1998 DODGE RAM 1500 lower control arm

BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 4WD (LD)
(1) Remove the lower control arm (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Secure the control arm in a vise.
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
FRAME MOUNTED BUSHING
(1) Install the bushing tool 8682-3 (receiver) and
8682-4 (driver) with the threaded rod and the two
bearings as shown for the replacement of the frame
bushing (Fig. 3)
CONTROL ARM BUSHING
(1) Install bushing remover tools 8682-2 (adapter),
8682-3 (receiver) and 8682-4 (driver) with the
threaded rod and the two bearings as shown (Fig. 4)
REMOVAL - TORSION BAR CROSSMEMBER
BUSHING
(1) Remove the torsion bar cross member (Refer to
13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/REAR CROSS-
MEMBER - REMOVAL).
(2) Secure the cross member in a vise.
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(3) Install special tools 8838 threaded rod, 8835-1,
8835-4 and 8835-3 as shown in the graphic below
(Fig. 5).
(4) Press out the bushing.
REMOVAL - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 2WD (LD)
NOTE: HD 4X2 bushings are not servicable.
(1) Remove the lower control arm (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Secure the control arm in a vise.
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
Fig. 3 FRAME BUSHING REMOVAL
1 - THREADED ROD
2 - BEARINGS
3 - 8682-3 (RECEIVER)
4 - FRAME
5 - 8682-4 (DRIVER)
6 - NUT
7 - BUSHING
Fig. 4 CONTROL ARM BUSHING REMOVAL
1 - 8682-4 (DRIVER)
2 - BUSHING
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 - 8682-2 (ADAPTER)
5 - 8682-3 (RECEIVER)
6 - BEARING
7 - THREADED ROD
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 13

LARGE BUSHING
(1) Install bushing remover tools 8836-2 (receiver),
8836-4 (spacer) and 8836-5 (driver) with the threaded
rod 8839 and the bearing as shown (Fig. 6) for
replacement of the large bushing.
SMALL BUSHING
(1) Install the bushing tool 8836-6 (driver), 8836-3
(spacer) and 8836-2 (receiver) with the threaded rod
8839 and the bearing as shown for the replacement
of the small bushing (Fig. 7)
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 4WD (LD)
NOTE: Be careful to properly orient the bushing
voids in the correct position to within   10É. The
correct position places the long narrow void out-
board of the bushing and the short wide void
inboard of the bushing (Fig. 8).
Fig. 5 TORSION BAR CROSS MEMBER BUSHING -
REMOVAL
1 - 8838
2 - 8835-1
3 - 8835-4
4 - 8835-3
Fig. 6 LARGE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING -
REMOVAL
1 - 8836-4 (SPACER)
2 - 8836-5 (DRIVER)
3 - 8839 (THREADED ROD)
4 - 8836-2 (RECEIVER)
Fig. 7 SMALL LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING -
REMOVAL
1 - 8839 (THREADED ROD)
2 - 8836-6 (DRIVER)
3 - 8836-3 (SPACER)
4 - 8836-2 (RECEIVER)
Fig. 8 REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING
1 - SHORT - WIDE VOID
2 - INWARD TOWARD VEHICLE
3 - LONG - THIN VOID
2 - 14 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
BUSHINGS (Continued)

FRAME MOUNTED BUSHING
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(1) Install the new bushing into the frame using
special tools 8682-3 (receiver), 8682-1 (driver) with
the two bearings and the threaded rod (Fig. 9)mak-
ing sure to properly orient the bushing as shown
(Fig. 8).
CONTROL ARM BUSHING
(1) Install the new lower control arm bushings into
the lower control arm using tools 8682-1 (driver),
8682-5 (receiver) and the two bearings with the
threaded rod (Fig. 10) making sure to properly orient
the bushing in the control (Fig. 8).
(1) Remove the control arm from the vise.
(2) Install the lower control arm (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION).
(3) Reset the vehicle ride height (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(4) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - TORSION BAR CROSS
MEMBER BUSHING
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(1) Install the new bushing into the cross member
using special tools 8835-2, 8835-4 and 8835-3 with
the bearing and the threaded rod 8838 (Fig. 11) mak-
ing sure to properly orient the bushing.
(2) Remove the cross member from the vise.
(3) Install the torsion bar cross member (Refer to
13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/REAR CROSS-
MEMBER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reset the vehicle ride height (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(5) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM
BUSHINGS - 2WD (LD)
NOTE: HD 4X2 bushings are not servicable.
Fig. 9 FRAME BUSHING INSTALL
1 - THREADED ROD
2 - BEARINGS
3 - 8682-3 (RECEIVER)
4 - BUSHING
5 - 8682-1 (DRIVER)
Fig. 10 CONTROL ARM BUSHING INSTALL
1 - THREADED ROD
2 - BEARINGS
3 - 8682-1 (DRIVER)
4 - BUSHING
5 - CONTROL ARM
6 - 8682-5 (RECEIVER)
7 - NUT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 15
BUSHINGS (Continued)

LARGE BUSHING
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(1) Install the new bushing into the lower control
arm using special tools 8836-2 (receiver), 8836-1
(driver), 8836-4 (spacer) with the bearing and the
threaded rod (8839) (Fig. 12).
SMALL BUSHING
(1) Install the small bushings into the lower con-
trol arm using tools 8836-7 (driver), 8836-2 (receiver),
8836±3 (spacer) and the bearing with the threaded
rod (8839) (Fig. 13).
(1) Remove the control arm from the vise.
(2) Install the lower control arm (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION).
(3) Reset the vehicle ride height (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(4) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor if
equipped, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the halfshaft nut.
Fig. 11 TORSION BAR CROSS MEMBER BUSHING -
INSTALLATION
1 - 8835-2
2 - 8835-4
3 - 8835-3
4 - 8838
Fig. 12 LARGE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING -
INSTALL
1 - 8836-1 (DRIVER)
2 - 8839 (THREADED ROD)
3 - 8836-2 (RECEIVER)
4 - 8836-4 (SPACER)
Fig. 13 SMALL LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING -
INSTALL
1 - 8836-2 (RECEIVER)
2 - 8839 (THREADED ROD)
3 - 8836-3 (SPACER)
4 - 8836-7 (DRIVER)
2 - 16 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
BUSHINGS (Continued)

(8) Remove the hub/bearing from the steering
knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/HUB /
BEARING - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The ball joint stud tapers must be
CLEAN and DRY before installing the knuckle.
Clean the stud tapers with mineral spirits to remove
dirt and grease.
NOTE: When installing hub/bearing with ABS
brakes, position the speed sensor opening towards
the front of the vehicle.
(1) Install the hub/bearing to the steering knuckle
and tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.)(LD) or
176 N´m (130 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2) (Fig. 19).
(2) Install the knuckle onto the upper and lower
ball joints (Fig. 19).
(3) Install the upper and lower ball joint nuts.
Tighten the upper ball joint nut to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.) (on 1500 series only an additional 90É turn is
required) and the lower ball joint nut to 52 N´m (38
ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only an additional 90É turn is
required)(LD) or 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2).
(4) Remove the hydraulic jack from the lower sus-
pension arm.
(5) Install the tie rod end and tighten the nut to
61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the front halfshaft into the hub/bearing
(if equipped).
(7) Install the the halfshaft nut and tighten to 251
N´m (185 ft. lbs.) (if equipped).(8) Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLATION) and
brake shield, rotor and caliper (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(9) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(10) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(11) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrication
fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle
before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the topside of
the lower control arm and then zero the dial indica-
tor.
(3) Position the indicator plunger against the bot-
tom surface of the steering knuckle.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the steering
knuckle.
(4) Position a pry bar under the tire assembly. Pry
upwards on the tire assembly.
(5) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the lower ball joint (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(2) Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the tie rod from the steering
knuckle (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE
ROD END - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the steering knuckle (Fig. 20)(Refer to
2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL).
(5) Move the halfshaft to the side and support the
halfshaft out of the way (If Equipped).
Fig. 19 STEERING KNUCKLE
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 19
KNUCKLE (Continued)

(6) Remove the snap ring, from the lower control
arm (HD 4X2 only)
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(7) Press the ball joint from the lower control arm
using special tools C-4212±F (PRESS), 8698-2
(RECEIVER) and 8698-3 (DRIVER) (Fig. 21).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(1) Install the ball joint into the control arm and
press in using special tools C-4212±F (press), 8698-1
(driver) and 8698-3 (receiver) (Fig. 22).
(2) Install the ball joint boot.
(3) Stake the ball joint flange in four evenly
spaced places around the ball joint flange, using a
chisel and hammer (LD only).
(4) Replace the snap ring (HD 4X2 only)
(5) Remove the support for the halfshaft and
install into position (If Equipped).
(6) Install the steering knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the tie rod end into the steering knuckle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END -
INSTALLATION).
(8) Install and tighten the halfshaft nut to 251
N´m (185 ft. lbs.). (If Equipped).
(9) Install the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(11) Check the vehicle ride height (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 20 LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8677
Fig. 21 REMOVAL LOWER BALL JOINT
1 - PRESS - C-4212-F
2 - DRIVER - 8698-3
3 - BALL JOINT
4 - RECEIVER - 8698-2
Fig. 22 INSTALL LOWER BALL JOINT
1 - PRESS - C-4212-F
2 - DRIVER - 8698-1
3 - BALL JOINT
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
5 - RECEIVER - 8698-3
2 - 20 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
LOWER BALL JOINT (Continued)

(12) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4 (LD)
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the upper ball joint nut. Separate ball
joint from the steering knuckle with Remover 8677.
(4) Remove the front halfshaft, (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the torsion bar, (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/TRACK BAR - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the shock absorber lower bolt.
(7) Remove the stabilizer bar link (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the lower ball joint nut. Separate ball
joint from the steering knuckle with Remover 8677.
(9) Remove the control arm pivot bolts and suspen-
sion arm from frame rail brackets (Fig. 23).
REMOVAL - 4X2
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Support the lower control arm at the outboard
side of the lower control arm to support vehicle
weight.(4) Remove the shock (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/SHOCK - REMOVAL).
(5) Install Spring Compressor DD-1278 up through
the lower suspension arm, coil spring and shock hole
in the frame. The bell-shaped adapter goes against
the lower suspension arm. Install the nut on top of
the tool at the shock hole.
(6) Tighten the spring compressor nut against bell-
shaped adapter finger tight then loosen 1/2 turn.
NOTE: This will hold the spring in place until the
lower suspension arm is separated from the steer-
ing knuckle.
(7) Remove the stabilizer link (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the lower ball joint nut at the steering
knuckle.
(9) Install Ball Joint Remover tool 8677 on the
lower ball joint and separate the ball joint from the
knuckle.
NOTE: Do not allow the upper control arm and
steering knuckle to rebound downwards they must
be supported.
(10) Support the upper control arm and steering
knuckle out of the way.
(11) Remove the lower control arm support.
(12) Tighten the spring compressor tool to allow
clearance for the lower ball joint to be removed out of
the knuckle.
(13) Loosen the tension on the spring compressor
tool slowly allowing the lower suspension arm to
pivot downward.
(14) Remove the spring compressor tool.
(15) Remove coil spring and isolator pad from the
vehicle (Fig. 26).
(16) Remove the front and rear pivot bolts (Fig.
24).
(17) Remove the lower control arm.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4 (LD)
(1) Position the lower control arm at the frame rail
brackets. Install the pivot bolts and nuts. Tighten the
nuts finger-tight.
CAUTION: The ball joint stud taper must be CLEAN
and DRY before installing the knuckle. Clean the
stud taper with mineral spirits to remove dirt and
grease.
(2) Insert the lower ball joint into the steering
knuckle. Install and tighten the retaining nut to 52
Fig. 23 LOWER CONTROL ARM
1 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
3 - FRONT BOLT
4 - NUTS
5 - REAR BOLT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 21
LOWER BALL JOINT (Continued)

N´m (38 ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only an additional 90É
turn is required).
(3) Install the torsion bar, (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/TRACK BAR - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install shock absorber lower bolt and tighten to
135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the front halfshaft, (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Insert the upper ball joint into the steering
knuckle. Install and tighten the retaining nut to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only an additional 90É
turn is required).
(7) Install the stabilizer bar link (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Tighten the lower control arm front pivot nut
to 204 N´m (150 ft. lbs.). Tighten rear pivot bolt to
204 N´m (150 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the wheel and tire assembly,(Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(10) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(11) Adjust the front suspension height and per-
form a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - 4X2
(1) Install the lower control arm into place on the
vehicle.
(2) Install the front and rear control arm pivot
bolts finger tight.
(3) Install the coil spring into the frame pocket(Re-
fer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/SPRING - INSTAL-
LATION).(4) Install the Spring Compressor DD-1278 up
through the lower suspension arm, coil spring and
shock hole in the frame.
(5) Tighten the tool nut to compress the coil
spring.
(6) Remove the support from the upper control
arm and steering knuckle.
(7) Position the lower ball joint into the steering
knuckle.
(8) Install the retaining nut on the lower ball joint
and tighten to 52 N´m (38 ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only
an additional 90É turn is required) or 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2 only).
(9) Support the lower control arm at the outboard
side of the lower control arm to support vehicle
weight.
(10) Remove the spring compressor tool.
(11) Install the shock absorber. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/SHOCK - INSTALLATION).
(12) Install the stabilizer link (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - INSTALLA-
TION).
(13) Remove the lower control arm support.
(14) Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower
the vehicle. (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Lower the vehicle to the floor with vehicle
weight and Tighten the front and rear control arm
pivot bolts to 204 N´m (150 ft. lbs.)(LD) or 285 N´m
(210 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2 only).
(16) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
SPRING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Support the lower control arm at the outboard
side of the lower control arm to support vehicle
weight.
(4) Remove the shock absorber (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/SHOCK - REMOVAL).
(5) Install Spring Compressor DD-1278 up through
the lower suspension arm, coil spring and shock hole
in the frame. The bell-shaped adapter goes against
the lower suspension arm. Install the nut on top of
the tool at the shock hole (Fig. 25).
(6) Tighten the spring compressor nut against bell-
shaped adapter finger tight then loosen 1/2 turn.
NOTE: This will hold the spring in place until the
lower suspension arm is separated from the steer-
ing knuckle.
Fig. 24 LOWER CONTROL ARM - 4X2
1 - FRONT PIVOT BOLT
2 - REAR PIVOT BOLT
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 - 22 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)