1998 DODGE RAM 1500 section 5

(14) Dress the cut edge of the existing frame in
preparation for the new rail tip.
(a) Drill four 13 mm (0.5 in.) diameter holes in
the new tip and four more in the existing frame to
accommodate ring-fillet welds. Center these holes
19 mm (0.75 in.) from the cut face of the rail and
38 mm (1.5 in.) from the top and bottom of the rail.
(Fig. 7)
(b) Bevel the edges of the new tip, existing
frame, and ring-fillet holes 25É - 30É. Scribing a
line 2 mm from the cut edge and then grinding
back to the mark will simplify the bevel creation
process and accuracy. (Fig. 8)
(c) Remove any burrs at the holes and beveled
edges.
(15) Dry fit the new rail to ensure alignment and
fit and make any adjustments as necessary.(16) Remove all internal and external OEM e-coat
within 51 mm (2.0 in.) of the weld joint on the
replacement tip and the existing frame rail.
NOTE: Any burned surface coatings will need to be
removed prior to application of corrosion preventa-
tive coatings.
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
Fig. 7 REPAIR SLEEVE INSTALLATION (TYPICAL)
1 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
2 - FRAME RAIL
3 - SERVICE SLEEVE
4 - CENTER LINE
5 - LOCATOR LINES (2)
6 - HORIZONTAL WELD HOLE LOCATION - 38 mm (1.5 in.)(BOTH
FRAME SECTIONS)
7 - LOCATOR LINE DIMENSION-2mm(0.08 in.)
8 - VERTICAL WELD HOLE LOCATION - 19 mm (0.75 in.)(BOTH
FRAME SECTIONS)
9 - RING FILLET WELD HOLES
Fig. 8 WELD DIMENSIONS
1 - FRAME REPLACEMENT TIP
2 - FRAME RAIL
3 - FRAME DRESS ANGLE 25É-30É
4 - ROOT PASS
5 - COVER PASS
6 - SERVICE SLEEVE
7 - WELD ROOT GAP 4 mm-6mm(0.16 in. - 0.24 in.)
8 - SERVICE SLEEVE
13 - 6 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

(25) Confirm alignment of the replacement frame
rail tip. (Fig. 14)
(26) Final welding should be performed in a skip
(stitch) type method to minimize the heat buildup
and frame distortion, utilizing the Weld Process
Specifications at the end of this section. The pre-
ferred method is GMAW (MIG). (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME - SPECIFICATIONS -
WELDING)
(a) Apply root pass welds to the root joint one
quadrant at a time, switching to the opposite side
of the frame for each quadrant. (Fig. 8)
(b) Clean the welds of any flux and other impu-
rities before proceeding with the cover pass welds.
(c) Apply the cover pass welds in the same man-
ner as described above.
(27) Confirm alignment of the replacement frame
rail tip. (Fig. 14)
NOTE: Any burned surface coatings will need to be
removed prior to application of corrosion preventa-
tive coatings.
(28) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Apply etch-primer to the inside of the frame
rail repair area.
(b) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound through the existing holes
in the frame ensuring 100% coverage including the
space between the original frame rail and the rein-
forcing sleeve.
(c) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(29) Tighten the front cab mounting bolt to the
FESM bracket to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).(30) Install the stabilizer bar. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER BAR - INSTALLA-
TION)
(31) Install the front bumper. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER
- INSTALLATION)
(32) Install the wire harness and ground strap if
previously removed and install the bolt.
(a) If necessary, re-drill and tap the ground
strap mounting hole
(33) Install the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 13 RING FILLET WELD
1 - WELD START LOCATION
2 - WELD END LOCATION
3 - RING-FILLET WELD
Fig. 14 FRAME TIP DIMENSIONS
1 - PLP POINT
2 - FRAME
3 - PLP POINT
4 - REPLACEMENT FRAME TIP
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 9
FRAME (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROFORM
FENDER RAIL REPAIR
CAUTION: This repair procedure assumes damage
to the right or left hydroform fender rail (Fig. 18).
Prior to any repairs, the vehicle must be mounted
on the appropriate frame repair equipment (ªframe
rackº), checked with three dimensional measuring
equipment, and necessary pull corrections made. If
damage exists in the hydroform fender rail, or cab
beyond the area covered by this service procedure
after dimensional corrections are made, the hydro-
form must be replaced in its entirety. Refer to 23 -
BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/WELD LOCATIONS -
SPECIFICATIONS, when replacing the entire hydro-
form.
(1) Before proceding with this repair procedure
review the required service warnings and precau-
tions. (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME -
WARNING)
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)(4) Remove the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the A/C condenser, if required. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING/A/C CONDENSER - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the A/C lines, if required. Refer to the
Heating and Air Conditioning section of the manual
for recommended procedures.
(7) Remove the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the air cleaner and support bracket, if
required. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYS-
TEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the integrated power module. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTE-
GRATED POWER MODULE - REMOVAL)
(10) Remove the bolts and position aside the wire
harness and grounds, if required.
(11) Remove the upper radiator crossmember.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - REMOVAL)
(12) Remove the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(13) Remove the front cab mount to the Front End
Sheet Metal bracket (FESM) bolt.
Fig. 18 HYDROFORM FENDER RAILS
1 - HYDROFORM FENDER RAIL
2 - FRONT END SHEET METAL BRACKET
3 - UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (4)4 - UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
5 - LOWER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (8)
6 - LOWER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 11
FRAME (Continued)

(14) Remove the bolts attaching the lower radiator
crossmember to the hydroform fender rail. (Fig. 18)
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. The
inaccurate and high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.
(15) Using a reciprocating saw or equivalent, cut
the fender rail and shotgun at a straight and square
section of the hydroform and remove.
(16) Smooth and square the cut edges.
(17) Using the damaged structure as a reference
cut the service part at the same location as the first
cut. Smooth and square the cut edges.
NOTE: The repair structure should butt up to the
remaining structure and provide the same overall
vehicle geometry.
(18) Fabricate 51 mm (2.0 in.) long repair inserts
using scrap from the old structure or the replacement
part. It will be necessary to split the inserts on each
of their four sides to fit into the hydroform.
(19) Remove any paint or e-coat from the inserts
and also to the interior and exterior of the hydro-
forms.
(20) Cut plug weld holes as described below.
²On the upper rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on each side of the rail, 25 mm (1.0 in.) from the butt
joint of the tubes.
²On the lower rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on the top and bottom sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
²On the lower rail, cut two 13 mm (0.5 in.) holes
on the inner and outer sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(21) Install the insert 1º into the replacement part
and tack into place with a weld. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME - SPECIFICATIONS -
WELDING)
(22) Insert the service part into place and using
the appropriate measuring equipment, verify the
front end sheet metal bracket's location in all three
(X,Y, and Z) planes of space. (Fig. 19)
(23) Complete all 360É plug welds.
NOTE: Before the final welding, use three dimen-
sional measuring equipment to ensure the part is in
the correct location. Verify that tap plate extrusion
at the bottom of the vertical post lines up with theisolator and hole in the frame perch mount. Also
ensure the lower radiator closure tube is bolted into
the forward shotgun ends.
(24) Complete welding by making a 360É butt weld
around the fender rails.
(25) Metal finish the exposed welds on the hydro-
forms.
(26) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound to the inside of the hydro-
forms ensuring 100% coverage including the mat-
ing face between the fender rail sections and insert
such that corrosion protection is restored in the
internal cavity.
(b) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(27) Install the front cab mount bolt if previously
removed and tighten to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(28) Install the lower radiator crossmember bolts
and tighten to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(29) Install the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(30) Install the upper radiator crossmember. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - INSTALLATION)
(31) Install the wire harness and ground if previ-
ously removed and install the bolts.
(32) Install the integrated power module, if previ-
ously removed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE -
INSTALLATION)
(33) Install the air cleaner bracket and air cleaner,
if previously removed. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT -
INSTALLATION)
(34) Install the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
(35) Install the A/C lines, if previously removed.
Refer to the Heating and Air Conditioning section of
the manual for the recommended procedures.
(36) Install the A/C condenser, if previously
removed. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C CONDENSER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(37) Install the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - INSTALLATION)
(38) Install the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(39) Reconnect the battery ground.
13 - 12 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REAR FRAME
H-SECTION REPLACEMENT
CAUTION: This procedure is designed to replace
the H-section/spare tire support located at the rear
of the frame assembly. Prior to any cutting, the
vehicle must be mounted on the appropriate frame
repair equipment (ªframe rackº), checked with three
dimensional measuring equipment, and the neces-
sary pull corrections made. If damage remains in
the frame beyond the area covered by this service
part after the pull, the frame must be replaced in its
entirety.
(1) Before proceding with this repair procedure
review the required service warnings and precau-
tions. (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME -
WARNING)
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the cargo box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/CARGO BOX - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the trailer hitch. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/TRAILER HITCH -
REMOVAL)
(5) Raise and support the frame so the tires are off
floor.(6) Remove the shock absorbers. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/REAR/SHOCK - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove the rear leaf spring shackle bolts and
let the axle rest on the ground. (Fig. 20)
(8) Remove the spare wheel.
Fig. 19 ENGINE COMPARTMENT/FRONT STRUCTURE
Fig. 20 REAR SPRING
1 - SPRING SHACKLE
2 - LEAF SPRING EYE BOLT/NUT
3 - REAR LEAF SPRING
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 13
FRAME (Continued)

(9) Remove the clip and remove the spare tire
winch tube. (Fig. 21)
(10) Remove the bolts and remove the spare tire
winch. (Fig. 22)
(11) Position the wire harness forward of the work
area.
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. The
inaccurate and high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.(12) Carefully remove the H-section welds using a
grinder or equivalent tool.
(13) Remove the H-section and clean any remain-
ing welds from the frame.
(14) Trial fit the replacement part.
(15) Remove all e-coat from within 25 mm (1.0 in.)
of the weld area.
(16) Using the appropriate measuring equipment,
position the replacement part and verify correct posi-
tioning in all three (X,Y, and Z) planes of space.
(Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME - SPEC-
IFICATIONS - FRAME DIMENSIONS)
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(17) Weld the replacement H-section into position.
The welding should be performed in a skip (stitch)
type method to minimize the heat buildup following
I-CAR or the American Welding Society welding pro-
cedures and utilizing the process specifications at the
end of this section. (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME - SPECIFICATIONS - WELD-
ING)
(18) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound through the existing holes
in the frame ensuring 100% coverage including the
mating face between the frame and replacement
H-section.
(b) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(19) Position the wiring harness back.
CAUTION: Inspect the tire winch assembly for dam-
age. If any one or more of the following are evident,
replace the winch assembly.
²Indications of cracked or bulging plastic.
²Housing flanges are bent or cracked.
²If winch was loose before repair.
(20) Install the spare tire winch and install the
bolts. (Fig. 22)
(21) Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(22) Install the spare tire winch tube and install
the clip. (Fig. 21)
(23) Install the spare tire.
CAUTION: Check operation of the spare tire winch
by manipulating it up and down. If the winch binds
or jambs, replace the winch assembly.
(24) Lift the axle into position and install the rear
shackle bolts. (Fig. 20)
(25) Tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 21 SPARE TIRE WINCH TUBE
1 - SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
2 - HAIR PIN CLIP
3 - WINCH TUBE
4 - H-SECTION/SPARE WHEEL SUPPORT
Fig. 22 SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
1 - SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
2 - BOLTS
3 - RETAINER BRACKET
4 - H-SECTION/SPARE WHEEL SUPPORT
13 - 14 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

(d) Insert special fuel line removal tool (Snap-On
number FIH 9055-1 or equivalent) into fuel line
(Fig. 14). Use tool to release locking fingers in end
of line.
(e) With special tool still inserted, pull fuel line
from fuel rail.
(f) After disconnection, locking fingers will
remain within quick-connect fitting at end of fuel
line.
(10) Disconnect quick-connect fitting from fuel sys-
tem component being serviced.
CONNECTING
(1) Inspect quick-connect fitting body and fuel sys-
tem component for damage. Replace as necessary.
(2) Prior to connecting quick-connect fitting to
component being serviced, check condition of fitting
and component. Clean parts with a lint-free cloth.
Lubricate with clean engine oil.
(3) Insert quick-connect fitting into fuel tube or
fuel system component until built-on stop on fuel
tube or component rests against back of fitting.
(4) Continue pushing until a click is felt.
(5) Single-tab type fitting: Push new tab down
until it locks into place in quick-connect fitting.
(6) Verify a locked condition by firmly pulling on
fuel tube and fitting (15-30 lbs.).
(7) Latch Clip Equipped: Install latch clip (snaps
into position).If latch clip will not fit, this indi-
cates fuel line is not properly installed to fuel
rail (or other fuel line). Recheck fuel line con-
nection.
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
(9) Start engine and check for leaks.
FUEL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The electric fuel pump is located inside of the fuel
pump module. A 12 volt, permanent magnet, electric
motor powers the fuel pump. The electric fuel pump
is not a separate, serviceable component.
OPERATION
Voltage to operate the electric pump is supplied
through the fuel pump relay.
Fuel is drawn in through a filter at the bottom of
the module and pushed through the electric motor
gearset to the pump outlet.
Check Valve Operation:The bottom section of
the fuel pump module contains a one-way check
valve to prevent fuel flow back into the tank and to
maintain fuel supply line pressure (engine warm)
when pump is not operational. It is also used to keep
the fuel supply line full of gasoline when pump is not
operational. After the vehicle has cooled down, fuel
pressure may drop to 0 psi (cold fluid contracts), but
liquid gasoline will remain in fuel supply line
between the check valve and fuel injectors.Fuel
pressure that has dropped to 0 psi on a cooled
down vehicle (engine off) is a normal condition.
The electric fuel pump is not a separate, service-
able component.
FUEL PUMP MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The fuel pump module assembly is located on the
top of the fuel tank (Fig. 1). The complete assembly
contains the following components:
²A combination fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator
²A separate fuel pick-up, or inlet filter
²An electric fuel pump
²A lockring to retain pump module to tank
²A soft gasket between tank flange and module
²A fuel gauge sending unit (fuel level sensor)
²Fuel line connection
The fuel gauge sending unit may be serviced sepa-
rately. If the electrical fuel pump, primary inlet filter,
fuel filter or fuel pressure regulator require service,
the fuel pump module must be replaced.
OPERATION
Refer to Fuel Pump, Inlet Filter, Fuel Filter / Fuel
Pressure Regulator and Fuel Gauge Sending Unit.
Fig. 14 FUEL LINE DISCONNECTION USING
SPECIAL TOOL
1 - SPECIAL FUEL LINE TOOL
2 - FUEL LINE
3 - FUEL RAIL
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 11
QUICK CONNECT FITTING (Continued)

REMOVAL
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER A CON-
STANT PRESSURE (EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF).
BEFORE SERVICING THE FUEL PUMP MODULE,
THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MUST BE
RELEASED.
(1) Drain and remove fuel tank. Refer to Fuel
Tank Removal/Installation.
(2) The plastic fuel pump module locknut (Fig. 15)
is threaded onto fuel tank. Install Special Tool 6856
to locknut and remove locknut (Fig. 16). The fuel
pump module will spring up slightly when locknut is
removed.
(3) Remove module from fuel tank.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Whenever the fuel pump module is ser-
viced, the rubber gasket must be replaced.
(1) Using a new gasket, position fuel pump module
into opening in fuel tank.
(2) Position locknut over top of fuel pump module.
Install locknut finger tight.
(3) Rotate module until embossed alignment arrow
(Fig. 15) points to center alignment mark. This step
must be performed to prevent float from contactingside of fuel tank. Also be sure fitting on fuel filter/
fuel pressure regulator is pointed to drivers side of
vehicle.
(4) Install Special Tool 6856 (Fig. 16) to locknut.
(5) Tighten locknut. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(6) Install fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Removal/
Installation.
FUEL RAIL
DESCRIPTION
The fuel injector rail is used to mount the fuel
injectors to the engine.
OPERATION
High pressure from the fuel pump is routed to the
fuel rail. The fuel rail then supplies the necessary
fuel to each individual fuel injector.
A quick-connect fitting with a safety latch clip is
used to attach the fuel line to the fuel rail.
The fuel rail is not repairable.
CAUTION: The left and right sections of the fuel rail
are connected with either a flexible connecting
hose, or joints. Do not attempt to separate the rail
halves at these connecting hose or joints. Due to
the design of the connecting hose or joint, it does
not use any clamps. Never attempt to install a
clamping device of any kind to the hose or joint.
When removing the fuel rail assembly for any rea-
son, be careful not to bend or kink the connecting
hose or joint.
Fig. 15 FUEL PUMP MODULE (TOP)
1 - FUEL FILTER / FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
2 - ALIGNMENT ARROW
3 - TOP OF PUMP MODULE
4 - LOCKNUT
5 - ALIGNMENT MARKS
Fig. 16 LOCKNUT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION -
TYPICAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6856
2 - LOCKNUT
14 - 12 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL PUMP MODULE (Continued)