1998 DODGE RAM 1500 steering

FRONT - INDEPENDENT
FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
The front suspension is designed to allow each
wheel to adapt to different road surfaces indepen-
dently. The wheels are mounted to hub/bearings
units bolted to the steering knuckle. The double-row
hub bearings are sealed and lubricated for life. The
steering knuckles turn (pivot) on ball joints.
The front suspension is comprised of (Fig. 1) (Fig.
2):
²Shock absorbers
²Torsion bar - 4X4 (LD only)
²Coil Spring - 4X2
²Control arms
²Steering knuckles
²Stabilizer bar
²Stabilizer link
²Tie Rod Ends
²Hub/Bearing
²Rack & Pinion
²Ball Joints
NOTE: Components attached with a nut must be
torqued to specification.
NOTE: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings should be tightened with the vehi-
cle at normal 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 premature bushing wear may occur.
Fig. 1 FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X2
1 - STABILIZER BAR
2 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4 - ROTOR
5 - CALIPER ADAPTER
6 - OUTER TIE ROD END
7 - STABILIZER LINK
8 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
9 - RACK & PINION
10 - COIL SPRING
11 - SHOCK ABSORBER
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 9

DESCRIPTION
The upper control arm bolts on frame brackets.
The frame brackets have slotted holes which allow
the arms to be adjusted for caster and camber.
The lower control arms bolt to the lower frame
brackets and pivots through bushings.
The control arms have lube for life ball studs. The
control arm travel (jounce) is limited through the use
of rubber/urethane bumpers. Rebound travel is lim-
ited by the shock absorber.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut
4X454 40 Ð
Shock Absorber
Lower Bolt
4X4135 100 Ð
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut
4X254 40 Ð
Shock Absorber
Lower Bolt
4X228 21 Ð
Fig. 2 FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 (LD ONLY)
1 - STABILIZER BAR
2 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4 - ROTOR
5 - OUTER TIE ROD END
6 - SHOCK ABSORBER
7 - STABILIZER LINK
8 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
9 - INNER TIE ROD
10 - RACK & PINION
2 - 10 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

NOTE: Do not strike the knuckle with a hammer to
remove the tie rod end or the ball joint. Damage to
the steering knuckle will occur.
(6) Remove the tie rod end nut and separate the
tie rod from the knuckle using special tool 8677.
(7) Remove the upper ball joint nut and separate
the upper ball joint from the knuckle using special
tool 8677.
(8) Pull down on the steering knuckle to separate
the halfshaft from the hub/bearing.
(9) Remove the three hub/bearing mounting bolts
from the steering knuckle (Fig. 14).
(10) Slide the hub/bearing out of the steering
knuckle (Fig. 14).
(11) Remove the brake dust shield.
REMOVAL - 4X2
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor if
equipped, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - REMOVAL)
(Fig. 15)
(5) Remove the three hub/bearing mounting bolts
from the steering knuckle (Fig. 15).
(6) Slide the hub/bearing out of the steering
knuckle (Fig. 15).
(7) Remove the brake dust shield (Fig. 15).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4
(1) Install the brake dust shield (Fig. 16).
(2) Install the hub/bearing into the steering
knuckle and tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft.
lbs.) (Fig. 16).
(3) Install the brake rotor and caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 14 HALFSHAFT / HUB/BEARING
1 - HUB/BEARING MOUNTING NUTS
2 - HALF SHAFT
Fig. 15 HUB/BEARING 4X2
1 - HUB/BEARING
2 - DUST SHIELD
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRE
5 - HUB/BEARING MOUNTING NUT
Fig. 16 HUB/BEARING 4X4
1 - HUB/BEARING
2 - DUST SHIELD
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4- WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRE
5 - HUB/BEARING MOUNTING NUT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 17
HUB / BEARING (Continued)

(4) Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the upper ball joint nut to the steering
knuckle and tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) (on 1500
series only an additional 90É turn).
(6) Install the tie rod end nut to the steering
knuckle and tighten to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) then an
additional 90É.
(7) Install the halfshaft nut and tighten to 251
N´m (185 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Remove the support and lower vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 4X2
(1) Install the brake dust shield (Fig. 15).
(2) Install the hub/bearing into the steering
knuckle and tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft.
lbs.) (Fig. 15).
(3) Install the brake rotor and caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLATION) (Fig.
15).
(5) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Remove the support and lower vehicle.
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION
The knuckle is a single casting with legs machined
for the upper and lower ball joints. The knuckle also
has machined mounting locations for the front brake
calipers and hub bearing.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle pivot between the upper and
lower ball joint. Steering linkage attached to the
knuckle allows the vehicle to be steered.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper, rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL), shield and ABS wheel speed sensor if
equipped (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the front halfshaft nut (if equipped).(5) Remove the tie rod end nut. Separate the tie
rod from the knuckle with Remover 8677.
CAUTION: When installing Remover 8677 to sepa-
rate the ball joint, be careful not to damage the ball
joint seal.
(6) Remove the upper ball joint nut. Separate the
ball joint from the knuckle with Remover 8677 (Fig.
17)
(7) Remove the lower ball joint nut. Separate the
ball joint from the knuckle with Remover 8677 (Fig.
18) and remove the knuckle.
Fig. 17 STEERING KNUCKLE
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - SHOCK
3 - HALFSHAFT
4 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
5 - HUB/BEARING
Fig. 18 LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8677
2 - 18 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
HUB / BEARING (Continued)

(8) Remove the hub/bearing from the steering
knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/HUB /
BEARING - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The ball joint stud tapers must be
CLEAN and DRY before installing the knuckle.
Clean the stud tapers with mineral spirits to remove
dirt and grease.
NOTE: When installing hub/bearing with ABS
brakes, position the speed sensor opening towards
the front of the vehicle.
(1) Install the hub/bearing to the steering knuckle
and tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.)(LD) or
176 N´m (130 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2) (Fig. 19).
(2) Install the knuckle onto the upper and lower
ball joints (Fig. 19).
(3) Install the upper and lower ball joint nuts.
Tighten the upper ball joint nut to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.) (on 1500 series only an additional 90É turn is
required) and the lower ball joint nut to 52 N´m (38
ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only an additional 90É turn is
required)(LD) or 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2).
(4) Remove the hydraulic jack from the lower sus-
pension arm.
(5) Install the tie rod end and tighten the nut to
61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the front halfshaft into the hub/bearing
(if equipped).
(7) Install the the halfshaft nut and tighten to 251
N´m (185 ft. lbs.) (if equipped).(8) Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLATION) and
brake shield, rotor and caliper (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(9) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(10) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(11) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER 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) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the topside of
the lower control arm and then zero the dial indica-
tor.
(3) Position the indicator plunger against the bot-
tom surface of the steering knuckle.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the steering
knuckle.
(4) Position a pry bar under the tire assembly. Pry
upwards on the tire assembly.
(5) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the lower ball joint (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(2) Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the tie rod from the steering
knuckle (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE
ROD END - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the steering knuckle (Fig. 20)(Refer to
2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL).
(5) Move the halfshaft to the side and support the
halfshaft out of the way (If Equipped).
Fig. 19 STEERING KNUCKLE
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 19
KNUCKLE (Continued)

(6) Remove the snap ring, from the lower control
arm (HD 4X2 only)
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(7) Press the ball joint from the lower control arm
using special tools C-4212±F (PRESS), 8698-2
(RECEIVER) and 8698-3 (DRIVER) (Fig. 21).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(1) Install the ball joint into the control arm and
press in using special tools C-4212±F (press), 8698-1
(driver) and 8698-3 (receiver) (Fig. 22).
(2) Install the ball joint boot.
(3) Stake the ball joint flange in four evenly
spaced places around the ball joint flange, using a
chisel and hammer (LD only).
(4) Replace the snap ring (HD 4X2 only)
(5) Remove the support for the halfshaft and
install into position (If Equipped).
(6) Install the steering knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the tie rod end into the steering knuckle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END -
INSTALLATION).
(8) Install and tighten the halfshaft nut to 251
N´m (185 ft. lbs.). (If Equipped).
(9) Install the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(11) Check the vehicle ride height (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 20 LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8677
Fig. 21 REMOVAL LOWER BALL JOINT
1 - PRESS - C-4212-F
2 - DRIVER - 8698-3
3 - BALL JOINT
4 - RECEIVER - 8698-2
Fig. 22 INSTALL LOWER BALL JOINT
1 - PRESS - C-4212-F
2 - DRIVER - 8698-1
3 - BALL JOINT
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
5 - RECEIVER - 8698-3
2 - 20 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
LOWER BALL JOINT (Continued)

(12) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4 (LD)
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the upper ball joint nut. Separate ball
joint from the steering knuckle with Remover 8677.
(4) Remove the front halfshaft, (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the torsion bar, (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/TRACK BAR - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the shock absorber lower bolt.
(7) Remove the stabilizer bar link (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the lower ball joint nut. Separate ball
joint from the steering knuckle with Remover 8677.
(9) Remove the control arm pivot bolts and suspen-
sion arm from frame rail brackets (Fig. 23).
REMOVAL - 4X2
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Support the lower control arm at the outboard
side of the lower control arm to support vehicle
weight.(4) Remove the shock (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/SHOCK - REMOVAL).
(5) Install Spring Compressor DD-1278 up through
the lower suspension arm, coil spring and shock hole
in the frame. The bell-shaped adapter goes against
the lower suspension arm. Install the nut on top of
the tool at the shock hole.
(6) Tighten the spring compressor nut against bell-
shaped adapter finger tight then loosen 1/2 turn.
NOTE: This will hold the spring in place until the
lower suspension arm is separated from the steer-
ing knuckle.
(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.
NOTE: Do not allow the upper control arm and
steering knuckle to rebound downwards they must
be supported.
(10) 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.
(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).
(16) Remove the front and rear pivot bolts (Fig.
24).
(17) Remove the lower control arm.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4 (LD)
(1) Position the lower control arm at the frame rail
brackets. Install the pivot bolts and nuts. Tighten the
nuts finger-tight.
CAUTION: The ball joint stud taper must be CLEAN
and DRY before installing the knuckle. Clean the
stud taper with mineral spirits to remove dirt and
grease.
(2) Insert the lower ball joint into the steering
knuckle. Install and tighten the retaining nut to 52
Fig. 23 LOWER CONTROL ARM
1 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
3 - FRONT BOLT
4 - NUTS
5 - REAR BOLT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 21
LOWER BALL JOINT (Continued)

N´m (38 ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only an additional 90É
turn is required).
(3) Install the torsion bar, (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/TRACK BAR - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install shock absorber lower bolt and tighten to
135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the front halfshaft, (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Insert the upper ball joint into the steering
knuckle. Install and tighten the retaining nut to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only an additional 90É
turn is required).
(7) Install the stabilizer bar link (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Tighten the lower control arm front pivot nut
to 204 N´m (150 ft. lbs.). Tighten rear pivot bolt to
204 N´m (150 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the wheel and tire assembly,(Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(10) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(11) Adjust the front suspension height and per-
form a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - 4X2
(1) Install the lower control arm into place on the
vehicle.
(2) Install the front and rear control arm pivot
bolts finger tight.
(3) Install the coil spring into the frame pocket(Re-
fer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/SPRING - INSTAL-
LATION).(4) Install the Spring Compressor DD-1278 up
through the lower suspension arm, coil spring and
shock hole in the frame.
(5) Tighten the tool nut to compress the coil
spring.
(6) Remove the support from the upper control
arm and steering knuckle.
(7) Position the lower ball joint into the steering
knuckle.
(8) 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).
(9) Support the lower control arm at the outboard
side of the lower control arm to support vehicle
weight.
(10) Remove the spring compressor tool.
(11) Install the shock absorber. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/SHOCK - INSTALLATION).
(12) Install the stabilizer link (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - INSTALLA-
TION).
(13) Remove the lower control arm support.
(14) Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower
the vehicle. (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Lower the vehicle to the floor with vehicle
weight and Tighten the front and rear control arm
pivot bolts to 204 N´m (150 ft. lbs.)(LD) or 285 N´m
(210 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2 only).
(16) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
SPRING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Support the lower control arm at the outboard
side of the lower control arm to support vehicle
weight.
(4) Remove the shock absorber (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/SHOCK - REMOVAL).
(5) Install Spring Compressor DD-1278 up through
the lower suspension arm, coil spring and shock hole
in the frame. The bell-shaped adapter goes against
the lower suspension arm. Install the nut on top of
the tool at the shock hole (Fig. 25).
(6) Tighten the spring compressor nut against bell-
shaped adapter finger tight then loosen 1/2 turn.
NOTE: This will hold the spring in place until the
lower suspension arm is separated from the steer-
ing knuckle.
Fig. 24 LOWER CONTROL ARM - 4X2
1 - FRONT PIVOT BOLT
2 - REAR PIVOT BOLT
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 - 22 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)