1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Alignment

(8) Install front sprocket retaining ring (Fig. 77).
(9) Install rear sprocket retaining ring (Fig. 78).(10) Insert magnet in front case pocket (Fig. 79).
REAR CASE
(1) Install the oil pick-up tube and screen into the
rear case half.
(2) Apply bead of MopartGasket Maker, or equiv-
alent, to mating surface of front case. Keep sealer
bead width to maximum of 3/16 inch. Do not use
excessive amount of sealer as excess will be displaced
into case interior.
(3) Align mainshaft with the rear output shaft
bearing and align shift rail with bore in rear case.
Then install rear case (Fig. 80). Verify that the case
alignment dowels correctly seat into their mating
recesses.
Fig. 77 Install Front Output Shaft Sprocket
Retaining Ring
1 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 78 Install Rear Output Shaft Sprocket Retaining
Ring
1 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 79 Case Magnet Installation
1 - MAGNET
2 - CASE POCKET
Fig. 80 Install Rear Case Half
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - REAR CASE HALF
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV273 21 - 565
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

(4) Install 4-5 rear case-to front case bolts (Fig. 81)
to hold rear case in position. Tighten bolts snug but
not to specified torque at this time.
CAUTION: Verify that shift rail, and case alignment
dowels are seated before installing any bolts. Case
could be cracked if shaft rail or dowels are mis-
aligned.
(5) Tighten bolts to 27-34 N´m (20-25 ft. lbs.),
(6) Install rear output bearing inner snap-ring
(Fig. 82) to output shaft.OIL PUMP AND REAR EXTENSION
(1) Install the oil pump (Fig. 83) onto the output
shaft.
(2) Engage the oil pump pick-up tube (Fig. 84) into
the oil pump. Verify that the pick-up tube o-ring is
on the tube and is correctly installed to the oil pump.
Fig. 81 Install Case Half Bolts
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - REAR CASE HALF
3 - BOLTS
Fig. 82 Install Rear Bearing Inner Snap-Ring
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - REAR CASE HALF
3 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 83 Install Oil Pump
1 - REAR CASE HALF
2 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT
3 - OIL PUMP
Fig. 84 Engage The Oil Pick-up To Oil Pump
1 - OIL PUMP
2 - OIL PICK-UP TUBE
21 - 566 TRANSFER CASE - NV273DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE ROTATION
Tires on the front and rear axles operate at differ-
ent loads and perform different steering, driving, and
braking functions. For these reasons, the tires wear
at unequal rates. They may also develop irregular
wear patterns. These effects can be reduced by rotat-
ing the tires according to the maintenance schedule
in the Owners Manual. This will improve tread life,
traction and maintain a smooth quiet ride.
The recommended method of tire rotation is (Fig.
4) & (Fig. 5). Other methods can be used, but may
not provide the same tire longevity benefits.
CAUTION: 3500 Dual rear tires have a new tire rota-
tion pattern. This is to accommodate the asymmet-
rical design of the ON/OFF road tires and the use of
the outlined white letter (OWL) tires. When replac-
ing a flat, the spare tire may have to be remounted
on the rim or installed at a different location to
maintain the correct placement of the asymmetrical
design or the (OWL).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MATCH MOUNTING
Wheels and tires are match mounted at the factory.
This means that the high spot of the tire is matched
to the low spot on the wheel rim. Each are marked
with a bright colored temporary label on the out-
board surface for alignment. The wheel is also
marked permanently on the inside of the rim in the
tire well. This permanent mark may be a paint dot
or line, a permanent label or a stamped impression
such as an X. An optional location mark is a small
spherical indentation on the vertical face of the out-
board flange on some non styled base steel wheels.
The tire must be removed to locate the permanent
mark on the inside of the wheel.
Before dismounting a tire from its wheel, a refer-
ence mark should be placed on the tire at the valve
stem location. This reference will ensure that it is
remounted in the original position on the wheel.
(1) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
vehicle and mount on a service dynamic balance
machine.
(2) Measure the total runout on the center of the
tire tread rib with a dial indicator. Record the indi-
cator reading. Mark the tire to indicate the high spot.
Place a mark on the tire at the valve stem location
(Fig. 6).
Fig. 4 TIRE ROTATION PATTERN - SINGLE REAR
WHEEL (SRW)
Fig. 5 TIRE ROTATION PATTERN - DUAL REAR
WHEELS (DRW)
Fig. 6 First Measurement On Tire
1 - REFERENCE MARK
2 - 1ST MEASUREMENT HIGH SPOT MARK TIRE AND RIM
3 - WHEEL
4 - VALVE STEM
DRTIRES/WHEELS 22 - 3
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)

WHEELS
DESCRIPTION
Original equipment wheels are designed for the
specified Maximum Vehicle Capacity.
All models use steel or aluminum drop center
wheels.
Aluminum wheels require special balance weights
and alignment equipment.
(1) On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels,
The rim is an eight stud hole pattern wheel. The
wheels have a flat mounting surface (Fig. 18). The
slots in the wheel must be aligned to provide access
to the valve stem (Fig. 19).
OPERATION
The wheel (Fig. 20) has raised sections between
the rim flanges and the rim well. Initial inflation of
the tire forces the bead over these raised sections. In
case of tire failure, the raised sections hold the tire
in position on the wheel until the vehicle can be
brought to a safe stop.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WHEEL INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive run out
²Dents or cracks
²Damaged wheel lug nut holes
²Air Leaks from any area or surface of the rim
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they should be equivalent in
load carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset,
pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE. USED WHEELS ARE NOT RECOM-
MENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF THE WHEEL
MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREATMENT OR
VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD FAIL WITH-
OUT WARNING.
Fig. 18 FLAT FACE WHEEL
1 - FLAT FACE
2 - VALVE STEM
Fig. 19 DUAL REAR WHEELS
1 - WINDOW OPENINGS (5)
2 - INBOARD VALVE STEM
3 - OUTBOARD VALVE STEM
Fig. 20 Safety Rim
1 - FLANGE
2 - RIDGE
3 - WELL
DRTIRES/WHEELS 22 - 11

BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE . . . 2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY
LUBRICATION.........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING . . 3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUZZ, SQUEAK
& RATTLE...........................11
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE..............12SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY..............................14
TAILGATE..............................15
DOOR - FRONT.........................18
DOORS - REAR.........................28
EXTERIOR.............................36
HOOD.................................46
INSTRUMENT PANEL.....................49
INTERIOR..............................62
PAINT.................................73
SEATS................................75
STATIONARY GLASS.....................86
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS...................91
BODY STRUCTURE......................95
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE AN OSHA APPROVED BREATHING
FILTER WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN
A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
²AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL ± BASED CLEANING
SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT STAND UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: When holes must be drilled or punched
in an inner body panel, verify depth of space to the
outer body panel, electrical wiring, or other compo-
nents. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
²Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use
when welding.
²Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from
the battery when servicing electrical components
that are live when the ignition is OFF. Damage to
electrical system can result.²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds
on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.
²Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning sol-
vents on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage
to finish or color can result.
²Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can
break.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing,
improper body component alignment, body seam
porosity, missing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Cen-
trifugal and gravitational force can cause water to
drip from a location away from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing
points should be water tight in normal wet-driving
conditions. Water flowing downward from the front of
the vehicle should not enter the passenger or luggage
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
DRBODY 23 - 1

VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear, and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
When the conditions causing a water leak have
been determined, simulate the conditions as closely
as possible.
²If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-
ended garden hose.
²If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds
in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.
²If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left
turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak
occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the vehi-
cle. For hoisting recommendations (Refer to LUBRI-
CATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove inte-
rior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the
leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned without
being held, have someone help do the water test.
Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak
appears, find the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will show the point of
entry. After leak point has been found, repair the
leak and water test to verify that the leak has
stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking
into a cavity between panels can be difficult. The
trapped water may splash or run from the cavity,
often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on an incline.MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use
a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can
also be used to deflect light to a limited-access area
to assist in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can
be detected without water testing. Position the vehi-
cle in a brightly lit area. From inside the darkened
luggage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the luggage
compartment. If light is visible through a normally
sealed location, water could enter through the open-
ing.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compart-
ment cannot be detected by water testing, pressurize
the passenger compartment and soap test exterior of
the vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compart-
ment, close all doors and windows, start engine, and
set heater control to high blower in HEAT position. If
engine can not be started, connect a charger to the
battery to ensure adequate voltage to the blower.
With interior pressurized, apply dish detergent solu-
tion to suspected leak area on the exterior of the
vehicle. Apply detergent solution with spray device or
soft bristle brush. If soap bubbles occur at a body
seam, joint, seal or gasket, the leak entry point could
be at that location.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE
Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks
can be caused by poor sealing, improper body compo-
nent alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs
in the engine compartment or door hinge pillar areas.
All body sealing points should be airtight in normal
driving conditions. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal airtight under all conditions. At times,
side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be
noticed in the passenger compartment during high
cross winds. Over compensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop wind noise that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After a repair pro-
cedure has been performed, test vehicle to verify
noise has stopped before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place and
body components are aligned and sealed. If compo-
nent alignment or sealing is necessary, refer to the
appropriate section of this group for proper proce-
dures.
23 - 2 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position striker and washer on jamb using
alignment outline as reference and install with Torx
drive wrench.
(2) Tighten the striker to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
RELEASE HANDLE/LATCH
REMOTE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the tailgate cover. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
TAILGATE/COVER - REMOVAL)
(2) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
latch actuator rods for ease of installation.
(3) Disconnect the latch actuator rods. (Fig. 3)
(4) Remove the control assembly nuts and remove
the control assembly and the exterior handle. (Fig. 5)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the handle and the control assembly.
(2) Install the nuts and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in.
lbs.).
(3) Connect the actuator rods using the marks
made during removal.
(4) Install the cover. (Refer to 23 - BODY/TAIL-
GATE/COVER - INSTALLATION)
TAILGATE
REMOVAL
(1) Open the tailgate.
(2) Disconnect the tailgate check cables (Fig. 6).
(Refer to 23 - BODY/TAILGATE/CHECK CABLE -
REMOVAL)
(3) Close tailgate until the notch in the right hand
collar aligns with the pivot pin.
(4) Slip tailgate hinge collar from pivot pins.
(5) Slide tailgate to the right and separate left
hand collar from the pivot pin.
(6) Separate tailgate from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position tailgate collar on left hand pivot pin
and slide tailgate to the left.
(2) Raise tailgate until the notch in the right hand
collar aligns with the pivot pin.
(3) Connect the tailgate check cables. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/TAILGATE/CHECK CABLE - INSTALLA-
TION)
Fig. 5 LATCH HANDLE - LATCH
1 - EXTERIOR HANDLE
2 - CONTROL ASSEMBLY
3 - NUTS (2)
4 - TAILGATE
5-LATCH
6 - CHECK CABLE
7 - CHECK/LATCH BOLT
8 - LATCH BOLT
Fig. 6 TAILGATE ASSEMBLY
1 - LATCH STRIKER
2 - CHECK CABLE BOLT
3 - CHECK CABLE
4 - TAILGATE
5 - HINGE BUSHING
DRTAILGATE 23 - 17
LATCH STRIKER (Continued)

(4) Install the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION)
(5) Install the inside handle and install the bolt.
(6) Tighten the bolt to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the window to the full up position.
(2) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect the actuator rods.
(4) Remove the bolts. (Fig. 9)
(5) Disconnect the electrical connector and remove
the latch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the electrical connector and install the
latch assembly.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 10 N´m (89 in.
lbs.).
(3) Connect the actuator rods.
(4) Adjust the latch as needed. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/LATCH - ADJUSTMENTS)
(5) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/LATCH - INSTALLATION)
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Locate access hole and remove the mylar tape
covering it. (Fig. 10)
(2) Insert a 5/32-inch hex-wrench through hole and
into adjustment screw. Loosen screw.
(3) Operate outside handle several times to release
any restriction because of mis-alignment.
(4) Tighten adjustment screw to 3 N´m (30 in.
lbs.).
(5) Test handle for proper operation.
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the striker.
(2) Remove the bolts and remove the striker.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the striker and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Adjust the striker if needed. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/LATCH STRIKER - ADJUST-
MENTS)
Fig. 9 LATCH ASSEMBLY
1 - DOOR
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LATCH ASSEMBLY
4 - BOLTS
Fig. 10 LATCH ADJUSTMENT SCREW - TYPICAL
1 - DOOR LATCH
2 - MYLAR TAPE
3 - ADJUSTMENT SCREW
DRDOOR - FRONT 23 - 23
INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR (Continued)