE CENTER OF BALANCE CHANGES
4WD VEHICLES A standard hoist can be used to lift a 4WD vehicle.
The hoist should be inspected for adequate clearance. The lift arms, pads or ramps should be adjusted to
ensure that there is adequate clearance (Fig. 9).
ADJUSTMENT
PAD
ii 7
MAINTAIN
CLEARANCE
HOIST
ARM
RK44
Fig.
9 Lifting 4WD Vehicle
With
Single-Post
Hoist—
Typical
When a twin-post hoist is used, a 4 x 4 x 12-inch
wood spacer also could be required. Place the wood spacer under the front axle (opposite the differential
housing). This will maintain balance and level lift ing.
CAUTION:
The
block
that
is
used must
be
secured in
a
safe manner. This
will
ensure
that
it
will
not un
balance
the
vehicle.
VEHICLE
TOWING
RECOMMENDATIONS
When it is necessary to tow a Ram Truck, the rec
ommended method is either:
• the sling-type, rear-end raised towing method; or
• the wheel-lift towing method with a tow dolly lo
cated under the front wheels. A vehicle with flat-bed hauling equipment can also
be used to transport a disabled vehicle.
SLING-TYPE
FLAT
BED
RR0OD29
Fig.
10 Tow Vehicles
With
Approved
Equipment

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

•
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
0 - 13 ground. Do not exceed speeds of 48 km/h (30 mph) or
a distance of 24 km (15 miles). The transmission
must be in neutral.
Front-end raised towing for a vehicle equipped
with an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION is not rec ommended.
CAUTION:lt
is not
recommended
to
flat
tow a
vehi
cle.
LOCKED
VEHICLE
TOWING
When a locked vehicle must be towed, use a tow
dolly or flat bed hauler.
POSITION
CENTER
BAR
AND
WOOD
BEAM
BEHIND
BUMPER
AND
AHEAD
OF
STRUTS
TO
SUPPORT
CHAINS CLEAR
OF
SWAY
BAR RN966
Fig.
12 Front-End
Raised
Towing—Typical

0 - 14
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
•
ENGINE
MAINTENANCE
INDEX
page
Air
Injection
Systems/Air Pump
. 17
Air-Conditioner
Compressor
21
Battery
19
Cooling System
15
Crankcase
Ventilation
System
17
Diesel Engine
Air Filter
Canister
17
Drive Belts
20
Engine
Air
Cleaner
Filter
Element
16
Engine Break-In
14
Engine
Oil 14
Engine
Oil
Change
and Filter
Replacement
15
Exhaust Gas
Recirculation
(EGR) System
...... 19
page
Exhaust
Manifold
Heat
Control
Valve
. 17
Exhaust System
, 21
Fuel System
18
Hoses
and
Fittings
16
Ignition
Cables,
Distributor
Cap and
Rotor
...... 19
Ignition
Timing
. 19
Oxygen
(02)
Sensor
19
Rubber/Plastic Components
20
Spark Plugs
. 19
Throttle
Control
Linkage
18
Vacuum Operated, Emission
Control
Components
19
ENGINE BREAK-IN
After first starting a new engine, allow it to idle
for 15 seconds before shifting into a drive gear. Also:
• Drive the vehicle at varying speeds less than 88
km/h (55 mph) for the first 480 km (300 miles).
• Avoid fast acceleration and sudden stops.
• Do not drive at full-throttle for extended periods of
time
• Do not drive at constant speeds
• Do not idle the engine excessively A special break-in engine oil is not required. The
original engine oil installed is a high quality lubri
cant. New engines tend to consume more fuel and oil un
til after the break-in period has ended.
ENGINE
OIL SPECIFICATIONS
API SERWICE
GRADE
Use an engine oil that conforms to API Service
Grade S5 SG/CD or SG/CE. MOPAR®provides engine
oils that conform to all of these service grades.
SULFATED ASH—DIESEL ENGINES
Oils that contain an excessive amount of sulfated
ash can cause deposits to develop on Diesel engine
valves. These deposits can result in valve wear.
SAE
WISC0SITY
An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the vis
cosity of engine oil. SAE 30 specifies a single viscos
ity engine oil.
Engine oils also have multiple viscosities. 10W-30
<
5W-30
1
1 1
F
-20 0 10 20 32 60 80 100
C
-29 -18 -12 -7 0 16 27 38
ANTICIPATED
TEMPERATURE RANGE BEFORE
NEXT
OIL
CHANGE
J9000-39
Fig.
1 Temperature/Engine Oil Viscosity—Gasoline
Engines
-12°C
-18°C 10°F
0°F- 15W-40
-23°c(^-10eF
I
10W-30
WITH
WITHOUT
BLOCK HEATER
BLOCK
SYNTHETIC
OIL
HEATER
10W-30 5W-30
J9100-29
Fig.
2 Temperature/Engine Oil Viscosity—Diesel
Engines
ENERGY
G0NSERWING
OIL
An Energy Conserving type oil is recommended for
gasoline engines. They are designated as either EN
ERGY CONSERVING or ENERGY CONSERVING
II.
OIL
LEVEL
INDICATOR (DIPSTICK)
GASOLINE ENGINES
The engine oil indicator is located at the right
front of the engine.

•
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
0 - 15
DIESEL
ENGINES
The Diesel engine oil level indicator is located at
the left center of the engine, above the
fuel
injection
pump (Fig. 3).
Fig.
3
Diesel
Engine
Oil
Dipstick
ACCEPTABLE
OIL
LEVEL
To maintain proper lubrication of an engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at an acceptable level.
For gasoline engines, the acceptable levels are indi cated between the ADD and
FULL
marks on oil
dip
stick. For Diesel engines, the acceptable levels are
indicated between the L (low) and H
(high) marks
on
oil dipstick. The oil level should be checked periodically. The
vehicle should be on a level surface. Wait for
five
minutes after stopping the engine. For gasoline en
gines,
add oil only when the level indicated on the
dipstick is at or below the ADD mark. For Diesel en
gines,
add oil only when the level indicated on the
dipstick is between the L and H marks.
Never oper
ate a Diesel
engine when
the oil
level
is below
the L mark. The distance between the L and H
marks represents 1.9L (2 Qts) engine oil.
CAUTION:
Do not
overfill
an
engine crankcase
with
oil. This
will
cause
oil
aeration
and
result
in a de
crease
in the
engine
oil
pressure.
ENGINE
OIL
CHANGE AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
WARNING: PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
AND
GLOVES SHOULD
BE
WORN. EXPOSED SKIN SHOULD
BE
WASHED
WITH
SOAP
AND
WATER
TO
REMOVE
USED
ENGINE
OIL.
DO NOT
USE
GASOLINE, THIN
NER,
OR
SOLVENTS
TO
REMOVE ENGINE
OIL
FROM
SKIN.
DO NOT
POLLUTE. DISPOSE
OF
USED
ENGINE
OIL
PROPERLY.
ENGINE
OIL
FILTER
All engines are equipped with a throw-away type
oil filter. The same type of filter is recommended
when the filter is changed.
OIL CHANGE
AND
FILTER
REPLACEMENT
Bring engine up to normal operating temperature.
A more complete drainage of oil will result.
(1) Remove the drain hole plug and drain the en
gine oil from the crankcase.
(2) Install the drain hole plug with a replacement
gasket. For gasoline engines, the oil filter should be
replaced during every second engine oil change.
For Diesel engines, the oil filter should be re
placed during every engine oil change.
(3) Rotate the oil filter counterclockwise to remove
it.
(4) Clean the engine cylinder block oil filter boss. (5) Apply a light coat of new engine oil to the rub
ber seal on the oil filter.
(6) Install and hand tighten the oil filter 1/2 to 3/4
of a turn clockwise. (7) Add new engine oil at the fill hole location on
top of the engine cylinder head cover. Wipe off any spilled oil.
(8) Observe the oil level on the dipstick.
CAUTION:
Do not
overfill
the
engine crankcase
with
oil.
(9)
Start the engine. Observe the oil pressure
gauge or warning lamp (as applicable). If the oil
pressure does not increase, stop the engine immedi ately. Check oil level.
COOLING SYSTEM
WARNING:
USE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
THE
ENGINE
IS
OPERATING.
DO NOT PUT
YOUR
HANDS NEAR
THE
DRIVE BELT(S), PULLEYS
OR
FAN BLADE.
DO NOT
STAND
IN A
DIRECT LINE
WITH
THE FAN
BLADE.
INSPECTION SCHEDULE
Determine the coolant level. Inspect the cooling
system hoses/clamps after each service interval has
elapsed.
COOLANT LEVEL
It is recommended that the engine coolant level be
inspected at least once a month during periods of hot
weather.
With the engine at normal operating temperature,
check the coolant level in the coolant reserve tank.
The coolant level must be at least above the ADD mark. Add coolant to the coolant reserve tank only.

0-18
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
•
COOLANT FREEZE PROTECTION
Cooling systems contain a 50/50 mixture of anti
freeze (ethylene glycol) and distilled water. This is
the recommended coolant mixture.
It is recommended that the degree of coolant pro
tection be tested every 12 months. If the coolant is
contaminated or rusty, the cooling system should be
drained, flushed. Refill with a 50/50 mixture of fresh
coolant. Refer to Group 7—Cooling Systems for addi
tional information.
SYSTEM
INSPECTION
WARNING:
IF THE
ENGINE
HAS
BEEN RECENTLY
OPERATED,
DO NOT
REMOVE
THE
RADIATOR
CAP.
THIS WILL AVOID
YOU
BEING SCALDED
WITH
HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT.
(1) Test the radiator cap for proper sealing and op
eration. Use caution when removing the radiator cap
to avoid contact with hot coolant. Place a heavy rag
or towel over the cap and turn to the first stop. Do
not press down. Pause to allow the pressure to re
lease through the overflow tube. Then press down
and turn counterclockwise to remove the cap.
(2) Inspect the coolant overflow tubing and the
connections at the coolant reserve tank and at the
radiator.
(3) Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. A
black-light detector can be used as an aid in detect ing the source of coolant leaks.
(4) Inspect the radiator and air conditioner con
denser fins for debris, etc. (5) If necessary, refer to Group 7—Cooling Systems
for additional information and service procedures.
RADIATOR CAP
The radiator cap must be completely tightened to
provide proper pressure. Inspect and test radiator cap
when cooling system service is performed.
MAIN,
FLUSH
AND
FILL
WARNING: ANTI-FREEZE (ETHYLENE GLYCOL)
IS
POISONOUS.
KEEP
OUT OF THE
REACH
OF
CHIL
DREN.
Drain, flush, and fill the cooling system at the in
terval specified in maintenance schedule. For proper service instructions see Group 7, Cooling System.
HOSES AND
FITTINGS
It is recommended that rubber hoses be periodi
cally inspected. Inspect all hose fittings for looseness and corrosion.
ENGINE
AIR
CLEANER
FILTER
ELEMENT
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
With normal driving conditions, the engine air
cleaner filter element should be replaced:
• Light-Duty Cycle-after each 48 000 km (30,000
miles) interval has elapsed
• Heavy-Duty Cycle-after
each
38 000 km (24,000
miles) interval has elapsed
When the vehicle is operated in dusty areas, the
filter element should be replaced more often.
For Diesel engines, the air filter canister should be
cleaned at the same time the filter is replaced.
SERVICE/REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove the air cleaner cover.
(2) Remove the air cleaner filter (Fig. 4).
CAUTION:
Do not tap the filter or immerse the filter medium in liquid to remove trapped debris.
(3) Clean filter by blowing the trapped debris from
the filter with compressed air (Fig. 5). Direct the air in the opposite direction of normal intake air flow.
Keep the air nozzle at least two inches away from
the filter.
(4) If the filter has become partially saturated with
oil,
replace the filter. Inspect the crankcase ventilat
ing system for proper operation.
(5) Wash the air cleaner cover and body with
cleaning solvent. Wipe it dry.
(6) Install the air cleaner filter element. Attach
the cover to the body (Fig. 4).
Fig,
4
Engine
Air Oeaner—
Typical

•
Fig.
5
Cleaning
Filter
Element—Typical
DIESEL
ENGINE
AIR
FILTER CANISTER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Diesel engine air filter should be cleaned after
each interval specified in the Diesel engine mainte
nance schedule.
When the vehicle is operated in dusty areas, the
canister should be cleaned more frequently.
EXHAUST
MANIFOLD HEAT CONTROL VALVE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The exhaust manifold heat valve should be ser
viced after the interval specified in the maintenance schedule has elapsed.
SERVICE The exhaust manifold heat valve is located at the
left manifold (Fig. 6). Test the valve for non-re stricted movement.
Fig.
6 Manifold Heat Control
Valve
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
0 - 17
Fig.
7 Positive
Crankcase
Ventilation
System—Typical
SYSTEM OPERATION
Each PCV system is comprised of an air inlet filter,
a flow-control (PCV) valve, and the associated hoses.
The air inlet filter is located at the cylinder head cover (Fig. 7).
WARNING:
USE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
THE
ENGINE
IS
OPERATING.
DO NOT PUT
YOUR
HANDS NEAR
THE
DRIVE BELT(S), PULLEYS
OR
FAN BLADE.
DO NOT
STAND
IN A
DIRECT LINE
WITH
THE FAN
BLADE.
(1) With the engine idling, accelerate momen
tarily. The valve shaft counterweight should move CLOCKWISE.
(2) If no movement is observed, either the shaft is
binding or the thermostat spring is weak or broken. (3) If the thermostat spring is weak or broken, re
place the spring.
(4) Verify the manifold is COOL. Apply
MOPAR®Rust Penetrant (or an equivalent product)
to each end of the valve shaft at the bearings (Fig.
6).
(5) Allow the solvent to penetrate for a few min
utes.
Then, rotate the valve shaft back and forth un
til it turns without restriction.
AIR INJECTION SYSTEMS/AIR PUMP
Air injection system/air pump valves and switches
should be periodically tested for proper operation. In
spect the check valve tubing for corrosion. Replace it
if excessive corrosion exists.
CRANKCASE
VENTILATION
SYSTEM
All gasoline engines are equipped with a positive
crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. The PCV sys
tem prevents emission of residual engine oil vapor
from the crankcase (Fig. 7).

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.