1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Body

(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)

(26) Install the lower shock absorber bolts. (Refer
to 2 - SUSPENSION/REAR/SHOCK - INSTALLA-
TION)
(27) Install the trailer hitch. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/TRAILER HITCH - INSTAL-
LATION)(28) Install the cargo box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/CARGO BOX - INSTALLATION)
(29) Reconnect the battery ground.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - WELD PROCESS
CAUTION: All welds should conform to
DaimlerChrysler vehicle engineering process stan-
dard ªps 9472º.
WELDING PROCESS FLUX CORED ARC GAS METAL ARC (MIG)* SHIELDED METAL ARC
(STICK)
Material Thickness3.7 mm to 4.2 mm 3.7 mm to 4.2 mm 3.7 mm to 4.2 mm
Electrode TypeLincoln Electrical Co.
Product #: NR-211 MP
(Do Not Substitute)AWS ER70S-3
(Do Not Substitute)** AWS E 7018
Electrodes Size Inches.045 Tubular .035 Solid 3/329
Electrode Stick Out3/89- 1/291/29- 5/89N/A
PolarityElectrode9-9
Work Piece9+9Electrode9+9
Work Piece9-9Electrode9+9
Work Piece9-9
Shielding GasSelf Shielded 75% Ar
25% CO2Self Shielded
Gas Flow RateN/A 25 - 35 CFM N/A
Wire Feed Speed
(inches per minute)110 - 130 Vertical Down
70 - 90 Flat & Overhead245 - 250 Vertical Down
210 - 225 Flat &
OverheadN/A
Approximate Amperage
Vertical110 - 130 175 85 (3/329Diameter)
Flat & Overhead70 - 90 155 90 (3/329Diameter)
Voltage15-18 19-20 N/A
Direction of Welding
VerticalVertical Down Hill (only) Vertical Down Hill (only) Vertical - Up Hill (only)
Flat & OverheadFlat - Push or Drag Flat - Push or Drag Flat - Drag
*First choice - Gas Metal Arc Welding Process:Butt joints - apply two layers (passes) of weld metal. First pass
should only fill approximately
1¤2the thickness. Vertical position welds - maintain electrode wire at leading edge of
weld puddle while traveling down hill to produce maximum penetration into the sleeve. These techniques work for
FCAW as well.
**E7018new electrodes may be exposed to the atmosphere for up to ten hours with no harmful effect.
Reconditioning schedules should come from the manufacturer.
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 15
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

DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Sensor -
5.7L11 - 9 6
EVAP Canister- to-Bracket
Nuts8.5 - 75
EVAP Canister-to-frame
bolts34 25
Fuel Filler Hose Clamp at
Tank3-30
Fuel Filler Housing-to-
Body Screws2-17
Fuel Pump Module Lock
Ring54 40 -
Fuel Rail Mounting Bolts -
3.7L11 -
100
Fuel Rail Mounting Bolts -
4.7L11 - 100
Fuel Rail Mounting Bolts -
5.7L11 - 100
Fuel Tank Mounting Straps 41 30 -
IAC Motor Mounting
Screws - 3.7L7-60
IAC Motor Mounting
Screws - 4.7L7-60
Leak Detection Pump
Mounting Bolt8.5 - 75
Map Sensor Mounting
Screws - 3.7L3-25
Map Sensor Mounting
Screws - 4.7L3-25
PCM-to-Mounting Bracket
Mounting Screws4-35
Power Steering Pressure
Switch - 3.7L14-22 - 124-195
Power Steering Pressure
Switch - 4.7L14-22 - 124-195
TPS Mounting Screws -
3.7L7-60
TPS Mounting Screws -
4.7L7-60
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolts - 3.7L11 - 100
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolts - 4.7L12 - 105
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolts - 5.7L12 - 105
Oxygen Sensors 30 22 -
14 - 4 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL DELIVERY - GAS (Continued)

(6)Single-Tab Type Fitting:This type of fitting
is equipped with a single pull tab (Fig. 7). The tab is
removable. After tab is removed, quick-connect fitting
can be separated from fuel system component. Spe-
cial tools are not required for disconnection.
(a) Press release tab on side of fitting to release
pull tab (Fig. 8).If release tab is not pressed
prior to releasing pull tab, pull tab will be
damaged.
(b) While pressing release tab on side of fitting,
use screwdriver to pry up pull tab (Fig. 8).
(c) Raise pull tab until it separates from quick-
connect fitting (Fig. 9).
(7)Two-Tab Type Fitting:This type of fitting is
equipped with tabs located on both sides of fitting
(Fig. 10). The tabs are supplied for disconnecting
quick-connect fitting from component being serviced.
(a) To disconnect quick-connect fitting, squeeze
plastic retainer tabs (Fig. 10) against sides of
quick-connect fitting with your fingers. Tool use is
not required for removal and may damage plastic
retainer.
(b) Pull fitting from fuel system component
being serviced.
(c) The plastic retainer will remain on compo-
nent being serviced after fitting is disconnected.
The o-rings and spacer will remain in quick-con-
nect fitting connector body.
(8)Plastic Retainer Ring Type Fitting:This
type of fitting can be identified by the use of a full-
round plastic retainer ring (Fig. 11) usually black in
color.(a) To release fuel system component from quick-
connect fitting, firmly push fitting towards compo-
nent being serviced while firmly pushing plastic
retainer ring into fitting (Fig. 11). With plastic ring
depressed, pull fitting from component.The plas-
tic retainer ring must be pressed squarely
into fitting body. If this retainer is cocked
during removal, it may be difficult to discon-
nect fitting. Use an open-end wrench on
shoulder of plastic retainer ring to aid in dis-
connection.
(b) After disconnection, plastic retainer ring will
remain with quick-connect fitting connector body.
Fig. 7 SINGLE-TAB TYPE FITTING
1 - PULL TAB
2 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
3 - PRESS HERE TO REMOVE PULL TAB
4 - INSERTED TUBE END
Fig. 8 DISCONNECTING SINGLE-TAB TYPE FITTING
1 - PULL TAB
2 - SCREWDRIVER
3 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
Fig. 9 REMOVING PULL TAB
1 - FUEL TUBE OR FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT
2 - PULL TAB
3 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
4 - FUEL TUBE STOP
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 9
QUICK CONNECT FITTING (Continued)