1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Body

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.).
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the exterior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/EXTERIOR HANDLE -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the clip and remove the lock cylinder
lever and switch, if equipped.
(3) Remove the screw and remove the lock cylin-
der. (Fig. 11)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the lock cylinder and install the screw.
(2) Install the lock cylinder switch, if equipped,
lever and retaining clip.
(3) Install the exterior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/EXTERIOR HANDLE -
INSTALLATION)
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the window crank, if equipped. (Fig.
13)
(2) Remove the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the screws at the mirror flag and near
the inside handle. (Fig. 12)
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) Install the window switch into the trim panel,
if equipped.
(2) Position the trim panel onto the lower hooks
and connect the power window switch electrical con-
nector, if equipped.
(3) Position the remaining trim panel attachment
hooks into the door panel and seat the trim panel
into the belt seal fully.
(4) Install the screws near the inside handle and
at the mirror flag.
Fig. 11 LOCK CYLINDER
1 - LOCK CYLINDER
2 - EXTERIOR HANDLE
3 - SCREW
4 - LOCK SWITCH WIRE HARNESS
Fig. 12 TRIM PANEL ASSEMBLY
1 - SCREW INSERT (2)
2 - SCREWS (2)
3 - DOOR TRIM PANEL
4 - LOWER SCREWS (3)
5 - ATTACHMENT HOOKS
23 - 24 DOOR - FRONTDR
LATCH STRIKER (Continued)

(5) Install the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the window crank, if equipped.
WATERDAM
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Do not allow the waterdam or adhesive
to become contaminated with dirt or other foreign
substances.
Do not damage the waterdam during removal and
installation.
If the waterdam becomes contaminated or dam-
aged, replace the waterdam.
(1) Remove the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/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
CAUTION: Do not allow the waterdam or adhesive
to become contaminated with dirt or other foreign
substances.
Do not damage the waterdam during removal and
installation.
If the waterdam becomes contaminated or dam-
aged, replace the waterdam.(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/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW REGULATOR -
POWER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the window switch from the door trim
panel and reconnect it to the door harness.
(3) Raise the window to the position shown and
remove the nuts. (Fig. 14)
(4) Disengage the door glass from the regulator lift
plate and position into the full up position.
(5) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(6) Lower the regulator.
(7) Remove the stabilizer nuts.
(8) Remove the forward regulator bolt and loosen
the other two. (Fig. 15)
(9) Slide the regulator up and out of the keyhole
slots in the door panel.
(10) Disconnect the electrical connector and
remove the regulator.Fig. 13 WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
1 - WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
2 - WINDOW CRANK
Fig. 14 DOOR GLASS POSITIONING
1 - SIGHT WINDOW
2 - WIDOW REGULATOR
3 - SIGHT WINDOW
4 - REGULATOR STABILIZER
DRDOOR - FRONT 23 - 25
TRIM PANEL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the regulator through the door panel
opening and connect the electrical connector.
(2) Position the regulator bolts into the keyhole
slots and slide into place.
(3) Install the forward bolt and tighten all three to
10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(4) Position the stabilizer, install the nuts and
tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(5) Raise the regulator to the position shown in
(Fig. 14).
(6) Remove the glass support and connect to the
regulator lift plate.
(7) Install the glass nuts and tighten to 10 N´m
(89 in. lbs.).
(8) Disconnect the window switch and install into
the door trim panel.
(9) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW REGULATOR -
MANUAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Reinstall the window handle and raise the win-
dow to the position shown and remove the nuts. (Fig.
14)
(3) Disengage the door glass from the regulator lift
plate and position into the full up position.
(4) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(5) Lower the regulator.
(6) Remove the stabilizer nuts.
(7) Remove the two lower and loosen the two
upper bolts. (Fig. 16)
(8) Slide the regulator up and out of the keyhole
slot.
(9) Remove the regulator from the door panel
opening.
Fig. 15 WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER
1 - REGULATOR STABILIZER
2 - INNER DOOR PANEL
3 - STABILIZER NUTS (2)
4 - REGULATOR
5 - FORWARD BOLT
6 - WIRE HARNESS
7 - BOLTS (2)
Fig. 16 WINDOW REGULATOR - MANUAL
1 - DOOR
2 - REGULATOR BOLTS (4)
3 - REGULATOR
4 - STABILIZER NUTS (2)
23 - 26 DOOR - FRONTDR
WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the regulator through the hole in the
inner door panel.
(2) Position the regulator and slide the upper bolts
into the keyhole slots.
(3) Install the lower two bolts.
(4) Tighten the regulator bolts to 10 N´m (89 in.
lbs.).
(5) Position the stabilizer, install the nuts and
tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(6) Using the window handle raise the regulator to
the position shown in (Fig. 14).
(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) Remove the window handle and install the
waterdam.
SIDE VIEW MIRROR FLAG
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)CAUTION: Do not use a drill to remove the heat
stakes.
(2) Remove the heat stakes using a razor knife or
equivalent.
(3) Release the tabs and remove the mirror flag.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Clean the excess heat staking off of the
studs to aid installation.
(1) Install the new mirror flag over the tabs and
install the screws into the heat stake studs.
(2) Install the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION)
DRDOOR - FRONT 23 - 27
WINDOW REGULATOR - MANUAL (Continued)

DOORS - REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DOOR
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................28
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................28
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................30
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................30
GLASS RUN CHANNEL
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................31
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................32
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................32INSTALLATION.........................32
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................33
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................33
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................33
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................33
WATERDAM
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
WINDOW REGULATOR - MANUAL
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................35
DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the door wire harness electrical con-
nector at the b-pillar. (Fig. 1)
(2) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
outline of the door hinges on the door to aid in instal-
lation.
(3) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
NOTE: The epoxy bonded washers should not be
seperated from the hinge. If the washers are
removed the door may have to be re-adjusted.
(4) Remove the nuts and bolts attaching the door
hinges to the door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device
and install the door onto the hinges.
(2) Install the bolts, nuts and washers, if there
were removed previously, and tighten to 28 N´m (21
ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect the electrical connector.(4) Adjust the door as necessary. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/DOOR - ADJUSTMENTS)
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: For vehicles equipped with four doors, it is
recommended that you adjust the rear door before
adjusting the front door.
²Door adjustment measurements should be
taken from stationary or welded body panels like
the roof, rocker or quarter panels.
²During adjustment procedures, it is recom-
mended that all the hinge fasteners be loosened
except for the upper most fasteners. Adjustments
can be made using the upper fasteners to hold the
door with final torque of the fasteners occurring
after correct door positioning is achieved.
23 - 28 DOORS - REARDR

FORE/AFT
NOTE: Fore/aft (lateral) door adjustment is done by
loosening the hinge to the hinge pillar fasteners
one hinge at a time and moving the door to the cor-
rect position.
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(2) Loosen the hinge to hinge pillar fasteners.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/HINGE -
REMOVAL)
(3) Adjust the door to the correct position. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(4) Tighten to hinge pillar fasteners to 28 N´m (21
ft. lbs.). (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/HINGE
- INSTALLATION)
NOTE: Use a suitable body sealer on the hinge to
body mating surfaces.
UP/DOWN
NOTE: Up/down door adjustment is done by loosen-
ing either the hinge to the hinge pillar fasteners orthe hinge to door fasteners and moving the door to
the correct position.
NOTE: When adjustment of the door requires the
loosening of the door to hinge fasteners, it will be
necessary to separate the epoxy bonded washers
with a chisel or other suitable tool.
NOTE: When the up/down adjustments are done
correctly, the top of the door is positioned over
flush to the roof. (Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUC-
TURE/GAP AND FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(2) Remove the latch striker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/LATCH STRIKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the hinge to hinge pillar fasteners
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/HINGE -
REMOVAL) or loosen the hinge to door fasteners
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/DOOR -
REMOVAL).
(4) Adjust the door to the correct position. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(5) Tighten to hinge pillar fasteners or the door to
hinges fasteners and fasteners to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/HINGE -
INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the latch striker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/LATCH STRIKER - INSTALLA-
TION)
IN/OUT
NOTE: In/out door adjustment is done by loosening
the hinge to door fasteners one hinge at a time and
moving the door to the correct position.
NOTE: When adjustment of the door requires the
loosening of the door to hinge fasteners, it will be
necessary to separate the epoxy bonded washers
with a chisel or other suitable tool.
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(2) Remove the latch striker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/LATCH STRIKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the hinge to door fasteners. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOORS - REAR/DOOR - REMOVAL)
(4) Adjust the front of the door to the correct posi-
tion. (Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP
AND FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(5) Tighten the door to hinges fasteners to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the latch striker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/LATCH STRIKER - INSTALLA-
TION)
Fig. 1 DOOR ASSEMBLY
1 - NUTS (2)
2 - UPPER HINGE
3 - UPPER STUD
4 - REAR DOOR
5 - WIRE HARNESS
6 - LOWER STUD
7 - LOWER HINGE
8 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
9 - BOLTS (2)
DRDOORS - REAR 23 - 29
DOOR (Continued)

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)