1998 DODGE RAM 1500 steering

CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled
vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will over-
heat and could fail.
(7) Allow battery in disabled vehicle to charge to
at least 12.4 volts (75% charge) before attempting to
start engine. If engine does not start within 15 sec-
onds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool
(15 min.), before cranking again.
DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOISTING
Refer to the Owner's Manual for emergency vehicle
lifting procedures.
WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN A CHASSIS OR DRIVETRAIN COMPO-
NENT IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE
CENTER OF GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME
HOISTING CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY
SUPPORT (Fig. 6) OR SECURE VEHICLE TO HOIST-
ING DEVICE WHEN THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
FLOOR JACK
When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used
to lift a vehicle (Fig. 7). Support the vehicle in the
raised position with jack stands at the front and rear
ends of the frame rails (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: Do not lift vehicle with a floor jack posi-
tioned under:
²An axle tube.
²A body side sill.
²A steering linkage component.
²A drive shaft.
²The engine or transmission oil pan.
²The fuel tank.
²A front suspension arm.NOTE: Use the correct frame rail lifting locations
only (Fig. 8) and (Fig. 9).
HOIST
A vehicle can be lifted with:
²A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
²A twin-post, chassis hoist.
²A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.
NOTE: When a frame-contact type hoist is used,
verify that the lifting pads are positioned properly
(Fig. 7). The forward lifting pads should be posi-
tioned against the forward flange of the transmis-
sion crossmember brackets at the bottom of the
frame rail (Fig. 8). The real lifting pads should be
wedged between the forward flange of the leaf
spring bracket and the frame rail (Fig. 9). Safety
stands should be placed under the frame rails at
the front and rear ends (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6 Safety Stands
1 - SAFETY STANDS
0 - 20 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
JUMP STARTING (Continued)

A wooden crossbeam may be required for proper
connection when using the sling-type, front-end tow-
ing method.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION: The following safety precautions must be
observed when towing a vehicle:
²Secure loose and protruding parts.
²Always use a safety chain system that is inde-
pendent of the lifting and towing equipment.
²Do not allow towing equipment to contact the
disabled vehicle's fuel tank.
²Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle
while it is lifted by the towing device.
²Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle
being towed.
²Always observe state and local laws regarding
towing regulations.
²Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could
jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or
other motorists.
²Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, J-hooks, or a
tow sling to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts
or a non-reinforced frame hole.
²Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Damage to
the cab, cargo box or frame may result. Use a flatbed
device to transport a loaded vehicle.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed,
install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels
are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be
sure there is adequate ground clearance at the oppo-
site end of the vehicle, especially when towing over
rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary,remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle
and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to
increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of
the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs
to retain brake drums or rotors.
RAMP ANGLE
If a vehicle with flat-bed towing equipment is used,
the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15
degrees.
TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not avail-
able, use a flat bed hauler. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type
device can be used on 4WD vehicles providedall the
wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dol-
lies.
FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be
transported on a flat-bed device. A Wheel-lift or
Sling-type device can be used providedall the
wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dol-
lies.
WARNING: WHEN TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
AND THE DRIVE WHEELS ARE SECURED IN A
WHEEL LIFT OR TOW DOLLIES, ENSURE THE
TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION (AUTO-
MATIC TRANSMISSION) OR A FORWARD DRIVE
GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION).
CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air
dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To
avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehi-
cle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended.
0 - 22 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
TOWING (Continued)

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT......................1
FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION..8FRONT - LINK/COIL......................29
REAR.................................41
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION..........................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT - 4WD (LD)..............3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT - 4WD (LD)................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT..................4STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE
ADJUSTMENT.........................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER,
CASTER AND TOE ADJUSTMENT..........4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALIGNMENT
LINK/COIL SUSPENSION.................5
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT..........................6
SPECIAL TOOLS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT....................7
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings should be tightened with the vehi-
cle at normal ride height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their
normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be
affected and premature bushing wear may occur.
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - TOE-IN
DRSUSPENSION 2 - 1

OPERATION
²CASTERis the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides less positive caster. Tilting
the top of the knuckle rearward provides more posi-
tive caster. Positive caster promotes directional sta-
bility. This angle enables the front wheels to return
to a straight ahead position after turns (Fig. 1)
²CAMBERis the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire (Fig. 1)
²TOEis the difference between the leading inside
edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires.
Wheel toe position out of specification cause's unsta-
ble steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel off-
center. The wheel toe position is thefinalfront
wheel alignment adjustment (Fig. 1)
²THRUST ANGLEis the angle of the rear axle
relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and exces-sive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
angle (Fig. 1)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION
Before starting wheel alignment, the following
inspection and necessary corrections must be com-
pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart below for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread
wear.
(2) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(3) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lat-
eral runout and balance.
(4) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(5) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(6) On 4x4 vehicles check suspension height (LD
only).
(7) Road test the vehicle.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FRONT END NOISE 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.3. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering gear. 3. Replace steering gear.
FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tires worn or out of balance. 3. Replace or balance tires.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
2 - 2 WHEEL ALIGNMENTDR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE STEERING
EFFORT1. Loose or worn steering gear. 1. Replace steering gear.
2. Column coupler binding. 2. Replace coupler.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Tire. 2. Criss-Cross Front Tires.
3. Alignment. 3. Align vehicle to specifications.
4. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.4. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
5. Radial tire lead. 5. Rotate or replace tire as necessary.
6. Brake pull. 6. Repair brake as necessary.
7. Weak or broken spring. 7. Replace spring.
8. Ride height (LD) 4WD only. 8. Measure and adjust ride height. (LD
only)
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT - 4WD (LD)
The vehicle suspension height MUST be measured
and adjusted before performing wheel alignment pro-
cedure. Also when front suspension components have
been replaced. This measure must be performed with
the vehicle supporting it's own weight and taken on
both sides of the vehicle.
(1) Inspect tires and set to correct pressure.
(2) Jounce the front of the vehicle.
(3) Measure and record the height from the ground
at the centerline of the rear lower control arm bolt
front tip (Fig. 2).
(4) Measure and record the height from the ground
at the front spindle centerline (Static Load Radius)
(Fig. 2).
(5) Subtract the first measurement from the sec-
ond measurement. The difference between the two
measurement should be 58 mm (2.3 inches) 3mm
(0.12 inches).
(6) If value is greater than 61 mm (2.4 inches),
tighten the torsion bar bolt until the specification is
achieved (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL
ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) If value is less than 55 mm (2.1 inches), loosen
the torsion bar bolt until the specification is achieve-
d,(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Repeat the previous steps until the ride height
is within specifications.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT - 4WD (LD)
The vehicle suspension height MUST be measured
and adjusted before performing wheel alignment pro-
cedure (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE). Also when
front suspension components have been replaced.
This measurement must be performed with the vehi-
cle supporting it's own weight and taken on both
sides of the vehicle.
Fig. 2 HEIGHT MESUREMENT
1 - HEIGHT FROM THE GROUND AT THE FRONT SPINDLE
CENTERLINE (STATIC LOAD RADIUS)
2 - CENTERLINE OF THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT
FRONT TIP
3 - GROUND LINE
DRWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 3
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

To adjust the vehicle height turn the torsion bar
adjustment bolt CLOCKWISE to raise the vehicle
and COUNTER CLOCKWISE to lower the vehicle.
CAUTION: ALWAYS raise the vehicle to the correct
suspension height, NEVER lower the vehicle to
obtain the correct suspension height. If the vehicle
suspension height is too high, lower the vehicle
below the height specification. Then raise the vehi-
cle to the correct suspension height specification.
This will insure the vehicle maintains the proper
suspension height.
NOTE: If a height adjustment has been made, per-
form height measurement again on both sides of
the vehicle.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: 4X4 (LD) SUSPENSION HEIGHT MEASURE-
MENT MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGN-
MENT.
NOTE: When the upper control arm pivot bolts are
loosened the upper control arm will normally go
inwards toward the frame automatically with the
weight of the vehicle.
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the upper control arm incon-
junction with the slotted holes in the frame brackets,
Install special tool 8876 between the top of the upper
control arm bracket and the upper control arm (on
1500 series 4X2 & 4X4). Install special tool 8876
between the bottom of the upper control arm bracket
pressing the tool against the frame and the upper
control arm (on 2500/3500 series 4X2) in order to
move the upper control arm outwards for proper
adjustment with the vehicle at normal ride height
(Fig. 3).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE ADJUSTMENT
4X4 SUSPENSION HEIGHT MESUREMENT
MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGN-
MENT.
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the
inner tie rod as necessary (Fig. 4).
(4) Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER, CASTER
AND TOE ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: 4X4 (LD) SUSPENSION HEIGHT MEASURE-
MENT MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGN-
MENT.
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the upper control arm with
the slots in the frame brackets using special tool
8876 to move the upper control arm outwards for
proper adjustment. (Fig. 3)
NOTE: When the upper control arm pivot bolts are
loosened the upper control arm will normally go
inwards toward the frame automatically with the
weight of the vehicle.
CASTER
Moving the front or rear position of the upper con-
trol arm in or out, will change the caster angle and
camber angle significantly. To maintain the camber
Fig. 3 CASTER & CAMBER ADJUSTMENT
1 - FRONT PIVOT BOLT
2 - REAR PIVOT BOLT
3 - SLOTTED HOLES FOR ADJUSTMENT OF CASTER &
CAMBER
4 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
2 - 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTDR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

angle while adjusting caster, move one pivot bolt of
the upper control arm in or out. Then move the other
pivot bolt of the upper control arm in the opposite
direction. Install special tool 8876 between the top of
the upper control arm bracket and the upper control
arm (on 1500 series 4X2 & 4X4). Install special tool
8876 between the bottom of the upper control arm
bracket pressing the tool against the frame and the
upper control arm (on 2500/3500 series 4X2) in order
to move the upper control arm outwards for proper
adjustment with the vehicle at normal ride height
(Fig. 3).
To increase positive caster angle, move the rear
position of the upper control arm inward (toward the
engine). Move the front of the upper control arm out-
ward (away from the engine) slightly until the origi-
nal camber angle is obtained using special tool 8876
to move the upper control arm for proper adjustment.
(Fig. 3)
CAMBER
Move both pivot bolts of the upper control arm
together in or out. This will change the camber angle
significantly and little effect on the caster angle
using special tool 8876 to move the upper control
arm for proper adjustment. (Fig. 3)
After adjustment is made tighten the upper control
arm nuts to proper torque specification.
TOE ADJUSTMENT
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the
inner tie rod as necessary (Fig. 4).
(4) Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALIGNMENT
LINK/COIL SUSPENSION
Before each alignment reading the vehicle should
be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each
bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and
down several times. Always release the bumper inthe down position.Set the front end alignment to
specifications while the vehicle is in its NOR-
MALLY LOADED CONDITION.
CAMBER:The wheel camber angle is preset and
is not adjustable.
CASTER:Check the caster of the front axle for
correct angle. Be sure the axle is not bent or twisted.
Road test the vehicle and make left and right turn.
Observe the steering wheel return-to-center position.
Low caster will cause poor steering wheel returnabil-
ity.
Caster can be adjusted by rotating the cams on the
lower suspension arm (Fig. 5).
TOE POSITION:The wheel toe position adjust-
ment should be the final adjustment.
Fig. 4 TIE ROD END
1 - JAM NUT
2 - TIE ROD - INNER
3 - TIE ROD END - OUTER
Fig. 5 ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT CAM
1 - BRACKET REINFORCEMENT
2 - ADJUSTING BOLT
3 - ADJUSTMENT CAM
DRWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Center and Secure
the steering wheel and turn off engine.
(2) Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts.
(3) Adjust the right wheel toe position with the
drag link. Turn the sleeve until the right wheel is at
the correct TOE-IN position. Position clamp bolts to
their original position and tighten to specifications.
Make sure the toe setting does not change dur-
ing clamp tightening.
(4) Adjust left wheel toe position with tie rod at
left knuckle. Turn the sleeve until the left wheel is at
the correct TOE-IN position. Position clamp bolts to
their original position and tighten to specifications.
Make sure the toe setting does not change dur-
ing clamp tightening.
(5) Verify the right toe setting and a straight steer-
ing wheel.
(6) Road test the vehicle.
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT
NOTE: All alignment specifications are in degrees.
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIP-
TIONSPECIFICATION
VEHICLE
1500WHEEL
BASECASTER
(4.0É
Min,
+.75É
Max)CAMBER
(  .50É)TOTAL
TOE-IN
(  .10É)
4X2 120.5 in 4.0É .0É .10É
4X2 140.5 in 4.2É .0É .10É
4X2 160.5 in 4.4É .0É .10É
VEHICLE
1500WHEEL
BASECASTER
(4.0É
Min,
+.75É
Min)CAMBER
( .50É)TOTAL
TOE-IN
( .10É)
4X4 120.5 in 4.2É .0É .10É
4X4 140.5 in 4.4É .0É .10É
4X4 160.5 in 4.6É .0É .10É
MAX
RT/LT
DIF-
FERENCE
4X2
1500Ð .40É .50É 0.06É
DESCRIP-
TIONSPECIFICATION
MAX
RT/LT
DIF-
FERENCE
4X4
1500Ð .40É .60É 0.06É
VEHICLE
4X2
2500 &
3500WHEEL
BASECASTER
(3.55É
Min,
+.75É
Max)CAMBER
( .50É)TOTAL
TOE-IN
(0.20É
 .10É)
4X2
2500&3500140 4.0É 0.0É .10É  
.05É
4X2
2500&3500160 4.3É 0.0É .10É  
.05É
MAX
RT/LT
DIF-
FERENCE
4X2
2500&3500Ð  0.4É  0.6É 0.1É
VEHICLE
4X4
2500&3500WHEEL
BASECASTER
(4.0É
Min,
+.75É
Max)CAMBER
(.25É
 .5É)TOTAL
TOE-IN
(0.20É
 .10É)
4X4
2500&3500140 4.5É .25É .10É  
.05É
4X4
2500&3500160 4.7É .25É .10É  
.05É
MAX
RT/LT
DIF-
FERENCE
4X4
2500&3500Ð  .5É  .5É 0.1É
DESCRIP-
TIONREAR SPECIFICATION
CAMBER
(-.10É   0.35É)TOTAL TOE-IN
(0.30É   0.35É)
THRUST ANGLE 0É   0.4É
4X2
4X4
1500
THRUST ANGLE -0.2É   0.2É
4X2
4X4
2500&3500
2 - 6 WHEEL ALIGNMENTDR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)