1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Door Latch

DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the glass run channels. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the glass support and place the glass
into the bottom of the door.
(3) Separate the glass run weatherstrip from the
rear of the window opening.
(4) Remove the inner belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
INNER BELT WEATHERSTRIP - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the glass from the window opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the glass through the window opening
and pace the glass into the bottom of the door.
(2) Install the inner belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
INNER BELT WEATHERSTRIP - INSTALLATION)
(3) Stuff the glass run weatherstrip into the win-
dow frame.
(4) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(5) Install the glass run channels. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL -
INSTALLATION)
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the front glass run channel. (Refer to
23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL
- REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the latch actuator rod. (Fig. 2)
(3) Remove the nuts and remove the handle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the latch and install the nuts.
(2) Connect the latch actuator rod.
(3) Install the front glass run channel. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL -
INSTALLATION)
GLASS RUN CHANNEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the window regulator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/WINDOW REGULATOR -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the bottom screws and loosen the top
screws from bolt channels. (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4)(3) Slide the channels up to disengage from the
keyhole slots.
(4) Separate the glass run weatherstrip from the
channel and remove the channels.
Fig. 2 EXTERIOR HANDLE
1 - LATCH ACTUATOR ROD
2-LATCH
3 - NUTS (2)
Fig. 3 FRONT RUN CHANNEL
1 - BOLTS
2 - FRONT RUN CHANNEL
23 - 30 DOORS - REARDR

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the run channels into the door and
engage the upper screws into the keyhole slots.
(2) Install the lower screws and tighten to 10 N´m
(89 in. lbs.).
(3) Tighten the upper screws to 10 N´m (89 in.
lbs.).
(4) Stuff the glass run weatherstrip into the chan-
nels.
(5) Verify correct window operation.
(6) Install the window regulator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/WINDOW REGULATOR -
INSTALLATION)
HINGE
REMOVAL
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the door to
replace the hinges if they are replaced one at a
time.
NOTE: The epoxy coated washers should not be
removed from the hinge. If the washers are
removed the door may have to be re-adjusted.
(1) Open the front door
UPPER HINGE
(1) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the hinge on the door and b-pillar.
(2) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the hinge to
the door.
(3) Remove the three bolts attaching the hinge to
the b-pillar and remove the hinge.
LOWER HINGE
(1) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the hinge on the door and b-pillar.
(2) Remove the lower b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the hinge to
the door.
(4) Remove the two bolts attaching the hinge to
the b-pillar.
(5) From the inside of the vehicle remove the
remaining bolt attaching the hinge to the b-pillar
and remove the hinge.
INSTALLATION
UPPER HINGE
(1) Install the hinge to door washers, if there were
removed previously, nut and bolt and tighten to 28
N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the three hinge to b-pillar bolts and
tighten to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Adjust the door if needed. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/DOOR - ADJUSTMENTS)
LOWER HINGE
(1) Install the hinge and install the b-pillar bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the hinge to door washers, if there were
removed previously, nut and bolt and tighten to 28
N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(4) Adjust the door if needed. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/DOOR - ADJUSTMENTS)
(5) Install the lower b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
INSTALLATION)
INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screw and remove the inside han-
dle. (Fig. 5)
(2) Remove the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect the latch actuator rod. (Fig. 6)
(4) Remove the nuts and remove the remote han-
dle actuator.
Fig. 4 REAR RUN CHANNEL
1 - REAR RUN CHANNEL
2 - SCREW LOCATIONS
DRDOORS - REAR 23 - 31
GLASS RUN CHANNEL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the remote handle actuator and install
the nuts.
(2) Tighten the nuts to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the latch actuator rod.
(4) Install the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION)
(5) Install the inside handle and install the bolt.(6) Tighten the bolt to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the window to the full up position.
(2) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect the actuator rods.
(4) Remove the bolts. (Fig. 7)
(5) Disconnect the electrical connector and remove
the latch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the electrical connector and install the
latch assembly.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 10 N´m (89 in.
lbs.).
(3) Connect the actuator rods.
(4) Adjust the latch as needed. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/LATCH - ADJUSTMENTS)
(5) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 5 INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
1 - TRIM PANEL OPENING
2 - INSIDE LATCH HANDLE
3 - BOLT
Fig. 6 REMOTE HANDLE ACTUATOR
1 - NUTS (2)
2 - LATCH ACTUATOR ROD
3 - HANDLE REMOTE
Fig. 7 LATCH ASSEMBLY
1 - DOOR
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LATCH ASSEMBLY
4 - BOLTS
23 - 32 DOORS - REARDR
INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR (Continued)

ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Locate access hole and remove the mylar tape
covering it. (Fig. 8)
(2) Insert a 5/32-inch hex-wrench through hole and
into adjustment screw. Loosen screw.
(3) Operate outside handle several times to release
any restriction because of mis-alignment.
(4) Tighten adjustment screw to 3 N´m (30 in.
lbs.).
(5) Test handle for proper operation.
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the striker.
(2) Remove the bolts and remove the striker.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the striker and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Adjust the striker if needed. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/LATCH STRIKER - ADJUST-
MENTS)
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the striker to aid in adjustment.
(2) Loosen the striker bolts.
(3) Change the striker position to adjust the rear
gap and flush measurement. (Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND FLUSH - SPECIFI-
CATIONS)
(4) Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the window crank, if equipped. (Fig.
10)
(2) Remove the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the screw near the inside handle. (Fig.
9)
CAUTION: Trim panel is attached to the door using
hooks molded into the panel. Do not pull the trim
panel straight off or damage to the panel and/or
power switch assembly may occur.
(4) Lift the trim panel up off the belt seal and
attachment hooks and separate the panel from the
door slightly.
(5) Disconnect the power window switch electrical
connector, if equipped, and remove the trim panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the trim panel onto the lower hooks
and connect the power window switch electrical con-
nector, if equipped.
(2) Position the remaining trim panel attachment
hooks into the door panel and seat the trim panel
into the belt seal fully.
(3) Install the screw near the inside handle.
Fig. 8 LATCH ADJUSTMENT SCREW - TYPICAL
1 - DOOR LATCH
2 - MYLAR TAPE
3 - ADJUSTMENT SCREW
Fig. 9 TRIM PANEL
1 - DOOR
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - ATTACHMENT HOOKS
4 - SCREW
5 - TRIM PANEL
DRDOORS - REAR 23 - 33
LATCH (Continued)

(4) Install the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the window crank, if equipped.
WATERDAM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/AUDIO/SPEAKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Separate the waterdam from the inner door
panel and off of the latch linkages.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wire harness and actuator rods
through the holes in the waterdam.
(2) Secure the waterdam to the inner door panel.
(3) Install the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/SPEAKER - INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW REGULATOR -
POWER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the window switch from the door trim
panel and reconnect it to the door wire harness.(3) Raise the window to the position shown and
remove the two nuts attaching the glass to the win-
dow regulator. (Fig. 11)
(4) Remove the stabilizer nut.
(5) Disengage the door glass from the regulator lift
plate and position into the full up position.
(6) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(7) Lower the regulator.
(8) Disconnect the electrical connector. (Fig. 12)
(9) Remove the lower regulator bolt and loosen the
upper two. (Fig. 12)
(10) Slide the regulator up and out of the keyhole
slots in the door panel.
(11) Remove the regulator through the hole in the
inner door panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the regulator through the hole in the
inner door panel.
(2) Position the regulator bolts into the keyhole
slots and slide into place.
(3) Install the lower regulator bolt and tighten all
three to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect the electrical connector.
(5) Position the stabilizer, install the nut and
tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(6) Raise the regulator to the position shown in
(Fig. 11).
(7) Remove the glass support and connect to the
regulator lift plate.
(8) Install the glass nuts and tighten to 10 N´m
(89 in. lbs.).
(9) Disconnect the window switch and install into
the door trim panel.
Fig. 10 WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
1 - WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
2 - WINDOW CRANK
Fig. 11 GLASS POSITIONING
1 - SIGHT WINDOW
2 - STABILIZER NUT
3 - GLASS LIFT PLATE
23 - 34 DOORS - REARDR
TRIM PANEL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the mirror onto the door and engage the
electrical connector tabs. (Fig. 13)
(2) Install the nuts and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in.
lbs.).
(3) Install the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION)
UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the hood latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
HOOD/LATCH - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the radiator and condenser bolts. (Fig.
14)
(3) Remove the bolts and remove the crossmember.
(Fig. 15)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the crossmember and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the radiator and condenser bolts and
tighten to 8 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the hood latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
HOOD/LATCH - INSTALLATION)
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS
REMOVAL
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND HAND PRO-
TECTION WHEN SERVICING THE MIRROR ASSEM-
BLY. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS
MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY FROM BRO-
KEN GLASS.
Standard Mirror
(1) Position the mirror glass so that it's facing in
toward the vehicle as far as possible. (Fig. 16)
Fig. 13 MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
1 - DOOR
2 - MIRROR STUDS
3 - CONNECTOR TABS
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 14 CONDENSER/RADIATOR FASTENERS
1 - CONDENSER BOLT
2 - RADIATOR BOLT
3 - RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 15 RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
1 - BOLTS (2)
2 - CROSSMEMBER
3 - BOLTS (2)
23 - 42 EXTERIORDR
SIDE VIEW MIRROR (Continued)

(1) Install the cupholder and install the two upper
screws from the left to the right.
(2) Install the lower two screws from the left to
the right.
(3) Fold down the inner cover and install the two
inner screws.
(4) Install the center bezel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the airbag control module trim cover.
GLOVE BOX
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) Partially open the glove box.(2) From the inside of the box press down on the
rearward edge of the bin and lower the glove box
fully past the stops.
(3) Lift the box assembly off of the hinges and
remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Engage the glove box hinges and partially
close.
(2) From the inside of the box press down on the
rearward edge of the bin and raise the glove box fully
past the stops.
(3) Check for proper glove box operation.
GLOVE BOX LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the glove box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the 11 screws and separate the box
and inner panel from the outer door.
(3) Remove the two latch screws and remove the
latch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the latch and install the two screws.
(2) Install the door inner cover and box and install
the 11 screws.
(3) Install the glove box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - INSTALLA-
TION)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
ASSEMBLY
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.
Fig. 6 CUPHOLDER - OUTER FASTENERS
1 - SCREWS (4)
2 - CUPHOLDER
23 - 52 INSTRUMENT PANELDR
CUP HOLDER (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