1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Alignment

IDLER SHAFT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the primary and secondary timing
chains and sprockets (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE
TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS -
REMOVAL).
NOTE: To remove the idler shaft, it is necessary to
tap threads into the shaft, to install the removal
tool.
(2) Using a 12 mm X 1.75 tap, cut threads in the
idler shaft center bore.
(3) Cover the radiator core with a suitable cover.
CAUTION: Use care when removing the idler shaft,
Do not strike the radiator cooling fins with the slide
hammer.
(4) Using Special Tool 8517 Slide Hammer, remove
the idler shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean the idler shaft bore.
(2) Position the idler shaft in the bore.
NOTE: The two lubrication holes in the idler shaft
do not require any special alignment.
NOTE: Before using the retaining bolt to install the
idler shaft, coat the threads and the pilot on the
idler shaft, with clean engine oil.
(3) Using the primary idler sprocket retaining bolt
and washer, carefully draw the idler shaft into the
bore until fully seated.
(4) Coat the idler shaft with clean engine oil.
(5) Install the timing chains and sprockets (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/
CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
DRENGINE - 4.7L 9 - 179

TIMING/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Drain cooling system.
(3) Remove Timing Chain Cover.
CAUTION: The camshaft pin and the slot in the cam
sprocket must be clocked at 12:00. The crankshaft
keyway must be clocked at 2:00. The crankshaft
sprocket must be installed so that the dots and or
paint marking is at 6:00.
(4) Re-install the vibration damper bolt finger
tight. Using a suitable socket and breaker bar, rotate
the crankshaft to align timing chain sprockets and
keyways as shown (Fig. 33).
(5) Retract tensioner shoe until hole in shoe lines
up with hole in bracket. Slide a suitable pin into the
holes.
(6) Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt and
remove timing chain with crankshaft and camshaft
sprockets.
(7) If tensioner assembly is to be replaced, remove
the tensioner to block bolts and remove tensioner
assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) If tensioner assembly is being replaced, install
tensioner and mounting bolts. Torque bolts to 28 N´m
(250 in. lbs.).
(2) Retract tensioner if required.
CAUTION: The camshaft pin and the slot in the cam
sprocket must be clocked at 12:00. The crankshaft
keyway must be clocked at 2:00. The crankshaft
sprocket must be installed so that the dots and or
paint marking is at 6:00.
(3) Place both camshaft sprocket and crankshaft
sprocket on the bench with timing marks on exact
imaginary center line through both camshaft and
crankshaft bores (Fig. 34).
CAUTION: The timing chain must be installed with
the single plated link aligned with the dot and or
paint marking on the camshaft sprocket. The crank-
shaft sprocket is aligned with the dot and or paint
marking on the sprocket between two plated timing
chain links.
(4) Place timing chain around both sprockets (Fig.
34).
(5) Lift sprockets and chain (keep sprockets tight
against the chain in position as shown).
(6) Slide both sprockets evenly over their respec-
tive shafts and check alignment of timing marks.
Fig. 33 5.7L TIMING MARK ALIGNMENT
1 - Chain Tensioner
2 - Camshaft Sprocket
3 - Crankshaft Sprocket
Fig. 34 5.7L TIMING MARK ALIGNMENT
1 - Chain Tensioner
2 - Camshaft Sprocket
3 - Crankshaft Sprocket
9 - 228 ENGINE - 5.7LDR

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
2. Engine running too cold. 2. Refer to Coolant Temperature Below
Normal (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
3. Oil viscosity too thick. 3. Make sure the correct oil is being used.
(Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
4. Oil pressure relief valve stuck
closed or binding4. Check and replace valve.
LUBRICATING OIL LOSS 1. External leaks. 1. Visually inspect for oil leaks. Repair as
required.
2. Crankcase being overfilled. 2. Verify that the correct dipstick is being
used.
3. Incorrect oil specification or
viscosity.3. (a) Make sure the correct oil is being
used (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
(b) Look for reduced viscosity from dilution
with fuel.
(c) Review/reduce oil change intervals.
4. Oil cooler leak 4. Check and replace the oil cooler.
5. High blow-by forcing oil out the
breather.5. Check the breather tube area for signs of
oil loss. Perform the required repairs.
6. Turbocharger leaking oil to the air
intake.6. Inspect the air ducts for evidence of oil
transfer. Repair as required.
COMPRESSION KNOCKS 1. Air in the fuel system. 1. Identify location of air leak and repair. Do
not bleed high pressure fuel system.
2. Poor quality fuel or water/gasoline
contaminated fuel.2. Verify by operating from a temporary
tank with good fuel. Clean and flush the
fuel tank. Replace fuel/water separator filter.
3. Engine overloaded. 3. Verify the engine load rating is not being
exceeded.
4. Improperly operating injectors. 5. Check and replace misfiring/inoperative
injectors.
EXCESSIVE VIBRATION 1. Loose or broken engine mounts. 1. Replace engine mounts.
2. Damaged fan or improperly
operating accessories.2. Check and replace the vibrating
components.
3. Improperly operating vibration
damper3. Inspect/replace vibration damper.
4. Improperly operating electronically
controlled viscous fan drive.4. Inspect/replace fan drive.
5. Worn or damaged generator
bearing.5. Check/replace generator.
6. Flywheel housing misaligned. 6. Check/correct flywheel alignment.
9 - 234 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

(7) With the engine in this position, valve lash can
be measured at the remaining rocker arms:INTAKE
3±5±6 / EXHAUST 2±4±6. Use the same method as
above for determining whether adjustment is neces-
sary, and adjust those that are found to be outside of
the limits.
(8) Install the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(9) Connect the battery negative cables.
REMOVAL - VALVE SPRINGS AND SEALS
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect rocker housing injector harness con-
nector. Remove all injector harness solenoid nuts.
(4) Remove injector(s) for cylinder(s) to be serviced.
Refer to Group 14 for injector removal.
(5) Remove the rocker housing.
(6) Remove the rocker arms and crossheads from
the cylinder(s) to be serviced. Mark each component
so they can be installed in their original position.
(7) Using the crankshaft barring tool #7471±B
(Fig. 33), rotate the engine to position the damper
mark in the 12 o'clock position.At this engine posi-
tion, cylinders #1 and #6 can be serviced.
(8) Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(9) With the damper TDC mark in the 12 o'clock
position, add a paint mark anywhere on the gear
housing cover next to the crankshaft damper. Place
another mark on the vibration damper in alignment
with the mark you just made on the cover.(10) Divide the crankshaft damper into three
equally sized segments as follows:
(a) Using a tape measure, measure the circum-
ference of the crankshaft damper and divide the
measurement by three (3).
(b) Measure that distance in a counter-clockwise
direction from the first balancer mark and place
another mark on the balancer.
(c) From the second damper mark, again mea-
sure in a counter-clockwise direction and place a
mark on the damper at the same distance you
measured when placing the second damper mark.
The damper should now be marked in three
equally spaced locations and the damper TDC
mark should be in the 12 o'clock position.
(d) Remove injectors, fuel lines, and high pres-
sure connectors for every cylinder that requires
repair.
(11) Compress the valve springs at cyls. #1 and #6
as follows:
(a) Install the valve spring compressor mounting
base as shown in (Fig. 34).
(b) Install the top plate, washer, and nut. Using
a suitable wrench tighten the nut (clock-wise) (Fig.
35) to compress the valve springs and remove the
collets.
(c) Rotate the compressor nut counter-clockwise
to relieve tension on springs. Remove spring com-
pressor.
(d) Remove and replace retainers, springs, and
seals as necessary.
(e)Do not rotate the engine until the
springs and retainers are re-installed.
(f) Install seals, springs and retainers. Install
spring compressor, compress valve springs and
install the collets.
Fig. 32 Measuring Valve Lash - Typical
1 - INTAKE
2 - FEELER GAUGE
3 - EXHAUST
Fig. 33 Rotating Engine with Barring Tool - Typical
1 - REAR FLANGE
2 - BARRING TOOL
9 - 260 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)

After removing the boring bar, use a honing stone
to chamfer the corner of the repair sleeve(s).
SLEEVE MACHINING DIMENSIONS CHART
ITEM MEASUREMENT
SLEEVE PROTRUSION MIN. - FLUSH WITH
BLOCK
MAX. - 0.050 mm
(0.0019 in.)
SLEEVE DIAMETER 101.956 mm (4.014 in.)
SLEEVE CHAMFER APPROX. 1.25 mm
(0.049 in.) by 15É
A correctly honed surface will have a crosshatch
appearance with the lines at 15É to 25É angles with
the top of the cylinder block. For the rough hone, use
80 grit honing stones. To finish hone, use 280 grit
honing stones.
Finished bore inside dimension is 102.020  0.020
mm (4.0165  0.0008 inch).
A maximum of 1.2 micrometer (48 microinch) sur-
face finish must be obtained.
After finish honing is complete, immediately clean
the cylinder bores with a strong solution of laundry
detergent and hot water.
After rinsing, blow the block dry with compressed
air.
Wipe the bore with a white, lint-free, lightly oiled
cloth. Make sure there is no grit residue present.
Apply a rust-preventing compound if the block will
not be used immediately.
A standard diameter piston and a piston ring set
must be used with a sleeved cylinder bore.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐCAM BORE REPAIR
For standard bushings, not oversized, maximum
front and rear cam bushing bore diameter is 59.248
mm. (2.3326 in.). DO NOT bore the intermediate cam
bore to the front cam bore oversize dimensions. Max-
imum front and rear camshaft bushing installed
diameter is 54.147 mm. (2.1318 in.). Minimum
installed diameter is 54.083 mm. (2.1293 in.). Maxi-
mum intermediate camshaft bore diameter is 54.164
mm. (2.1324 in.).
A surface finish of 2.3 micrometers (92 microinch)
must be maintained. Not more than 20% of an area
of any one bore may be 3.2 micrometers (126 micro-
inch).
Camshaft bores can be repaired individually. It is
not necessary to repair undamaged cam bores in
order to repair individually damaged cam bores. The
standard front bushing cannot be used to repair
intermediate bores.Install all cam bushings flush or below the front
and rear cam bore surface. The front camshaft bush-
ing should be installed flush with front face of block.
The rear camshaft bushing should be installed flush
with rear face of block. The oil hole must align to
allow a 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) rod to pass through
freely (Fig. 52).
INSPECTION
Measure the combustion deck face using a straight
edge and a feeler gauge (Fig. 53). Cylinder block flat-
ness: End-to-end 0.076 mm ( .003 in.). Maximum
variation side-to-side 0.051 mm (.002 in.).
Inspect for any localized dips or imperfections.
If the surface exceeds the limit, (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
Fig. 52 Oil Hole Alignment
1 - CAMSHAFT BUSHING
Fig. 53 Combustion Deck Face Measurement
1 - STRAIGHT EDGE
2 - FEELER GAUGE
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 267
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)

(15) Remove the two charge air cooler mounting
bolts.
(16) Remove charge air cooler (and A/C condenser
if equipped) from vehicle.
(17) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(18) Remove accessory drive belt tensioner.
(19) Remove the fan support/hub assembly.
(20) Remove crankshaft damper and speed indica-
tor ring (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VI-
BRATION DAMPER - REMOVAL).
(21) Remove the gear cover-to-housing bolts and
gently pry the cover away from the housing, taking
care not to mar the sealing surfaces. Remove dust
seal with cover.
(22) Using Special Tool 7471±B Crankshaft Bar-
ring Tool, rotate the crankshaft to align the timing
marks on the crankshaft and the camshaft gears.
(23) Remove the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(24) Remove the rocker arms, cross heads, and
push rods (Fig. 55). Mark each component so they
can be installed in their original positions.
NOTE: The #5 cylinder intake and the #6 cylinder
intake and exhaust pushrods are removed by lifting
them up and through the provided cowl panel
access holes. Remove the rubber plugs to expose
these relief holes.
(25) Raise the tappets as follows, using the wooden
dowel rods (Fig. 57)provided with the Miller Tool Kit
8502.
(a) Insert the slotted end of the dowel rod into
the tappet.The dowel rods for the rear two
cylinders will have to be cut for cowl panel
clearance.Press firmly to ensure that it is seated
in the tappet.(b) Raise the dowel rod to bring the tappet to
the top of its travel, and wrap a rubber band
around the dowel rods (Fig. 57) to prevent the tap-
pets from dropping into the crankcase.
(c) Repeat this procedure for the remaining cyl-
inders.
(26) Verify that the camshaft timing marks are
aligned with the crankshaft mark (Fig. 56).
(27) Remove the bolts from the thrust plate.
(28) Remove engine mount through bolts.
(29) Install engine support fixture special tool #
8534,and steel bracket/wing nut special tool #
8534A.
(30) Raise engine enough to allow camshaft
removal.
(31) Remove the camshaft, gear and thrust plate.
Fig. 55 Push Rod Removal/Installation
Fig. 56 Timing Mark Alignment
Fig. 57 Use Wooden Dowel Rods to Secure Tappets
in Place - Typical
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 269
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)

(3) Inspect the camshaft bushing oil holes for
alignment with cylinder block (Fig. 60).
Camshaft Gear
Inspect the camshaft gear for cracks (gear and hub),
and chipped/broken/fretted teeth. If replacement is nec-
essary, camshaft and gear are replaced as an assembly.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CAMSHAFT &
BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) - REMOVAL).
Thrust Plate
Inspect the camshaft thrust plate for excessive
wear in the camshaft contact area. Measure thrust
plate thickness using the CAMSHAFT THRUST
PLATE THICKNESS CHART. Replace any thrust
plate that falls outside of these specifications:
CAMSHAFT THRUST PLATE THICKNESS CHART
MIN. 9.34 mm (0.368 in.)
MAX. 9.60 mm (0.378 in.)
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CAMSHAFT BEARINGS
(1) Apply a coating of Loctitet640 Adhesive to the
backside of the new bushing. Avoid getting adhesive
in the oil hole.
(2) Use a universal cam bushing installation tool
and install the front bushing so that it is even with
the front face of the cylinder block. The oil hole must
be aligned. A 3.2 mm (0.128 inch) diameter rod must
be able to pass through the hole. (Fig. 61).
(3) Install the rear camshaft bushing is flush with
the rear face of the block. The oil hole must be
aligned. A 3.2 mm (0.128 inch) diameter rod must be
able to pass through the hole.
(4) Measure the installed bushings at the front
and rear bores. The minimum inside diameter is
54.083 mm (2.1293 inch), and the maximum inside
diameter is is 54.147 mm. (2.1318 in.).
INSTALLATION - CAMSHAFT
(1) Lubricate the camshaft bushing and bores with
fresh engine oil or suitable equivalent.
(2) Liberally coat the camshaft lobes, journals, and
thrust washer with fresh engine oil or suitable equiv-
alent.
CAUTION: When installing the camshaft, DO NOT
push it in farther than it will go with the thrust
washer in place.
(3) Install the camshaft and thrust plate. Align the
timing marks as shown (Fig. 62).
(4) Install the thrust plate bolts and tighten to 24
N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Measure camshaft back lash and end clearance.
BACKLASH Ð 0.075Ð0.250 mm
(0.003Ð0.010 inch)
CLEARANCE Ð 0.025Ð0.500 mm
(0.001Ð0.020 inch)
Fig. 60 Inspecting Oil Hole Alignment
1 - CAMSHAFT BUSHING
Fig. 61 Oil Hole Alignment
1 - CAMSHAFT BUSHING
Fig. 62 Timing Mark Alignment
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 271
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)

If the crankshaft is within limits, replace the bear-
ing. If the crankshaft is out of limits, grind the
crankshaft to the next smaller size and use oversize
rod bearings.
CRANKSHAFT AND GEAR
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft (Fig. 64) is a forged steel, integrally
balanced unit. It is supported by seven main bear-
ings, with position number six designated as the
thrust journal. The crankshaft is held in place by
main caps and 12 mm capscrews. The crankshaft
also has internal cross drillings to supply the con-
necting rods with engine oil.
REMOVAL - GEAR
(1) Remove the gear housing cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/GEAR HOUSING COVER
- REMOVAL)
(2) Split the gear and remove it from the crank-
shaft.
INSTALLATION - GEAR
(1) Remove all burrs and make sure the gear sur-
face on the end of the crankshaft is smooth.
(2) If removed, install a new alignment pin. Drive
the pin in using a ball- peen hammer, leaving it pro-truding 1.0 mm (0.039 inch) to 1.5 mm (0.059 inch)
above the crankshaft (Fig. 65).
WARNING: WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES TO PRE-
VENT INJURY.
CAUTION: DO NOT heat the gear longer than 45
minutes.
(3) Heat the crankshaft gear for 45 minutes at a
temperature of 149ÉC (300ÉF).Do not use torch,
gear failure will occur.
(4) Apply a thin coat of lubricant to the nose of the
crankshaft.
(5) Position the gear with the timing mark out and
install it on the crankshaft using the alignment pin.
Make sure the gear contacts the shoulder.
Fig. 63 Connecting Rod Journal Diameter Limits
CONNECTING ROD JOURNAL DIAMETER
LIMITS CHART
DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT
CRANKSHAFT ROD JOURNAL
DIAMETERMin. 68.96 mm (2.715 in.)
Max. 69.01 mm (2.717 in.)
BEARING CLEARANCE Min. 0.04 mm (.002 in.)
Max. 0.12 mm (0.005 in.)
Fig. 64 Crankshaft
Fig. 65 Installing Alignment Pin
1 - ALIGNMENT PIN
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 273
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)