1998 DODGE RAM 1500 lower control arm

(7) Remove the stabilizer link (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the lower ball joint nut at the steering
knuckle.
(9) Install Ball Joint Remover tool 8677 on the
lower ball joint and separate the ball joint from the
knuckle.
(10)
NOTE: Do not allow the upper control arm and
steering knuckle to rebound downwards they must
be supported.Support the upper control arm and
steering knuckle out of the way.
(11) Remove the lower control arm support.
(12) Tighten the spring compressor tool to allow
clearance for the lower ball joint to be removed out of
the knuckle.
NOTE: It may necessary to loosen the control arm
pivot bolt to allow downward swing.
(13) Loosen the tension on the spring compressor
tool slowly allowing the lower suspension arm to
pivot downward.
(14) Remove the spring compressor tool.
(15) Remove coil spring and isolator pad from the
vehicle (Fig. 26).
INSTALLATION
(1) Tape the isolator pad to the top of the coil
spring. Position the spring in the lower suspension
arm well. Be sure that the coil spring is seated in the
well.
(2) Install Spring Compressor DD-1278 up through
the lower suspension arm, coil spring and shock hole
in the frame.(3) Tighten the tool nut to compress the coil
spring.
(4) Remove the support from the upper control
arm and steering knuckle.
(5) Position the lower ball joint into the steering
knuckle.
(6) Install the retaining nut on the lower ball joint
and tighten to 52 N´m (38 ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only
an additional 90É turn is required) or 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2 only).
(7) Remove the spring compressor tool.
(8) Support the lower control arm at the outboard
side of the lower control arm to support vehicle
weight.
(9) Install the shock absorber. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/SHOCK - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the stabilizer link (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - INSTALLA-
TION).
(11) Remove the lower control arm support.
(12) Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower
the vehicle. (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(13) Lower the vehicle to the floor with vehicle
weight and Tighten the front and rear control arm
pivot bolts if loosened to 204 N´m (150 ft. lbs.)(LD) or
285 N´m (210 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2 only).
(14) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 25 SPRING COMPRESSOR TOOL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL DD-1278
2 - BELL-SHAPED ADAPTER
Fig. 26 COIL SPRING
1 - COIL SPRING
2 - STEERING KNUCKLE
3 - OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
5 - SHOCK
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 23
SPRING (Continued)

SHOCK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing
noise by lubricating them. Grease and mineral oil-
base lubricants will deteriorate the bushing.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X2
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Support the lower control arm outboard end.
(3) Remove the upper shock absorber nut, retainer
and grommet.
(4) Remove the lower nuts and remove the shock
absorber.
REMOVAL - 4X4
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Support the lower control arm outboard end.
(4) Remove the upper shock nut and with the insu-
lator and retainer (Fig. 27).
(5) Remove the lower shock bolt (Fig. 27).
(6) Remove the shock
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X2
NOTE: Upper shock nut must be replaced or use
Mopar Lock 'N Seal or LoctiteT242 on existing nut.(1) Install the lower retainer and grommet on the
shock absorber stud. Insert the shock absorber
through the frame bracket hole.
(2) Install the lower nuts and tighten the nuts to
28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the upper grommet, retainer and new
nut or use Mopar Lock 'N Seal or Loctitet242 on
existing nut, on the shock absorber stud. Tighten nut
to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the support from the lower control arm
outboard end.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 4X4
(1) Install the upper part of the shock into the
frame bracket with the insulators and retainers (Fig.
27).
(2) Install the nut and Tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Install the lower part of the shock into the
lower control arm and Tighten the bolt to 135 N´m
(100 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 27).
(4) Remove the support from the lower control arm
outboard end.
(5) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The bar extends across the front underside of the
chassis and connects to the frame crossmember. The
Fig. 27 SHOCK 4X4
1 - INSULATOR & RETAINER
2 - NUT
3 - SHOCK ABSORBER
4 - BOLT
2 - 24 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4
(1) Install the stabilizer link to the vehicle.
(2) Install the lower nut and Tighten to 102 N´m
(75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the retainers, grommets and upper nut
and Tighten to 38 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 4X2
(1) Install the stabilizer link to the vehicle (Fig.
29).
(2) Install the lower nut and Tighten to 102 N´m
(75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the retainers, grommets and upper nut
and Tighten to 38 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
TORSION BAR
DESCRIPTION
The front of the bar connects to the back side of
the lower suspension arm. The rear end of the bar is
mounted in a anchor that rests in the frame cross-
member.
OPERATION
The torsion bars are used to control ride height
and ride quality. The vehicle height is adjusted
through an anchor adjustment bolt that increases or
decreases the wind up of the torsion bar. Increasing
or decreasing the bar angle changes the wind up of
the suspension arms.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: The left and right side torsion bars are
NOT interchangeable. The bars are identified and
stamped R or L, for right or left. The bars do not
have a front or rear end and can be installed with
either end facing forward.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle with the front
suspension hanging.
(2) Remove the transfer case skid plate (Refer to
13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER
CASE SKID PLATE - REMOVAL).
NOTE: Count and record the number of turns for
installation reference.
(3) Mark the adjustment bolt setting.
(4) Install Special Tool - 8686 to the anchor arm
and the cross member (Fig. 30).(5) Increase the tension on the anchor arm tool
until the load is removed from the adjustment bolt
and the adjuster nut (Fig. 30).
(6) Turn the adjustment bolt counterclockwise to
remove the bolt and the adjuster nut..
(7) Remove the Special Tool - 8686, allowing the
torsion bar to unload (Fig. 30).
(8) Remove torsion bar and anchor. Remove anchor
from torsion bar (Fig. 31).
(9) Remove all foreign material from torsion bar
mounting in anchor and suspension arm.
(10) Inspect adjustment bolt, bearing and swivel
for damage.
Fig. 30 LOADING/UNLOADING TORSION BAR
1 - SPECIAL TOOL ± 8686
2 - CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 31 TORSION BAR
1 - ANCHOR
2 - SWIVEL
3 - TORSION BAR
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 - 26 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
STABILIZER LINK (Continued)

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The left and right side torsion bars are
NOT interchangeable. The bars are identified and
stamped R or L, for right or left. The bars do not
have a front or rear end and can be installed with
either end facing forward.
(1) Insert torsion bar ends into anchor and suspen-
sion arm.
(2) Position the anchor in the frame crossmember.
(3) Install Special Tool - 8686 to the anchor and
the crossmember (Fig. 30).
(4) Increase the tension on the anchor in order to
load the torsion bar.
(5) Install the adjustment bolt and the adjuster
nut.
(6) Turn adjustment bolt clockwise the recorded
amount of turns.
(7) Remove tool - 8686 from the torsion bar cross-
member (Fig. 30).
(8) Install the transfer case skid plate (Refer to 13
- FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION).
(9) Lower vehicle and adjust the front suspension
height (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(10) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT
NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrication
fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle
before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2) Remove the front tires.(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the frame and
then zero the dial indicator.
(4) Position dial indicator plunger on the topside of
the upper ball joint (Fig. 32).
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the ball joint
(Fig. 32).
NOTE: Use care not to pry or tear the ball joint
boot, when checking the free play.
(5) Position a pry bar between the steering
knuckle and the upper control arm. Pry upwards on
the upper control arm (Fig. 32).
(6) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the upper control arm since the upper ball joint is
integral to the arm (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/UPPER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL).
(7) If the upper ball joint is within specs reinstall
the front tires (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 32 UPPER BALL JOINT PLAY
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
3-PRYBAR
4 - KNUCKLE
5 - BALL JOINT BOOT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 27
TORSION BAR (Continued)

UPPER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the nut from upper ball joint.
(4) Separate upper ball joint from the steering
knuckle with Remover 8677 (Fig. 33)
CAUTION: When installing Remover 8677 to sepa-
rate the ball joint, be careful not to damage the ball
joint seal.(5) Remove the control arm pivot bolts and remove
control arm (Fig. 34).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the control arm into the frame brack-
ets. Install bolts and tighten to 132 N´m (97 ft.
lbs.)(LD) or 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2 only).
(2) Insert the ball joint in steering knuckle and
tighten the upper ball joint nut to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.)(on 1500 series only an additional 90É turn is
required).
(3) Install the wheel and tire assembly,(Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(4) Remove the support and lower vehicle.
(5) Perform a wheel alignment, (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 33 UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
1 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
2 - REMOVER
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 34 UPPER CONTROL ARM
1 - REAR PIVOT BOLT
2 - FRONT PIVOT BOLT
3 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
2 - 28 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR

DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Stabilizer Bar
Frame Bolt61 45 Ð
Stabilizer Link
Lower Control Arm Nut102 75 Ð
Stabilizer Link
Axle Bracket71 52 Ð
Stabilizer Link
Stabilizer Bar Nut38 27 Ð
Hub/Bearing
Bolts202 149 Ð
Axle Nut 179 Beginning Torque,
Then Rotate 5 to 10
Times With a Final Torque
of 356132 Beginning Torque,
Then Rotate 5 to 10
Times With a Final Torque
of 263Ð
Tie Rod End
Nut75 55 Ð
NOTE: Suspension components with rubber/urethane bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at nor-
mal 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 pre-
mature bushing wear may occur.
SPECIAL TOOLS
9 1/4 AA
Puller C-3894±A
Remover, Wheel Stud C-4150A
BALL JOINT PRESS - C-4212F
REMOVER / INSTALLER BALLJOINT - 8445
2 - 30 FRONT - LINK/COILDR
FRONT - LINK/COIL (Continued)

HALF SHAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HALF SHAFT
CAUTION.............................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................20
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
SPECIFICATIONS.......................21
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................21CV JOINT-OUTER
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................23
CV JOINT-INNER
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
HALF SHAFT
CAUTION
CAUTION:: Never grasp half shaft assembly by the
boots. This may cause the boot to pucker or crease
and reduce the service life of the boot.
Avoid over angulating or stroking the C/V joints
when handling the half shaft.
Half shafts exposed to battery acid, transmission
fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid or gasoline may
cause the boots to deteriorate. Failure to heed cau-
tion may result in damage.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Check inboard and outboard C/V joint for leaking
grease. This is a sign of boot or boot clamp damage.
NOISE/VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise or vibration in turns could be
caused by a damaged outer C/V or inner tripod joint
seal boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the
loss/contamination of the joint grease, resulting in
inadequate lubrication of the joint. Noise could also
be caused by another component of the vehicle com-
ing in contact with the half shafts.
CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION
This noise may be a damaged or worn C/V joint. A
torn boot or loose/missing clamp on the inner/outer
joint which has allowed the grease to be lost will
damage the C/V joint.
SHUDDER/VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION
This could be a worn/damaged inner tripod joint or
a sticking tripod joint. Improper wheel alignment
may also cause a shudder or vibration.
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
This problem could be a result of out of balance
front tires or tire/wheel runout. Foreign material
(mud, etc.) packed on the backside of the wheel(s)
will also cause a vibration.
REMOVAL
(1) With vehicle in neutral, position vehicle on
hoist.
(2) Remove half shaft hub nut.
(3) Remove brake caliper and rotor.
(4) Position hydraulic jack under lower suspension
arm and raise jack to unload rebound bumper.
(5) Remove lower shock absorber bolt.
(6) Remove upper ball joint nut and seperate ball
with Remover 8677 (Fig. 1).
(7) Disengage inner C/V joint from axle shaft with
two pry bars between the C/V housing and axle hous-
ing.
Fig. 1 UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
1 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
2 - REMOVER
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
3 - 20 HALF SHAFTDR

INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan blade assembly to electrically con-
trolled viscous fan drive. Tighten mounting bolts to
24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position the fan blade/viscous fan drive to the
vehicle as an assembly.
(3) Install the viscous fan drive assembly onto fan
pulley hub shaft (Fig. 4). Tighten mounting nut to
115 N´m (85 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install upper fan shroud. Make sure the upper
shroud locks into the tabs on the lower radiator.
(5) Install two upper shroud mounting bolts.
Tighten to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Position the electronically controlled viscous
fan drive wiring into the channel in the upper fan
shroud (Fig. 5). Make sure the wiring is not pinched.
(7) Install the lower fan shroud into position and
verify the two locking tabs have seated.
(8) Install two push pin fasteners to lock lower fan
shroud to the main assembly.
NOTE: Verify that the fan drive electrical wire does
not interfere with fan blade travel when the fan
blade is spun by hand.
(9) Connect the wiring harness connector and
install the harness bracket to the upper radiator
shroud.(10) Install the coolant recovery container (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT RECOVERY
CONTAINER - INSTALLATION).
(11) Connect the battery negative cables.
NOTE:
Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Requirement:
After installing a new viscous fan drive, bring the
engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will
ensure proper fluid distribution within the drive.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
An optional engine block heater is available with
all models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The cord is attached to an engine compartment com-
ponent with tie-straps. The heater warms the engine
providing easier engine starting and faster warm-up
in low temperatures. The heater is mounted in a core
hole of the engine cylinder block in place of a freeze
plug with the heating element immersed in engine
coolant. The 3.7L/4.7L gas powered engines have the
block heater located to the rear on the right side of
the engine (Fig. 6).
OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to a
grounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER
If the unit does not operate, possible causes can be
either the power cord or the heater element. Test the
power cord for continuity with a 110-volt voltmeter or
110-volt test light. Test heater element continuity
with an ohmmeter or a 12-volt test light.
CAUTION: To prevent damage, the power cord must
be secured in it's retainer clips and away from any
components that may cause abrasion or damage,
such as linkages, exhaust components, etc.
Fig. 5 Electronically Controlled Viscous Fan Drive
Wiring
1 - UPPER SHROUD
2 - WIRING
3 - GROMMET
7 - 36 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)