1998 DODGE RAM 1500 one

Adhesion Promoter/Surface Modifier:
Adhesion Promoters/Surface Modifiers are required
for certain plastics. All three categories may have
plastics that require the use of adhesion promoter/
surface modifiers. Always follow repair material man-
ufacturer's plastic identification and repair
procedures.
SAFETY PRECAUTION AND WARNINGS
WARNING:
²EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN
SERVICING COMPONENTS. PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²USE AN OSHA APPROVED BREATHING MASK
WHEN MIXING EPOXY, GRINDING, AND SPRAYING
PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.²AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
RESIN, PETROLEUM, OR ALCOHOL BASED SOL-
VENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHI-
CLE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON
SAFETY STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
NOTE:
²When holes must be drilled or cut in body pan-
els, verify locations of internal body components
and electrical wiring. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds
on undamaged painted surfaces around repair
areas. Damage to finish can result.
RIGID, SEMI-RIGID, AND FLEXIBLE PLASTIC PARTS TYPES
CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
ASA ACRYLONITRILE STYRENE
ACRYLITELURAN S CONSOLES, GRILLES
ABS ACRYLONITRILE
BUTADIENE STYRENETERLURAN9A9PILLARS, CONSOLES,
GRILLES
ABS/PC ABS/PC ALLOY PULSE, PROLOY, BAYBLEND DOORS, INSTRUMENT
PANELS
ABS/PVC ABS/PV ALLOY PROLOY, PULSE, LUSTRAN,
CYCLOVINDOOR PANELS, GRILLES,
TRIM
BMC BULK MOLDING
COMPOUNDBMC FENDER EXTENSIONS
EMA EHTYLENE METHYL
ACRYLATE/IONOMERSURLYN, EMA, IONOMER BUMPER GUARDS, PADS
METTON METTON METTON GRILLES, KICK PANELS,
RUNNING BOARDS
MPPO MODIFIED
POLYPHENYLENE OXIDEMPPO SPOILER ASSEMBLY
PA POLYAMID ZYTEL, VYDYNE, PA,
MINLONFENDERS, QUARTER
PANELS
PET THERMOPLASTIC
POLYESTERRYNITE TRIM
PBT/PPO PBT/PPO ALLOY GERMAX CLADDINGS
PBTP POLYBUTYLENE
THEREPTHALATEPBT, PBTP, POCAN, VALOX WHEEL COVERS, FENDERS,
GRILLES
PBTP/EEBC POLYBUTYLENE
THEREPTHALATE/EEBC
ALLOYBEXLOY,9M9, PBTP/EEBC FASCIAS, ROCKER PANEL,
MOLDINGS
PC POLYCARBONATE LEXAN, MERLON, CALIBRE,
MAKROLON PCTAIL LIGHT LENSES, IP TRIM,
VALANCE PANELS
23 - 4 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
PC/ABS PC/ABS ALLOY GERMAX, BAY BLENDS,
PULSEDOORS, INSTRUMENT
PANELS
PPO POLYPHENYLENE OXIDE AZDEL, HOSTALEN,
MARLEX, PRFAX, NORYL,
GTX, PPOINTERIOR TRIM, DOOR
PANELS, SPLASH SHIELDS,
STEERING COLUMN
SHROUD
PPO/PA POLYPHENYLENE/
POLYAMIDPPO/PA, GTX 910 FENDERS, QUARTER
PANELS
PR/FV FIBERGLASS REINFORCED
PLASTICFIBERGLASS, FV, PR/FV BODY PANELS
PS POLYSTYRENE LUSTREX, STYRON, PS DOOR PANELS, DASH
PANELS
RTM RESIN TRANSFER
MOLDING COMPOUNDRTM BODY PANELS
SMC SHEET MOLDED
COMPOUNDSMC BODY PANELS
TMC TRANSFER MOLDING
COMPOUNDTMC GRILLES
UP UNSATURATED
POLYESTER
(THERMOSETTING)SMC, BMC, TMC, ZMC, IMC,
XSMC, UPGRILLE OPENING PANEL,
LIFTGATES, FLARESIDE
FENDERS, FENDER
EXTENSIONS
EEBC ETHER/ESTER BLOCKED
CO-POLYMEREEBC BUMPERS
EEBC/PBTP EEBC/POLYBUTYLENE
TEREPTHALATEEEBC, PBTP, BEXLOY BUMPER, ROCKER PANELS
EMPP ETHYLENE MODIFIED
POLYPROPYLENEEMPP BUMPER COVERS
EPDM ETHYLENE/
PROPROPYLENE DIENE
MONOMEREPDM, NORDEL, VISTALON BUMPERS
EPM ETHYLENE/
PROPROPYLENE CO-
POLYMEREPM FENDERS
MPU FOAM POLYURETHANE MPU SPOILERS
PE POLYETHYLENE ALATHON, DYLAN,
LUPOLEN, MARLEX-
PP POLYPROPYLENE
(BLENDS)NORYL, AZDEL, MARLOX,
DYLON, PRAVEXINNER FENDER, SPOILERS,
KICK PANELS
PP/EPDM PP/EPDM ALLOY PP/EPDM SPOILERS, GRILLES
PUR POLYURETHANE COLONELS, PUR, PU FASCIAS, BUMPERS
PUR/PC PUR/PC ALLOY TEXIN BUMPERS
PVC POLYVINYL CHLORIDE APEX, GEON, VINYLITE BODY MOLDINGS, WIRE
INSULATION, STEERING
WHEELS
RIM REACTION INJECTED
MOLDED POLYURETHANERIM, BAYFLEX FRONT FASCIAS, MODULAR
WINDOWS
DRBODY 23 - 5
BODY (Continued)

CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
RRIM REINFORCED REACTION
INJECTED MOLDEDPUR, RRIM FASCIAS, BODY PANELS,
BODY TRIMS
TPE THERMO POLYETHYLENE TPE, HYTREL, BEXLOY-V FASCIAS, BUMPERS,
CLADDINGS
TPO THERMOPOLYOLEFIN POLYTROPE, RENFLEX,
SANTOPRENE, VISAFLEX,
ETA, APEX, TPO, SHIELDS,
CLADDINGSBUMPERS, END CAPS,
TELCAR, RUBBER, STRIPS,
SIGHT, INTERIOR B POST
TPP THERMO-POLYPROPYLENE TPP BUMPERS
TPU THERMOPOLYURETHANE,
POLYESTERTPU, HYTREL, TEXIN,
ESTANEBUMPERS, BODY SIDE,
MOLDINGS, FENDERS,
FASCIAS
PANEL SECTIONING
If it is required to section a large panel for a plas-
tic repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the panel
(Fig. 1). To bond two plastic panels together, a rein-
forcement must overlap both panels. The panels
must be ªV'dº at a 20 degree angle. The area to be
reinforced should be washed, then sanded. Be sure to
wipe off any excess soap and water when finished.
Lightly sand or abrade the plastic with an abrasive
pad or sandpaper. Blow off any dust with compressed
air or wipe with a clean dry rag.
When bonding plastic panels, Follow repair mate-
rial manufacturers recommendations. Be sure that
enough adhesive has been applied to allow squeeze
out and to fill the full bond line. Once the pieces
have been brought together, do not move them until
the adhesive is cured. The assembly can be held
together with clamps, rivets, etc. A faster cure can be
obtained by heating with a heat lamp or heat gun.After the parts have been bonded and have had time
to cure, rough sand the seam and apply the final
adhesive filler to the area being repaired. Smooth the
filler with a spreader, wooden tongue depressor, or
squeegee. For fine texturing, a small amount of
water can be applied to the filler surface while
smoothing. The cured filler can be sanded as neces-
sary and, as a final step, cleanup can be done with
soapy water. Wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth
allowing time for the panel to dry before moving on
with the repair.
PANEL REINFORCEMENT
Structural repair procedures for rigid panels with
large cracks and holes will require a reinforcement
backing. Reinforcements can be made with several
applications of glass cloth saturated with structural
adhesive. Semi-rigid or flexible repair materials
should be used for semi-rigid or flexible backing rein-
forcement (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3). Open meshed fiber-
glass dry wall tape can be used to form a
reinforcement. The dry wall tape allows the resin to
penetrate through and make a good bond between
the panel and the adhesive. Structurally, the more
dry wall tape used, the stronger the repair.
Another kind of repair that can be done to repair
large cracks and holes is to use a scrap piece of sim-
ilar plastic and bond with structural adhesive. The
reinforcement should cover the entire break and
should have a generous amount of overlap on either
side of the cracked or broken area.
When repairing plastic, the damaged area is first
ªV'dº out, or beveled. Large bonding areas are desir-
able when repairing plastic because small repairs are
less likely to hold permanently. Beveling the area
around a crack at a 20 degree angle will increase the
bonding surface for a repair (Fig. 4). It is recom-
mended that sharp edges be avoided because the
joint may show through after the panel is refinished.
Fig. 1 PANEL SECTIONING
1 - EXISTING PANEL
2 - NEW PANEL
3 - PANEL ADHESIVE
4 - BONDING STRIP
23 - 6 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

²Panel repair for both flexible and rigid panels
are basically the same. The primary difference
between flexible panel repair and rigid panel repair
is in the adhesive materials used (Fig. 5).
²The technician should first decide what needs to
be done when working on any type of body panel.
One should determine if it is possible to return the
damage part to its original strength and appearance
without exceeding the value of the replacement part.
²When plastic repairs are required, it is recom-
mended that the part be left on the vehicle when
every possible. That will save time, and the panel
will remain stationary during the repair. Misalign-ment can cause stress in the repair areas and can
result in future failure.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Composite materials can mask the severity of an
accident. Adhesive bond lines, interior structure of
the doors, and steel structures need to be inspected
carefully to get a true damage assessment. Close
inspection may require partial removal of interior
trim or inner panels.
Identify the type of repair: Puncture or Crack -
Damage that has penetrated completely through the
panel. Damage is confined to one general area; a
panel section is not required. However, a backer
panel, open fiberglass tape, or matted material must
be bonded from behind (Fig. 7) (Fig. 6).
PANEL SURFACE PREPARATION
If a body panel has been punctured, cracked, or
crushed, the damaged area must be removed from
the panel to achieve a successful repair. All spider
web cracks leading away from a damaged area must
be stopped or removed. To stop a running crack in a
panel, drilla6mm(0.250 in.) hole at the end of the
crack farthest away from the damage. If spider web
cracks can not be stopped, the panel would require
replacement. The surfaces around the damaged area
Fig. 2 SOFTENED EDGES
1 - SOFTENED EDGES
2 - PANEL ADHESIVE
3 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 3 PANEL REINFORCEMENT
1 - PANEL ADHESIVE
2 - REINFORCEMENT
Fig. 4 BEVELING ANGLE - 20 DEGREE
Fig. 5 FIBERGLASS TAPE
Fig. 6 DAMAGE COMPONENT
1 - PUNCTURE
DRBODY 23 - 7
BODY (Continued)

(7) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares 13 mm (0.5 in.) from the edge in the center
of one side.
(8) Scuff the backside of the body panel around the
cutout hole with a scuff pad or sandpaper.
(9) Mix enough adhesive to cover one side of all
support squares.
(10) Apply adhesive to cover one side of all support
squares.
(11) Using number 8 sheet metal screws, secure
support squares to back side of body panel with
adhesive sandwiched between the panel and squares
(Fig. 9).
(12) Position patch in cutout against support
squares and adjust patch until the gap is equal along
all sides (Fig. 10).
(13) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares through the pre-drilled holes in the patch.
(14) Apply a coat of adhesive to the exposed ends
of the support squares (Fig. 11).
(15) Install screws to hold the patch to support
squares (Fig. 12). Tighten screws until patch surface
is flush with panel surface.
(16) Allow adhesive to cure, and remove all screws.
(17) Using a 125 mm (5 in.) 24 grit disc grinder,
grind a 50 mm (2 in.) to 75 mm (3 in.) wide and 2
mm (0.080 in.) deep path across the gaps around the
patch (Fig. 13). With compressed air, blow dust from
around patch.(18) Apply adhesive backed nylon mesh (dry wall
tape) over gaps around patch (Fig. 14).
(19) Mix enough adhesive to cover the entire patch
area.
(20) Apply adhesive over the mesh around patch,
and smooth epoxy with a wide spreader to reduce fin-
ish grinding. Use two to three layers of mesh and
adhesive to create a stronger repair (Fig. 15).
Fig. 9 SECURE SUPPORT SQUARES TO BODY
PANEL
1 - SUPPORT SQUARES
2 - SCREWS
3 - DAMAGED BODY PANEL
Fig. 10 POSITION PATCH IN CUTOUT AND ALIGN
1 - CUTOUT
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
Fig. 11 APPLY ADHESIVE TO SUPPORT SQUARES
1 - APPLICATOR
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
3 - ADHESIVE
DRBODY 23 - 9
BODY (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUZZ, SQUEAK &
RATTLE
Buzz, Squeak & Rattles (BSR) may be caused by
any one or more of the following and may be cor-
rected as indicated:
²Loose fasteners should be tightened to specifica-
tions.
²Damaged or missing clips should be replaced.
²Damaged trim panels should be replaced.²Incorrectly installed trim panels should be rein-
stalled properly.
Many BSR complaints such as loose trim, can be
serviced using the MopartParts BSR Noise Reduc-
tion Kit. This kit contains various tapes including
foam, flock and anti-squeak used to eliminate noises
caused by metal, plastic and vinyl components. Long
life lubricants and greases can also be used on a vari-
ety of components. Refer to the Buzz, Squeak & Rat-
tle Kit table for material contents and usage.
BUZZ, SQUEAK & RATTLE KIT
ITEM FEATURES APPLICATIONS SERVICE TEMP
Itch And Squeak
TapeAn abrasion resistant material
thin enough to conform to most
irregular surfaces. Stops most
itches and squeaks.Between metal and metal,
metal and plastic, metal and
vinyl, vinyl and plastic. Interior.
Examples: Trim panels and
bezels.-40É to 225É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 107É
Celsius)
Black Nylon Flock Nylon Flock with an aggressive
acrylic adhesive. Provides for
cushioning and compression fit,
also isolates components.
Water-resistant.Between metal and metal,
metal and plastic, vinyl and
plastic.
Examples: Pull cups, bezels,
clips, ducts, top cover to glass,
cowl panel.-40É to 180É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
High Density
Urethane FoamTear resistant, highly resilient
and durable.Between metal and metal,
metal and plastic. Water-
resistant.
Examples: I/P, heavy metal
rattles, isolating brackets.-40É to 180É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
Open Cell Foam
TapeSoft foam conforms to irregular
surfaces.Wire harness and connector
wrap.
Examples: Seals, gasket,
wiring, heat ducts.-40É to 180É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
Closed Cell Low
Density Foam TapeSoft, conformable. Water-
resistant.Wherever bulk is needed.
Prevents closing flutters and
rattles when applied to door
watershield.
Examples: Door, I/P.-40É to 180É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
NYETGrease 880 Long life. Suspensions.
Examples: Strut busings, sway
bars.-40É to 390É
Fahrenheit
(-40É to 200É
Celsius)
KrytoxTOil Long life. Will not dry out or
harm plastics or rubber.When access is not possible, oil
will migrate to condition. Vinyl,
rubber, plastic, metal.
Examples: Convertible top
bushings, pull cups trim panel
inserts.-30É to 400É
Fahrenheit
(-34É to 205É
Celsius)
KrytoxTGrease Long life. Will not dry out or
harm plastics or rubber.Vinyl, rubber, plastic, metal,
glass.
Examples: Weather-strips,
backlite and windshield
moldings.-30É to 400É
Fahrenheit
(-34É to 205É
Celsius)
DRBODY 23 - 11
BODY (Continued)

ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: For vehicles with four doors, it is recom-
mended that you adjust the rear door before adjust-
ing the front door. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS -
REAR/DOOR - ADJUSTMENTS)
²Door adjustment measurements should be
taken from stationary or welded body panels like
the roof, rocker or quarter panels.
²During adjustment procedures, it is recom-
mended that all the hinge fasteners be loosened
except for the upper most fasteners. Adjustments
can be made using the upper bolts to hold the door
with final torque of the fasteners occurring after
correct door positioning is achieved.
²A suitable body sealant should be used when
removing or moving the hinges.
FORE/AFT
NOTE: Fore/aft (lateral) door adjustment is done by
loosening the hinge to the hinge pillar fasteners
one hinge at a time and moving the door to the cor-
rect position.
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(2)
Loosen the hinge to hinge pillar fasteners. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/HINGE - REMOVAL)
(3) Adjust the door to the correct position. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)(4) Tighten the hinge pillar fasteners to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
UP/DOWN
NOTE: Up/down door adjustment is done by loosen-
ing either the hinge to the hinge pillar fasteners or
the hinge to door fasteners and moving the door to
the correct position.
NOTE: When adjustment of the door requires the
loosening of the door to hinge fasteners, it will be
necessary to separate the epoxy bonded washers
with a chisel or other suitable tool.
NOTE: When the up/down adjustments are done
correctly, the top of the door is positioned over
flush to the roof. (Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUC-
TURE/GAP AND FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(2) Loosen the latch striker bolts. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/LATCH STRIKER -
REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the hinge to door fasteners (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/DOOR - REMOVAL) or
loosen the hinge to hinge pillar fasteners (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/HINGE - REMOVAL).
(4) Adjust the door to the correct position. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(5) Tighten the hinge pillar fasteners or the door
to hinges fasteners to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(6) Tighten the latch striker bolts. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/LATCH STRIKER - INSTAL-
LATION)
IN/OUT
NOTE: In/out door adjustment is done by loosening
the hinge to door fasteners one hinge at a time and
moving the door to the correct position.
NOTE: When adjustment of the door requires the
loosening of the door to hinge fasteners, it will be
necessary to separate the epoxy bonded washers
with a chisel or other suitable tool.
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(2) Loosen the latch striker bolts. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/LATCH STRIKER -
REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the hinge to door fasteners. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/DOOR - REMOVAL)
Fig. 1 FRONT DOOR
1 - NUTS (2)
2 - UPPER HINGE
3 - STUDS
4 - FRONT DOOR
5 - WIRE HARNESS
6 - LOWER HINGE
7 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (2)
8 - BOLTS (2)
DRDOOR - FRONT 23 - 19
DOOR (Continued)

FORE/AFT
NOTE: Fore/aft (lateral) door adjustment is done by
loosening the hinge to the hinge pillar fasteners
one hinge at a time and moving the door to the cor-
rect position.
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(2) Loosen the hinge to hinge pillar fasteners.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/HINGE -
REMOVAL)
(3) Adjust the door to the correct position. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(4) Tighten to hinge pillar fasteners to 28 N´m (21
ft. lbs.). (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/HINGE
- INSTALLATION)
NOTE: Use a suitable body sealer on the hinge to
body mating surfaces.
UP/DOWN
NOTE: Up/down door adjustment is done by loosen-
ing either the hinge to the hinge pillar fasteners orthe hinge to door fasteners and moving the door to
the correct position.
NOTE: When adjustment of the door requires the
loosening of the door to hinge fasteners, it will be
necessary to separate the epoxy bonded washers
with a chisel or other suitable tool.
NOTE: When the up/down adjustments are done
correctly, the top of the door is positioned over
flush to the roof. (Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUC-
TURE/GAP AND FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(2) Remove the latch striker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/LATCH STRIKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the hinge to hinge pillar fasteners
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/HINGE -
REMOVAL) or loosen the hinge to door fasteners
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/DOOR -
REMOVAL).
(4) Adjust the door to the correct position. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(5) Tighten to hinge pillar fasteners or the door to
hinges fasteners and fasteners to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/HINGE -
INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the latch striker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/LATCH STRIKER - INSTALLA-
TION)
IN/OUT
NOTE: In/out door adjustment is done by loosening
the hinge to door fasteners one hinge at a time and
moving the door to the correct position.
NOTE: When adjustment of the door requires the
loosening of the door to hinge fasteners, it will be
necessary to separate the epoxy bonded washers
with a chisel or other suitable tool.
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(2) Remove the latch striker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/LATCH STRIKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the hinge to door fasteners. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOORS - REAR/DOOR - REMOVAL)
(4) Adjust the front of the door to the correct posi-
tion. (Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP
AND FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(5) Tighten the door to hinges fasteners to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the latch striker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/LATCH STRIKER - INSTALLA-
TION)
Fig. 1 DOOR ASSEMBLY
1 - NUTS (2)
2 - UPPER HINGE
3 - UPPER STUD
4 - REAR DOOR
5 - WIRE HARNESS
6 - LOWER STUD
7 - LOWER HINGE
8 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
9 - BOLTS (2)
DRDOORS - REAR 23 - 29
DOOR (Continued)