1998 DODGE RAM 1500 harness

(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)

(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)

TRAILER HITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the rear bumper. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/REAR BUMPER -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the hitch bolts. (Fig. 35) and (Fig. 36)
(3) Disconnect all wire harness support push pins.
(4) Remove the rear two cargo box bolts and loosen
the remaining bolts. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/CARGO BOX - REMOVAL)
(5) Using a suitable lifting device, lift and support
the rear of the cargo box and remove the hitch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the hitch onto the frame rails and make
sure the locators on the inside of the hitch brackets
are engaged with the holes in the top of the frame
rails properly.
(2) Lower the cargo box and install the rear bolts.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/CARGO BOX -
INSTALLATION)
(3) Install the hitch bolts and tighten to 170 N´m
(125 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect all wire harness support push pins.
(5) Install the rear bumper. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/REAR BUMPER - INSTAL-
LATION)
Fig. 35 TRAILER HITCH ± LIGHT DUTY
1 - LOCATING TAB HOLE
2 - LOCATING PIN HOLE
3 - U-NUTS (2)
4 - BUMPER SUPPORT BRACKETS5 - HITCH
6 - BUMPER BRACKET BOLTS (4)
7 - HITCH BOLTS (4)
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 25

REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER CON-
STANT PRESSURE EVEN WITH ENGINE OFF.
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL RAIL, FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE MUST BE RELEASED.
CAUTION: The left and right fuel rails are replaced
as an assembly. Do not attempt to separate rail
halves at connector tubes (Fig. 18). Due to design
of tubes, it does not use any clamps. Never attempt
to install a clamping device of any kind to tubes.
When removing fuel rail assembly for any reason,
be careful not to bend or kink tubes.
(1) Remove fuel tank filler tube cap.
(2) Perform Fuel System Pressure Release Proce-
dure.
(3) Remove negative battery cable at battery.
(4) Remove air duct at throttle body air box.
(5) Remove air box at throttle body.
(6) Remove air resonator mounting bracket at
front of throttle body (2 bolts).
(7) Disconnect fuel line latch clip and fuel line at
fuel rail. A special tool will be necessary for fuel line
disconnection. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings.
(8) Remove necessary vacuum lines at throttle
body.
(9) Disconnect electrical connectors at all 6 fuel
injectors. To remove connector refer to (Fig. 17). Push
red colored slider away from injector (1). While push-
ing slider, depress tab (2) and remove connector (3)
from injector. The factory fuel injection wiring har-
ness is numerically tagged (INJ 1, INJ 2, etc.) for
injector position identification. If harness is not
tagged, note wiring location before removal.
(10) Disconnect electrical connectors at all throttle
body sensors.
(11) Remove 6 ignition coils. Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
(12) Remove 4 fuel rail mounting bolts (Fig. 18).
(13) Gently rock and pullleftside of fuel rail until
fuel injectors just start to clear machined holes in
cylinder head. Gently rock and pullrightside of rail
until injectors just start to clear cylinder head holes.
Repeat this procedure (left/right) until all injectors
have cleared cylinder head holes.
(14) Remove fuel rail (with injectors attached)
from engine.
(15) If fuel injectors are to be removed, refer to
Fuel Injector Removal/Installation.
Fig. 17 REMOVE/INSTALL INJECTOR CONNECTOR
Fig. 18 FUEL RAIL REMOVE/INSTALL - 3.7L V-6
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
2 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
3 - FUEL RAIL
4 - INJ. #1
5 - INJ. #3
6 - INJ. #5
7 - INJ. #2
8 - INJ. #4
9 - INJ. #6
10 - CONNECTOR TUBE
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 13
FUEL RAIL (Continued)

4.7L V-8
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER CON-
STANT PRESSURE EVEN WITH ENGINE OFF.
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL RAIL, FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE MUST BE RELEASED.
CAUTION: The left and right fuel rails are replaced
as an assembly. Do not attempt to separate rail
halves at connector tubes (Fig. 19). Due to design
of tubes, it does not use any clamps. Never attempt
to install a clamping device of any kind to tubes.
When removing fuel rail assembly for any reason,
be careful not to bend or kink tubes.
(1) Remove fuel tank filler tube cap.
(2) Perform Fuel System Pressure Release Proce-
dure.
(3) Remove negative battery cable at battery.
(4) Remove air duct at throttle body air box.
(5) Remove air box at throttle body.
(6) Remove air resonator mounting bracket at
front of throttle body (2 bolts).
(7) Disconnect fuel line latch clip and fuel line at
fuel rail. A special tool will be necessary for fuel line
disconnection. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings.
(8) Remove necessary vacuum lines at throttle
body.
(9) Disconnect electrical connectors at all 8 fuel
injectors. To remove connector refer to (Fig. 17). Push
red colored slider away from injector (1). While push-
ing slider, depress tab (2) and remove connector (3)
from injector. The factory fuel injection wiring har-
ness is numerically tagged (INJ 1, INJ 2, etc.) for
injector position identification. If harness is not
tagged, note wiring location before removal.
(10) Disconnect electrical connectors at all throttle
body sensors.
(11) Remove 8 ignition coils. Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
(12) Remove 4 fuel rail mounting bolts (Fig. 19).
(13) Gently rock and pullleftside of fuel rail until
fuel injectors just start to clear machined holes in
cylinder head. Gently rock and pullrightside of rail
until injectors just start to clear cylinder head holes.
Repeat this procedure (left/right) until all injectors
have cleared cylinder head holes.
(14) Remove fuel rail (with injectors attached)
from engine.
(15) If fuel injectors are to be removed, refer to
Fuel Injector Removal/Installation.
5.7L V-8
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER CON-
STANT PRESSURE EVEN WITH ENGINE OFF.
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL RAIL, FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE MUST BE RELEASED.
CAUTION: The left and right fuel rails are replaced
as an assembly. Do not attempt to separate rail
halves at connector tube (Fig. 20). Due to design of
tube, it does not use any clamps. Never attempt to
install a clamping device of any kind to tube. When
removing fuel rail assembly for any reason, be care-
ful not to bend or kink tube.
(1) Remove fuel tank filler tube cap.
Fig. 19 FUEL RAIL REMOVE/INSTALL - 4.7L V-8
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
2 - INJ.#7
3 - INJ.#5
4 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
5 - INJ.#3
6 - FUEL INJECTOR RAIL
7 - INJ.#1
8 - CONNECTOR TUBE
9 - INJ.#2
10 - INJ.#4
11 - INJ.#6
12 - INJ.#8
13 - PRESSURE TEST PORT CAP
14 - 14 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL RAIL (Continued)

(2) Perform Fuel System Pressure Release Proce-
dure.
(3) Remove negative battery cable at battery.
(4) Remove flex tube (air cleaner housing to
engine).
(5) Remove air resonator box at throttle body.
(6) Disconnect all spark plug cables from all spark
plugs and ignition coils. Do not remove cables from
cable routing tray. Note original cable positions while
removing (Fig. 22).
(7) Remove spark plug cable tray from engine by
releasing 4 retaining clips (Fig. 21). Remove tray and
cables from engine as an assembly.
(8) Disconnect electrical connectors at all 8 igni-
tion coils. Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
(9) Disconnect fuel line latch clip and fuel line at
fuel rail. A special tool will be necessary for fuel line
disconnection. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings.
(10) Disconnect electrical connectors at all 8 fuel
injectors. To remove connector refer to (Fig. 17). Push
red colored slider away from injector (1). While push-
ing slider, depress tab (2) and remove connector (3)
from injector. The factory fuel injection wiring har-
ness is numerically tagged (INJ 1, INJ 2, etc.) for
injector position identification. If harness is not
tagged, note wiring location before removal.
(11) Disconnect electrical connectors at all throttle
body sensors.
(12) Remove 4 fuel rail mounting bolts and hold-
own clamps (Fig. 20).
(13) Gently rock and pullleftside of fuel rail until
fuel injectors just start to clear machined holes in
intake manifold. Gently rock and pullrightside of
rail until injectors just start to clear intake manifold
head holes. Repeat this procedure (left/right) until all
injectors have cleared machined holes.
(14) Remove fuel rail (with injectors attached)
from engine.
(15) If fuel injectors are to be removed, refer to
Fuel Injector Removal/Installation.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) If fuel injectors are to be installed, refer to Fuel
Injector Removal/Installation.
(2) Clean out fuel injector machined bores in
intake manifold.
(3) Apply a small amount of engine oil to each fuel
injector o-ring. This will help in fuel rail installation.
(4) Position fuel rail/fuel injector assembly to
machined injector openings in cylinder head.
(5) Guide each injector into cylinder head. Be care-
ful not to tear injector o-rings.
(6) Pushrightside of fuel rail down until fuel
injectors have bottomed on cylinder head shoulder.Pushleftfuel rail down until injectors have bot-
tomed on cylinder head shoulder.
Fig. 20 5.7L FUEL RAIL
1 - FUEL RAIL
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
3 - HOLDOWN CLAMPS
4 - CONNECTOR TUBE
Fig. 21 5.7L SPARK PLUG CABLE ROUTING TRAY
1 - SPARK PLUG CABLES
2 - RETAINING CLIP
3 - SPARK PLUG CABLE ROUTING TRAY
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 15
FUEL RAIL (Continued)