1998 DODGE RAM 1500 oil

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

(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)

(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

FRONT - LINK/COIL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT - LINK/COIL
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................29
SPECIAL TOOLS
91/4AA ............................30
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................32
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT..............................34
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................35
UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT..............................36
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................36
KNUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LEFT.....................37
REMOVAL - RIGHT....................37
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LEFT..................37
INSTALLATION - RIGHT................37
LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
SHOCK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK........38
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
SPRING
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
FRONT - LINK/COIL
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut54 40 Ð
Shock Absorber
Lower Bolt136 100 Ð
Lower Suspension Arm
Frame Nuts217 160 Ð
Lower Suspension Arm
Axle Nut217 160 Ð
Upper Suspension Arm
Frame Nuts149 110 Ð
Upper Suspension Arm
Axle Nut149 110 Ð
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 29

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)

HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the hub extension mounting nuts and
remove the extension from the rotor if equipped (Fig.
1).
(4) Remove the brake caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the cotter pin and the hub nut from
the axle shaft (Fig. 2).
(6) Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor wire
from under the hood. Remove the sensor wire from
the frame and steering knuckle if equipped.
(7) Back off the hub/bearing mounting bolts 1/4
inch each (Fig. 3). Then tap the bolts with a hammer
to loosen the hub/bearing from the steering knuckle.
(8) Remove the hub/bearing mounting bolts and
remove the hub/bearing.
(9) Remove the rotor assembly (Fig. 4), brake
shield and spacer from the steering knuckle.
RECEIVER CUP - 6761
BALLJOINT RECIEVER/INSTALLER KIT- 8975
Fig. 1 Hub Extension
1 - HUB EXTENSION
2 - HUB
Fig. 2 Hub Nut Cotter Pin
1 - HUB NUT
2 - COTTER PIN
Fig. 3 Hub/Bearing Mounting Bolts
1 - SOCKET AND EXTENSION
2 - ROTOR AND HUB
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 31
FRONT - LINK/COIL (Continued)