1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Alignment

4.7L V-8
(1) Clean throttle body-to-intake manifold o-ring.(2) Clean mating surfaces of throttle body and
intake manifold.
(3) Install throttle body to intake manifold by posi-
tioning throttle body to manifold alignment pins.
(4) Install three mounting bolts. Tighten bolts to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install control cables.
(6) Install vacuum line to throttle body.
(7) Install electrical connectors.
(8) Install air plenum.
5.7L V-8
CAUTION: Do not use spray (carb) cleaners on any
part of the throttle body. Do not apply silicone lubri-
cants to any part of the throttle body.
(1) Clean and check condition of throttle body-to-
intake manifold o-ring.
(2) Clean mating surfaces of throttle body and
intake manifold.
(3) Install throttle body to intake manifold by posi-
tioning throttle body to manifold alignment pins.
(4) Install 4 mounting bolts. Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications.
(5) Install electrical connector.
(6) Install air plenum.
(7)If the throttle body has been changed, the
following procedure must be performed:
(a) Disconnect negative battery cable from bat-
tery. Leave cable disconnected for approximately 90
seconds.
(b) Reconnect cable to battery.
(c) Turn ignition switch ON, but do not crank
engine.
(d) Leave ignition switch ON for a minimum of
10 seconds. This will allow PCM to learn throttle
body electrical parameters.
THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage or kink cable
core wire (within cable sheathing) while servicing
accelerator pedal or throttle cable.
(1) From inside vehicle, hold up accelerator pedal.
Remove plastic cable retainer (clip) and throttle cable
core wire from upper end of pedal arm (Fig. 1). Plas-
tic cable retainer snaps into top of pedal arm.
(2) Remove cable core wire at pedal arm.
(3) From inside vehicle, remove metal clip holding
cable to dashpanel (Fig. 1).
Fig. 31 5.7L V-8 THROTTLE BODY
1 - THROTTLE BODY
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - SILICONE SEAL
4 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
Fig. 32 5.7L V-8 THROTTLE BODY O-RING
1 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - THROTTLE BODY O-RING
14 - 38 FUEL INJECTION - GASDR
THROTTLE BODY (Continued)

BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn. 7. Replace gear.
8. Pump seized / Stuck valve 8. Replace pump.
INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Low pump pressure. 4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
5. Internal gear leak. 5. Replace gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Replace gear.
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Inspect and repair or adjust
bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Replace gear.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler. 5. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
VEHICLE PULLS OR LEADS TO
ONE SIDE.1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Rotate tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align front end.
DRSTEERING 19 - 3
STEERING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before installing gear inspect bushings and
replace if worn or damaged.
NOTE: In the frame there is two holes for the
mounting of the steering gear one is slotted and
one is round, When tightening the gear to specifi-
cations make sure to tighten the mounting bolt with
the hole first to avoided movement of the steering
gear.
(1) Install the gear on the front crossmember and
tighten the mounting bolts to 319 N´m (235 ft. lbs.).
(Fig. 4) & (Fig. 3).
(2) Slide the shaft coupler onto the gear. Install
newpinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.).
(3) Clean and dry the tie rod end studs and the
knuckle tapers.
(4) Install the tie rod ends into the steering knuck-
les and tighten the nuts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) thenan additional 90É. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINK-
AGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the pressure power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 32 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(6) Install the return power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 71 N´m (52 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Install the front skid plate (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE
- INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(10) Fill the system with fluid, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Adjust the toe position. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
Fig. 3 STEERING GEAR 4X2
1-SWAYBAR
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
5 - LEFT INNER & RIGHT OUTER (TIE ROD ENDS)
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR 4X4
1 - FRONT AXLE
2 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING NUTS & BUSHINGS
19 - 18 GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Gear to Frame Bolts319 235 Ð
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Coupler Bolt49 36 Ð
Tie Rod End
Knuckle Nut61
Then tighten an additional
90É45
Then tighten an additional
90ÉÐ
Tie Rod End
Jam Nut75 55 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line32 23 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return Line71 52 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line To Pump37 27 Ð
BUSHING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering gear (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case.
(2) Mount the steering gear in a soft jawed vise.
NOTE: If the bushings are seized a brass punch can
be used to remove the bushings from the gear
using care not to strike the gear.
(3) Remove the front mounting bushings.
(4) Remove the rear mounting bushings.
(5) Remove the steering gear from the vise and
place it on the bench.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Coat all bushings with a thin rubber lubri-
cate oil prior to installation.
NOTE: A rubber mallet can be used to assist in the
installation of the bushings once lubricated.
(1) Coat the rear bushings with a thin rubber
lubricate oil then install the rear bushings using a
rubber mallet to seat the bushings in the gear.
(2) Coat the front bushings with a thin rubber
lubricate oil then install the front bushings using a
rubber mallet to seat the bushings in the gear.
(3) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(4) Adjust the toe position (if necessary) (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
DRGEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 19
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

(4) Disconnect and cap the fluid hoses from steer-
ing gear (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove coupler pinch bolt at the steering gear
and slide shaft off gear (Fig. 2).
(6) Mark the pitman shaft and pitman arm for
installation reference. Remove the pitman arm from
the shaft with Puller C-4150A (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - REMOVAL), (Fig. 3).
(7) Remove steering gear three mounting bolts
(Fig. 4). Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering gear on the frame rail and
install the three mounting bolts (Fig. 4). Tighten the
mounting bolts to 196 N´m (145 ft. lbs.).(2) Align steering coupler on gear shaft. Install
pinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Align and install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Install the washer and retaining nut on the pit-
man shaft. Tighten the nut to 305 N´m (225 ft. lbs.).
(5) Connect fluid hoses to steering gear (Refer to
19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTALLATION),
tighten to 31 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(6) Add fluid, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) Reset the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION: Steering gear must be adjusted in the
proper order. If adjustments are not performed in
order, gear damage and improper steering response
may result.
NOTE: Adjusting the steering gear in the vehicle is
not recommended. Remove gear from the vehicle
and drain the fluid. Then mount gear in a vise to
perform adjustments.
(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
(2) Mount the gear carefully into a soft-jawed vise.
Fig. 2 COLUMN SHAFT
1 - STEERING COUPLER
2 - STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 3 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - C-4150A PULLER
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 21
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)

(11) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(12) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
STEERING GEAR INPUT
SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case. This may affect the adjustment
(2) Mount the steering gear upside down over a
drain pan in a soft jawed vise.
(3) Place a drain pan under the gear and rotate
the input shaft back and forth several times lock-to-
lock to discharge the fluid from the steering gear
(4) Drain all the remaining fluid from the gear.
(5) Rotate the input shaft from stop to stop and
count the number of turns using a 12 point socket
(Fig. 9).
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(6) Center the input shaft by rotating it from the
stop back 1 1/2 turns to achieve center position (Fig.
9).(7) Remove the pitman shaft (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR/PITMAN SHAFT - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the four bolts securing the valve hous-
ing.
(9) Remove the valve housing from the steering
gear (Fig. 10).
(10) Remove the valve housing and wormshaft
assembly from the steering gear housing and place
the valve housing in a soft jawed vise (Fig. 11).
Fig. 9 CENTERING STEERING GEAR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - 12 POINT SOCKET
3 - RATCHET
4 - INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 10 VALVE ASSEMBLY
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - WORMSHAFT BALLS
3 - STEERING GEAR HOUSING
Fig. 11 VALVE HOUSING AND WORMSHAFT
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - SET SCREW
3 - RETAINER RING
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 27
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

(7) Install the input shaft seal protector 8986 (Fig.
20).
(8) Coat the new seal inhigh temp greaseand
Install the new oil seal using special tool 8987 driver
and C-4171 handle (Fig. 21).
NOTE: Drive the oil seal into the housing until the
outer edge does not quite clear the snap ring
groove.
(9) Insert the snap ring into the housing. Using
special tool 8987 driver and C-4171 handle push the
snap ring and oil seal together until the snap ring
seats in the groove.NOTE: Generous amounts of the high temperature
grease from the seal kit should be applied to areas
between the pitman shaft bearing and oil seals and
also between the dust seals and snap ring.
(10) Install the new dust seal usinghigh temp
grease, special tool C-4171 (driver) and 8987 (han-
dle).
(11) Check to make sure the gear is centered in
the middle tooth before installing the pitman shaft
(Fig. 19).
(12) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR/PITMAN SHAFT -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Perform over-center meshload adjustment
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
(14) Install the steering gear to the vehicle (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(15) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
PITMAN SHAFT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS
(1) Separate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(3) Rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop and
count the number of turns.
(4) Center the steering wheel by rotating it from
the stop back 1 1/2 turns to achieve center position.
(5) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(6) Remove the pitman shaft from the gear (Fig.
22).
(7) Remove the cover if needed by loosing the
adjuster nut, Then removing the cover from the pit-
man shaft.
REMOVAL - DIESEL
(1) Separate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the steering gear box (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
(3) Install the steering gear in a soft jawed bench
vise.
Fig. 20 INPUT SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8986
Fig. 21 INPUT SHAFT SEAL INSTALLATION
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8987
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
19 - 30 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

(4) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(5) Rotate the stub shaft with a 12 point socket
from stop to stop and count the number of turns (Fig.
23).
(6) Center the stub shaft by rotating it from the
stop 1/2 of the total amount of turns (Fig. 23).
(7) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(8)
Remove the pitman shaft from the gear (Fig. 24).
(9) Remove the cover if needed by loosing the
adjuster nut, Then removing the cover from the pit-
man shaft.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS
(1) Coat the seal withpower steering fluid.
(2) Install pitman shaft into the steering gear until
it fully seats into the bearing.
(3) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(4) Perform over-center meshload adjustment,
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
(5) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(6) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - DIESEL
(1) Coat the seal withpower steering fluid.
(2) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
(3) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(4) Perform over-center meshload adjustment
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
(5) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(7) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 22 PITMAN SHAFT
1 - PITMAN SHAFT
2 - O-RING SEAL
3 - COVER
4 - ADJUSTING NUT
Fig. 23 CENTERING STEERING GEAR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - 12 POINT SOCKET
3 - RATCHET
4 - INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 24 PITMAN SHAFT
1 - PITMAN SHAFT
2 - O-RING SEAL
3 - COVER
4 - ADJUSTING NUT
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 31
PITMAN SHAFT (Continued)