1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Rear seat

(23) Remove the two right side mounting bolts on
the a-pillar and one right mounting bolt on the cowl
side panel. (Fig. 14)
(24) Remove the four top instrument panel screws.
(Fig. 15)
(25) Remove the two top instrument panel bolts
and remove the instrument panel.INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the instrument panel assembly in
vehicle.
(2) Route the park brake release rod through the
instrument panel. (Fig. 16)
(3) Install the instrument panel onto the left side
guide pin and the right side guide hook.
(4) Install the left side mounting bolts and tighten
to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the instrument panel drivers side bezel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL DRIVERS SIDE BEZEL -
INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the left cowl trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - INSTALLATION)
(7) Connect the headliner harness electrical con-
nector at the a-pillar.
Fig. 14 PASSENGER SIDE MOUNTING
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - RIGHT SIDE MOUNTING HOOK
3 - A-PILLAR
4 - END CAP
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 15 UPPER COWL PANEL BOLTS
1 - COWL PANEL
2 - FORWARD MOST SCREWS (4)
3 - BOLT INSERTS (4)
4 - REARWARD BOLTS (2)
5 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
Fig. 16 BRAKE RELEASE ROD
1 - PARK BRAKE RELEASE HANDLE
2 - PARK BRAKE RELEASE ROD
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 55
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL DRIVER
SIDE BEZEL
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, at
notch in the bottom, remove the drivers side endcap.
(2) Remove the drivers side cowl trim panel. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the two screws. (Fig. 19)
(4) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
release the top clips and tilt the bezel down.
(5) Disconnect the adjustable pedal switch electri-
cal connector, if equipped.
(6) Lower the bezel down fully and remove from
the lower hooks.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the bezel onto the lower hooks and lift
up.
(2) Connect the adjustable pedal switch electrical
connector, if equipped.
(3) Seat the upper attachment clips fully.
(4) Install the two screws.
(5) Position the endcap and seat fully.
(6) Install the drivers side cowl trim panel. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - INSTALLA-
TION)
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP
COVER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, pry up
on the rear of the top cover and release the attach-
ment clips.
(2) Pull the top cover backwards to release the
remaining clips and remove the cover.
Fig. 19 LOWER DRIVERS SIDE BEZEL
1 - SCREWS (2)
2 - ADJUSTABLE PEDAL SWITCH (if equipped)
3 - PEDAL SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - BEZEL
23 - 58 INSTRUMENT PANELDR

INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the top cover and fully seat the front
clips by pushing the cover forward and down.
(2) Fully seat the rear clips.
INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER
SURROUND
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITORTO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, at
notch in the bottom, remove the passenger side end-
cap.
(2) Remove the passenger side cowl trim panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the glove box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the cup holder, if equipped. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CUP HOLDER -
REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the storage bin, if equipped. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STORAGE BIN -
REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the ash receiver. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/ASH RECEIVER -
REMOVAL)
(7) Remove the steering column opening cover.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the 12 screws around the glove box
opening.
(9) Remove the nine remaining screws around the
cup holder/storage bin and ash receiver area and
remove the surround.
(10) Disconnect the 12V power outlet electrical
connector.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Install the surround and install all 21 screws.
(2) Install the steering column opening cover.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLA-
TION)
Fig. 20 INSTRUMENT PANEL COVERS
1 - TOP COVER
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - AIR BAG MODULE COVER
4 - END CAP
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 59
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER (Continued)

INTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INTERIOR
CAUTION.............................62
4WD FLOOR SHIFT BOOT
REMOVAL.............................62
INSTALLATION.........................62
A-PILLAR TRIM/GRAB HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................63
INSTALLATION.........................63
B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................63
INSTALLATION.........................64
B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................64
INSTALLATION.........................64
CARPETS AND FLOOR MATS
REMOVAL.............................65
INSTALLATION.........................65
COAT HOOK
REMOVAL.............................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
COWL TRIM
REMOVAL.............................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
C-PILLAR LOWER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................66
INSTALLATION.........................67
C-PILLAR UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................67
INSTALLATION.........................67
FLOOR CONSOLE
REMOVAL.............................67
INSTALLATION.........................67
HEADLINER
REMOVAL.............................68INSTALLATION.........................68
B-PILLAR GRAB HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................68
INSTALLATION.........................68
REAR CAB BACK PANEL TRIM
REMOVAL.............................68
INSTALLATION.........................69
REAR VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL.............................69
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................70
INSTALLATION - REAR VIEW MIRROR
SUPPORT BRACKET...................70
SUN VISOR
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................70
SUN VISOR SUPPORT
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................71
BODY VENT
REMOVAL.............................71
INSTALLATION.........................71
REAR DOOR SILL TRIM COVER
REMOVAL.............................71
INSTALLATION.........................71
LOAD FLOOR
REMOVAL.............................71
INSTALLATION.........................72
LOAD FLOOR SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................72
INSTALLATION.........................72
INTERIOR
CAUTION
CAUTION:: Do not attempt to remove interior trim
panels/moldings without first removing the neces-
sary adjacent panels. To avoid damaging the pan-
els, ensure that all the screws and clips are
removed before attempting to remove an interior
trim panel/molding. Trim panels are somewhat flex-
ible but can be damaged if handled improperly.
4WD FLOOR SHIFT BOOT
REMOVAL
(1) Using a small pry bar or equivalent, remove
the insert, the nut and remove the shifter knob. (Fig.
2)
(2) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, pry up
the boot from the console. (Fig. 1)
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the shift boot over the shifter lever
fully seat onto the console.
23 - 62 INTERIORDR

(2) Install the shifter knob and nut and tighten to
27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position the insert and seat into the knob fully.
A-PILLAR TRIM/GRAB HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open the trim plugs and remove the bolts. (Fig.
3)
(2) Remove the a-pillar trim/grab handle from the
a-pillar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the bottom a-pillar locating tabs and
install the a-pillar trim.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 6 N´m (55 in.
lbs.).
(3) Close the trim plugs.
B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the upper b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the cowl trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/COWL TRIM - REMOVAL)
STANDARD CAB
(1) Remove the shoulder belt anchor bolt.
(2) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
remove the lower b-pillar trim. (Fig. 4)
QUAD CAB
(1) Remove the rear door sill trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/REAR DOOR SILL TRIM COVER
- REMOVAL)
(2) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
remove the lower b-pillar trim.
Fig. 1 SHIFTER BOOT
1 - CONSOLE
2 - SHIFTER KNOB
3 - SHIFTER BOOT
Fig. 2 SHIFTER KNOB
1 - SHIFTER KNOB
2 - INSERT
3 - NUT
Fig. 3 A-PILLAR TRIM/GRAB HANDLE
1 - A-PILLAR
2 - A-PILLAR TRIM
3 - TRIM PLUG
4 - BOLTS (2)
DRINTERIOR 23 - 63
4WD FLOOR SHIFT BOOT (Continued)

(3) Pull seat belt out of the trim panel through the
slot provided. (Fig. 5)
INSTALLATION
QUAD CAB
(1) Route the shoulder belt through the slot in the
trim.
(2) Position the trim and seat the attachment clips
fully.
(3) Install the rear door sill trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/DOOR SILL TRIM COVER -
INSTALLATION)
STANDARD CAB
(1) Position the trim and seat the attachment clips
fully.
(2) Install the seat belt anchor and bolt and
tighten to 40 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
BOTH BODY STYLES
(1) Install the cowl trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/COWL TRIM - INSTALLATION)
(2) Install the upper b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM -
INSTALLATION)
B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the seat belt turning loop. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT TURNING
LOOP ADJUSTER - REMOVAL)
(2) Open the trim plugs and remove the grab han-
dle bolts, if equipped. (Fig. 6)
(3) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
remove the upper b-pillar trim. (Fig. 7) or (Fig. 8)
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the upper b-pillar trim and seat the
attachment clips fully.
(2) Install the grab handle bolts and tighten to 6
N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(3) Close the grab handle trim plugs.
(4) Install the seat belt turning loop. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT TURNING
LOOP ADJUSTER - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 4 LOWER B-PILLAR TRIM - STANDARD CAB
1 - SEAT BELT
2 - B-PILLAR
3 - SEAT BELT ANCHOR HOLE
4 - LOWER B-PILLAR TRIM
Fig. 5 LOWER B-PILLAR TRIM - QUAD CAB
1 - SEAT BELT
2 - SEAT BELT SLOT
3 - LOWER B-PILLAR TRIM
23 - 64 INTERIORDR
B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM (Continued)

CARPETS AND FLOOR MATS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the front seats. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT - FRONT - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the rear seats, if equipped. (Refer to 23
- BODY/SEATS/SEAT - REAR - REMOVAL)(3) Remove the floor console, if equipped. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the lower b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(5) On quad cab models, remove the lower seat
belt anchor next to the b-pillar.
(6) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
remove the rear cup holder, if equipped.
(7) Remove the jack assembly.
(8) Remove the carpet.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the carpet.
(2) Install the jack assembly.
(3) Install the rear cup holder, if equipped.
(4) Install the lower b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
INSTALLATION)
(5) On quad cab models, install the lower seatbelt
anchor bolt next to the b-pillar and tighten to 40 N´m
(30 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the floor console, if equipped. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTAL-
LATION)
(7) Install the rear seats, if equipped. (Refer to 23
- BODY/SEATS/SEAT - REAR - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install the front seats. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT - FRONT - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 6 GRAB HANDLE
1 - GRAB HANDLE
2 - TRIM PLUGS
3 - BOLTS
Fig. 7 UPPER B-PILLAR TRIM - STANDARD CAB
1 - B-PILLAR
2 - UPPER B-PILLAR TRIM
3 - SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP
4 - LOWER B-PILLAR TRIM
Fig. 8 UPPER B-PILLAR TRIM - QUAD CAB
1 - B-PILLAR
2 - UPPER B-PILLAR TRIM
3 - TURNING LOOP
4 - LOWER B-PILLAR TRIM
DRINTERIOR 23 - 65
B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM (Continued)

HEADLINER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the a-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the upper b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the upper c-pillar trim, if equipped.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/C-PILLAR TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the coat hooks. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/COAT HOOK - REMOVAL)
(5) Disconnect the headliner harness electrical con-
nector at the left a-pillar.
(6) Remove the dome lamp. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR/DOME
LAMP - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove the overhead console. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the sun visors. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/SUN VISOR - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the sun visor supports. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/SUN VISOR SUPPORT -
REMOVAL)
(10) Lower the headliner and disconnect the center
high mounted stop light.
(11) Lower the front of the headliner down to the
floor just in front of the instrument panel and
remove through the passenger door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the headliner into the vehicle through
the passenger door.
(2) Raise the headliner and insert the right side
above right side pillar trim pieces.
(3) Connect the center high mounted stop light
electrical connector.
(4) Install the sun visor supports. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/SUN VISOR SUPPORT - INSTAL-
LATION)
(5) Install the coat hooks. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/COAT HOOK - INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the sun visors. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/SUN VISOR - INSTALLATION)
(7) Install the overhead console. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE - INSTALLA-
TION)
(8) Install the dome lamp. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR/DOME LAMP
- INSTALLATION)
(9) Connect the headliner harness electrical con-
nector at the left a-pillar.
(10) Install the upper c-pillar trim, if equipped.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/C-PILLAR TRIM -
INSTALLATION)(11) Install the upper b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM -
INSTALLATION)
(12) Install the upper a-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM - INSTALLA-
TION)
B-PILLAR GRAB HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open the trim plugs and remove the bolts. (Fig.
14)
(2) Remove the grab handle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the grab handle and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 6 N´m (55 in. lbs.) and
install the trim plugs.
REAR CAB BACK PANEL TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the child seat tethers, if equipped.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CHILD
TETHER - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the screws and remove the utility
hooks/bin latch, if equipped. (Fig. 15)
Fig. 14 GRAB HANDLE
1 - GRAB HANDLE
2 - TRIM PLUGS
3 - BOLTS
23 - 68 INTERIORDR