1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Tie

DAMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering damper mounting nuts
and bolts.
(2) Slide the damper from the isolation bushing.
(3) Remove the damper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the steering damper on the axle and iso-
lation bushing. Tighten nut to 95 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the steering damper on the tie rod.
Tighten nut to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
DRAG LINK
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the draglink nut from the pitman arm
side.
(2)
Remove the drag link nut from the knuckle side.
(3) Remove the drag link from the right knuckle
and pitman arm with Puller C-3894A (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the drag link to the pitman arm. Install
the nut and tighten to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the drag link to the right steering
knuckle. Install the nut and tighten to 108 N´m (80
ft. lbs.).
(3) Install tie rod to the left steering knuckle and
drag link. Install the nuts and tighten to 108 N´m
(80 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to
the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe,
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) After adjustment tighten tie rod adjustment
sleeve clamp bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retain-
ing bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.
PITMAN ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the drag link from the right knuckle
and pitman arm with Puller C-4150A (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 DRAGLINK REMOVAL
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - DRAGLINK
3 - C -3894-A PULLERFig. 4 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - C-4150A PULLER
19 - 36 LINKAGE - LINK/COILDR

(2) Mark the pitman arm and shaft positions for
installation reference. Remove the nut and washer
from the pitman arm (Fig. 5). Remove the pitman
arm with Puller C-4150A.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align reference marks and install pitman arm.
(2) Install the lock washer and retaining nut on
the pitman shaft and tighten nut to 251 N´m (185 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Install the drag link to the pitman arm (Fig. 6).
Install the nut and tighten to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to
the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe,
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) After adjustment tighten tie rod adjustment
sleeve clamp bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retain-
ing bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.
TIE ROD END
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tie rod nuts (Fig. 7).
(2) Remove tie rod from drag link and left knuckle
with Puller C-4150A.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install tie rod to the left steering knuckle and
drag link. Install the nuts and tighten to 108 N´m
(80 ft. lbs.).
(2) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to
the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe,
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) After adjustment tighten tie rod adjustment
sleeve clamp bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retain-
ing bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.
Fig. 5 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - PITMAN ARM
3 - NUT
4 - WASHER
Fig. 6 PITMAN ARM INSTALLED
1 - DRAGLINK
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - SWAYBAR
4 - NUT/WASHER
5 - PITMAN ARM
Fig. 7 TIE ROD ENDS
1 - NUT
2 - TIE ROD ENDS
DRLINKAGE - LINK/COIL 19 - 37
PITMAN ARM (Continued)

SHIFT MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION
The gear shift mechanism provides six shift posi-
tions which are:
²PARK (P)
²REVERSE (R)
²NEUTRAL (N)
²DRIVE (D)
²Manual SECOND (2)
²Manual LOW (1)
OPERATION
Manual LOW (1) range provides first gear only.
Overrun braking is also provided in this range. Man-
ual SECOND (2) range provides first and second gear
only.
DRIVE range provides first, second, third, and
overdrive fourth gear ranges. The shift into overdrive
fourth gear range occurs only after the transmission
has completed the shift into D third gear range. No
further movement of the shift mechanism is required
to complete the 3-4 shift.
The fourth gear upshift occurs automatically when
the overdrive selector switch is in the ON position.
No upshift to fourth gear will occur if any of the fol-
lowing are true:
²The transmission fluid temperature is below 10É
C (50É F) or above 121É C (250É F).
²The shift to third is not yet complete.
²Vehicle speed is too low for the 3-4 shift to occur.
²Battery temperature is below -5É C (23É F).
SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION
The typical electrical solenoid used in automotive
applications is a linear actuator. It is a device that
produces motion in a straight line. This straight line
motion can be either forward or backward in direc-
tion, and short or long distance.
A solenoid is an electromechanical device that uses
a magnetic force to perform work. It consists of a coil
of wire, wrapped around a magnetic core made from
steel or iron, and a spring loaded, movable plunger,
which performs the work, or straight line motion.
The solenoids used in transmission applications
are attached to valves which can be classified asnor-
mally openornormally closed. Thenormally
opensolenoid valve is defined as a valve which
allows hydraulic flow when no current or voltage is
applied to the solenoid. Thenormally closedsole-
noid valve is defined as a valve which does not allow
hydraulic flow when no current or voltage is applied
to the solenoid. These valves perform hydraulic con-trol functions for the transmission and must there-
fore be durable and tolerant of dirt particles. For
these reasons, the valves have hardened steel pop-
pets and ball valves. The solenoids operate the valves
directly, which means that the solenoids must have
very high outputs to close the valves against the siz-
able flow areas and line pressures found in current
transmissions. Fast response time is also necessary
to ensure accurate control of the transmission.
The strength of the magnetic field is the primary
force that determines the speed of operation in a par-
ticular solenoid design. A stronger magnetic field will
cause the plunger to move at a greater speed than a
weaker one. There are basically two ways to increase
the force of the magnetic field:
1. Increase the amount of current applied to the
coil or
2. Increase the number of turns of wire in the coil.
The most common practice is to increase the num-
ber of turns by using thin wire that can completely
fill the available space within the solenoid housing.
The strength of the spring and the length of the
plunger also contribute to the response speed possi-
ble by a particular solenoid design.
A solenoid can also be described by the method by
which it is controlled. Some of the possibilities
include variable force, pulse-width modulated, con-
stant ON, or duty cycle. The variable force and pulse-
width modulated versions utilize similar methods to
control the current flow through the solenoid to posi-
tion the solenoid plunger at a desired position some-
where between full ON and full OFF. The constant
ON and duty cycled versions control the voltage
across the solenoid to allow either full flow or no flow
through the solenoid's valve.
OPERATION
When an electrical current is applied to the sole-
noid coil, a magnetic field is created which produces
an attraction to the plunger, causing the plunger to
move and work against the spring pressure and the
load applied by the fluid the valve is controlling. The
plunger is normally directly attached to the valve
which it is to operate. When the current is removed
from the coil, the attraction is removed and the
plunger will return to its original position due to
spring pressure.
The plunger is made of a conductive material and
accomplishes this movement by providing a path for
the magnetic field to flow. By keeping the air gap
between the plunger and the coil to the minimum
necessary to allow free movement of the plunger, the
magnetic field is maximized.
21 - 252 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR

A solenoid can also be described by the method by
which it is controlled. Some of the possibilities
include variable force, pulse-width modulated, con-
stant ON, or duty cycle. The variable force and pulse-
width modulated versions utilize similar methods to
control the current flow through the solenoid to posi-
tion the solenoid plunger at a desired position some-
where between full ON and full OFF. The constant
ON and duty cycled versions control the voltage
across the solenoid to allow either full flow or no flow
through the solenoid's valve.
OPERATION
When an electrical current is applied to the sole-
noid coil, a magnetic field is created which produces
an attraction to the plunger, causing the plunger to
move and work against the spring pressure and the
load applied by the fluid the valve is controlling. The
plunger is normally directly attached to the valve
which it is to operate. When the current is removed
from the coil, the attraction is removed and the
plunger will return to its original position due to
spring pressure.
The plunger is made of a conductive material and
accomplishes this movement by providing a path for
the magnetic field to flow. By keeping the air gap
between the plunger and the coil to the minimum
necessary to allow free movement of the plunger, the
magnetic field is maximized.
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter (Fig. 117) is a hydraulic
device that couples the engine crankshaft to the
transmission. The torque converter consists of an
outer shell with an internal turbine, a stator, anoverrunning clutch, an impeller and an electronically
applied converter clutch. The converter clutch pro-
vides reduced engine speed and greater fuel economy
when engaged. Clutch engagement also provides
reduced transmission fluid temperatures. The torque
converter hub drives the transmission oil (fluid)
pump and contains an o-ring seal to better control oil
flow.
The torque converter is a sealed, welded unit that
is not repairable and is serviced as an assembly.
CAUTION: The torque converter must be replaced if
a transmission failure resulted in large amounts of
metal or fiber contamination in the fluid.
Fig. 117 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE ASSEMBLY
2-STATOR
3 - CONVERTER HUB
4 - O-RING
5 - IMPELLER ASSEMBLY
6 - CONVERTER CLUTCH PISTON
7 - TURBINE HUB
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 399
SOLENOIDS (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A-pillar trim/grab handle bolts 6 Ð 55
Body Isolator/cab bolts 81 60 Ð
Cargo box bolts 108 80 Ð
Cargo box tie down/cleat bolts 34 25 Ð
Center seat assembly nuts*25 18 Ð
Center seat cushion/hinge bolts*20 15 Ð
Center seat back hinge to storage bin bolts*25 18 Ð
Center seat back free pivot hinge bolt*25 18 Ð
Center seat back inertia hinge pivot bolt*10 Ð 89
Center seat inertia hinge to seat back bolts*25 18 Ð
Fender bolts - front lower 9 Ð 80
Fender bolts - lower inside 17 13 Ð
Fender to hinge support bolts 11 8 Ð
Fender to upper fender rail bolts 9 Ð 80
Footmans loop bolts 12 9 Ð
Front center seat nuts*25 18 Ð
Front door glass lift plate nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door hinge to a-pillar nuts 28 21 Ð
Front door hinge to door nuts/bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door inside handle bolt 9 Ð 80
Front door latch adjustment screw 3 Ð 30
Front door latch assembly bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door regulator bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door regulator stabilizer nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door remote handle actuator nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door run channel screws 10 Ð 89
Front seat assembly front bolts*28 30 Ð
Front seat assembly rear bolts*40 30 Ð
Front seat track nuts*25 18 Ð
Fuel fill door bolts 9 Ð 80
Hood hinge to fender rail bolts 20 15 Ð
Hood latch bolts 11 8 Ð
Hood latch striker/safety catch bolts 11 8 Ð
Hood hinge to hood nuts 23 17 Ð
Instrument panel center bracket bolts 12 9 Ð
Instrument panel column support bolts 14 10 Ð
Instrument panel side mounting bolts 12 9 Ð
23 - 12 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

EXTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY SIDE MOLDINGS
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................36
BODY ISOLATORS
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................37
CARGO BOX
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
CARGO BOX - TIE DOWN
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
COWL GRILLE
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
FUEL FILL DOOR
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39GRILLE
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
GRILLE FRAME
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
REAR WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
SIDE VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................43
REAR FENDER
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
BODY SIDE MOLDINGS
REMOVAL
NOTE: Body side moldings are attached to the body
panels with adhesive tape.
(1) Apply a length of masking tape on the body
panel, parallel to the top edge of the molding and to
one end to use as a guide for installation, if neces-
sary.
(2) If temperature is below 21ÉC (70ÉF) warm
molding with a heat lamp or gun. Do not exceed 52ÉC
(120ÉF) when heating molding.
(3) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
remove and discard the molding from the outside of
the body panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean all residue from the body side
molding attachment area of the body panel.(2) Wipe area with a clean lint free cloth moist-
ened with a 50% solution of water and alcohol and
wipe dry immediately with a dry lint free cloth.
(3) Apply new body side molding using the guide
tape on the body panel and apply consistent and uni-
form pressure of approximately 40 p.s.i. over the
entire surface of the molding.
BODY ISOLATORS
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen all cab to frame mounting bolts (six
standard cab, eight quad cab). (Fig. 1)
(2) Remove the mounting bolts and rebound cush-
ions
(3) Using a floor jack and block of wood under the
cab sill, lift the body to gain access to the isolators.
(4) Remove the isolators.
(5) Install new isolators and repeat steps one
through 4, for the opposite side.
23 - 36 EXTERIORDR

CARGO BOX - TIE DOWN
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the bolts and remove the tie down
cleat. (Fig. 4)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the tie down cleat and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
COWL GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the wiper arms. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER ARMS -
REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the washer hose.
(3) Remove the hood seal.
(4) Remove the six push pin fasteners from the
front of the grille. (Fig. 5)
(5) Remove the two rear corner screws and remove
the grilles.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the grill and install the two rear corner
screws.
(2) Install the six push pin fasteners along the
front of the grille.
(3) Install the hood seal.
(4) Connect the washer hose.(5) Install the wiper arms. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER ARMS - INSTAL-
LATION)
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES
REMOVAL
NOTE: Exterior name plates are attached to body
panels with adhesive tape.
(1) Apply a length of masking tape on the body,
parallel to the top edge and one end of the name
plate to use as a guide for installation, if necessary.
(2) If temperature is below 21ÉC (70ÉF) warm
emblem with a heat lamp or gun. Do not exceed 52ÉC
(120ÉF) when heating name plate.
(3) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
remove and discard the name plate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean all residue from the name
plate attachment area of the body panel.
(2) Wipe area with a clean lint free cloth moist-
ened with a 50% solution of water and alcohol and
wipe dry immediately with a dry lint free cloth.
(3) Remove protective cover from adhesive tape on
back of name plate.
(4)
Position name plate properly on the body panel.
(5) Apply consistent and uniform pressure over the
entire surface of the name plate, with palm of hand.
(6) If temperature is below 21ÉC (70ÉF) warm
emblem with a heat lamp or gun to assure adhesion.
Do not exceed 52ÉC (120ÉF) when heating name
plate.
Fig. 4 TIE DOWN CLEAT
1 - BOLTS (2)
2 - CLEAT
Fig. 5 COWL GRILLE
1 - PUSH PIN FASTENERS (6)
2 - COWL GRILLE
3 - SCREWS (2)
23 - 38 EXTERIORDR

DESCRIPTION FIGURE
REAR ROOF HEADER TO OUTER ROOF PANEL TO INNER BODY SIDE APERTURE
TO OUTER BODY SIDE APERTURE81
OUTER BODY SIDE APERTURE TO CAB BACK PANEL TO FLOOR SILL, INNER BODY
SIDE APERTURE TO FLOOR SILL82
OUTER BODY SIDE APERTURE TO INNER BODY SIDE APERTURE TO FLOOR SILL 83
REAR FLOOR CROSSMEMBER AND CAB BACK REINFORCEMENT TO CAB BACK
PANEL TO INNER BODY SIDE APERTURE84
CAB BACK REINFORCEMENT TO CAB BACK PANEL 85
CENTER SHOULDER BELT REINFORCEMENT AND TAPPING PLATES TO CAB BACK
REINFORCEMENT86
A-PILLAR REINFORCEMENT TO COWL SIDE PANEL TO OUTER BODY SIDE
APERTURE/APERTURE EXTENSION TO COWL SIDE PANEL87
B-PILLAR REINFORCEMENT TO OUTER ROOF PANEL TO OUTER BODY SIDE
APERTURE88
FRONT ROOF HEADER TO OUTER ROOF PANEL/ROOF BOW TO INNER BODY SIDE
APERTURE/FRONT ROOF HEADER TO A-PILLAR REINFORCEMENT89
INNER BODY SIDE APERTURE TO REAR ROOF HEADER AND OUTER BODY SIDE
APERTURE TO OUTER ROOF PANEL90
FRONT CROSSMEMBER, WHEELHOUSE CROSSMEMBER AND BRACKET SUPPORT
CROSSMEMBER TO BOX FLOOR PAN91
LONG CROSSMEMBER AND FLOOR BOX CROSS SILL TO BOX FLOOR PAN 92
TAPPING PLATES AND SUPPORT BRACKETS TO REAR CROSS BOX SILL, FRONT
WHEELHOUSE, LONG AND BRACKET SUPPORT CROSSMEMBERS93
STAKE POCKET REINFORCEMENTS AND TIE DOWN REINFORCEMENTS TO INNER
BOX SIDE PANEL94
OUTER BOX SIDE REINFORCEMENT BRACES NUT PLATES TO OUTER BOX SIDE
PANEL MOUNTING95
OUTER WHEELHOUSE TO OUTER BOX SIDE PANEL 96
WELD NUT STRIKER CAGE NUT, OUTER BOX SIDE PANEL AND NUT PLATE TO BOX
SIDE TAILGATE REINFORCEMENT97
FRONT BOX PANEL TO FRONT INNER STAKE POCKET REINFORCEMENT TO FRONT
BOX SIDE PANEL98
FRONT CROSSMEMBER TO FRONT BOX SIDE PANEL AND BOX FLOOR PANEL TO
BOX FRONT PANEL99
BOX FLOOR PANEL AND INNER WHEELHOUSE PANEL TO INNER BOX SIDE PANEL 100
FRONT CROSSMEMBER AND END SUPPORT BRACKET TO LONG CROSSMEMBER
TO INNER BOX SIDE PANEL/STAKE POCKET REINFORCEMENT AND BOX FLOOR
SILL TO OUTER TAILGATE PILLAR TO INNER TAILGATE PILLAR101
STAKE POCKET REINFORCEMENT AND BOX FLOOR SILL CROSSMEMBER TO
INNER TAILGATE PILLAR102
INNER TAILGATE PILLAR PANEL TO INNER BOX SIDE PANEL TO TIE DOWN
MOUNTING REINFORCEMENT103
BOX FLOOR SILL CROSSMEMBER TO INNER BOX SIDE PANEL 104
INNER TAILGATE PILLAR TO TAILGATE BOX SIDE REINFORCEMENT TO OUTER
TAILGATE PILLAR105
BOX SIDE PANEL AND OUTER TAILGATE PILLAR TO OUTER BOX SIDE PANEL 106
FRONT BOX PANEL TO OUTER BOX SIDE PANEL 107
23 - 122 BODY STRUCTUREDR
WELD LOCATIONS (Continued)