1998 DODGE RAM 1500 tires

(2) Install the bolts/nuts and tighten to 28 N´m (21
ft. lbs.) (Fig. 84).
(3) Install the park brake release rod.
(4) Connect the front cable to the arm on the pedal
assembly.
(5) Install the front cable grommet into the floor-
pan and the cable retainer, roll the carpet back.
(6) Connect the wires to the brake lamp switch.
(7) Install the knee bolster, (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(8) Raise the vehicle.
(9) Adjust the parking brake cable tensioner (Refer
to 5 - BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/CABLE TEN-
SIONER - ADJUSTMENTS).
CABLE TENSIONER
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Tensioner adjustment is only necessary
when the tensioner, or a cable has been replaced or
disconnected for service. When adjustment is nec-
essary, perform adjustment only as described in the
following procedure. This is necessary to avoid
faulty park brake operation.
(1) Raise the vehicle.
(2) Back off the cable tensioner adjusting nut to
create slack in the cables.
(3) Remove the rear wheel/tire assemblies. Then
remove the brake rotors (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - REMOVAL).
(4) Verify the brakes are in good condition and
operating properly.
(5) Verify the park brake cables operate freely and
are not binding, or seized.
(6) Check the rear brake shoe adjustment with
standard brake gauge (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/PARK-
ING BRAKE/SHOES - ADJUSTMENTS).
(7) Install the rotors (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - INSTALLA-
TION) and verify that the rotors rotate freely
without drag.
(8) Install the wheel/tire assemblies, (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Lower the vehicle enough for access to the park
brake foot pedal. Then fully apply the park brakes.
NOTE: Leave park brakes applied until adjustment
is complete.
(10) Raise the vehicle again.
(11) Mark the tensioner rod 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) from
edge of the tensioner (Fig. 85).
(12) Tighten the adjusting nut on the tensioner rod
until the mark is no longer visible.
CAUTION: Do not loosen, or tighten the tensioner
adjusting nut for any reason after completing
adjustment.
(13) Lower the vehicle until the rear wheels are
15-20 cm (6-8 in.) off the shop floor.
(14) Release the park brake foot pedal and verify
that rear wheels rotate freely without drag. Then
lower the vehicle.
Fig. 83 PARKING BRAKE PEDAL
1 - RELEASE ROD
2 - PEDAL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 84 PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY
1 - PEDAL ASSEMBLY
2 - MOUNTING NUT
DRBRAKES - BASE 5 - 43
PEDAL (Continued)

5.9L Diesel With Manual Trans.
The speed control system is fully electronically con-
trolled by the Engine Control Module (ECM).A
cable and a vacuum controlled servo are not
used if the vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission and a diesel engine. This is a ser-
vo-less system.The controls consist of two steering
wheel mounted switches. The switches are labeled:
ON/OFF, RES/ACCEL, SET, COAST, and CANCEL.
The system is designed to operate at speeds above
30 mph (50 km/h).
WARNING: THE USE OF SPEED CONTROL IS NOT
RECOMMENDED WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS DO
NOT PERMIT MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPEED,
SUCH AS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ON ROADS THAT
ARE WINDING, ICY, SNOW COVERED, OR SLIP-
PERY.
OPERATION
When speed control is selected by depressing the
ON switch, the PCM (the ECM with a diesel engine)
allows a set speed to be stored in its RAM for speed
control. To store a set speed, depress the SET switch
while the vehicle is moving at a speed between 35
and 85 mph. In order for the speed control to engage,
the brakes cannot be applied, nor can the gear selec-
tor be indicating the transmission is in Park or Neu-
tral.
The speed control can be disengaged manually by:
²Stepping on the brake pedal
²Depressing the OFF switch
²Depressing the CANCEL switch.
²Depressing the clutch pedal (if equipped).
NOTE: Depressing the OFF switch or turning off the
ignition switch will erase the set speed stored in
the PCM (the ECM with a diesel engine).
For added safety, the speed control system is pro-
grammed to disengage for any of the following condi-
tions:
²An indication of Park or Neutral
²A rapid increase rpm (indicates that the clutch
has been disengaged)
²Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the trans-
mission may be in a low gear)
²The speed signal increases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the coefficient of friction
between the road surface and tires is extremely low)
²The speed signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the vehicle may have
decelerated at an extremely high rate)Once the speed control has been disengaged,
depressing the RES/ACCEL switch (when speed is
greater than 30 mph) restores the vehicle to the tar-
get speed that was stored in the PCM (the ECM with
a diesel engine).
While the speed control is engaged, the driver can
increase the vehicle speed by depressing the RES/AC-
CEL switch. The new target speed is stored in the
PCM (the ECM with a diesel engine) when the RES/
ACCEL is released. The PCM (the ECM with a diesel
engine) also has a9tap-up9feature in which vehicle
speed increases at a rate of approximately 2 mph for
each momentary switch activation of the RES/AC-
CEL switch.
A ªtap downº feature is used to decelerate without
disengaging the speed control system. To decelerate
from an existing recorded target speed, momentarily
depress the COAST switch. For each switch activa-
tion, speed will be lowered approximately 1 mph.DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM SUPPLY
TEST
3.7L / 4.7L Gas Powered Engines
3.7L/4.7L gas powered engines: actual engine vac-
uum, a vacuum reservoir, a one-way check valve and
vacuum lines are used to supply vacuum to the speed
control servo.
(1) Disconnect vacuum hose at speed control servo
and install a vacuum gauge into the disconnected
hose.
(2) Start engine and observe gauge at idle. Vac-
uum gauge should read at least ten inches of mer-
cury.
(3) If vacuum is less than ten inches of mercury,
determine source of leak. Check vacuum line to
engine for leaks. Also check actual engine intake
manifold vacuum. If manifold vacuum does not meet
this requirement, check for poor engine performance
and repair as necessary.
(4) If vacuum line to engine is not leaking, check
for leak at vacuum reservoir. To locate and gain
access to reservoir, refer to Vacuum Reservoir Remov-
al/Installation in this group. Disconnect vacuum line
at reservoir and connect a hand-operated vacuum
pump to reservoir fitting. Apply vacuum. Reservoir
vacuum should not bleed off. If vacuum is being lost,
replace reservoir.
8P - 2 SPEED CONTROLDR
SPEED CONTROL (Continued)

(11) Before starting engine, operate accelerator
pedal to check for any binding.
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Two separate switch pods operate the speed control
system. The steering-wheel-mounted switches use
multiplexed circuits to provide inputs to the PCM (to
the ECM for diesel) for ON, OFF, RESUME, ACCEL-
ERATE, SET, DECEL and CANCEL modes. Refer to
the owner's manual for more information on speed
control switch functions and setting procedures.
The individual switches cannot be repaired. If one
switch fails, the entire switch module must be
replaced.
Depending on engine control computer (JTEC
having a 3± plug connector or NGC having a 4±
plug connector), 2 types of switches are used.
Both types of switches are internally and exter-
nally different. The switch used with the NGC
system has an attached pigtail lead. The switch
used with the JTEC system does not have an
attached pigtail lead.
OPERATION
When speed control is selected by depressing the
ON, OFF switch, the PCM(ECM for diesel)allows
a set speed to be stored in its RAM for speed control.
To store a set speed, depress the SET switch while
the vehicle is moving at a speed between approxi-
mately 35 and 85 mph. In order for the speed control
to engage, the brakes cannot be applied, nor can the
gear selector be indicating the transmission is in
Park or Neutral.
The speed control can be disengaged manually by:
²Stepping on the brake pedal
²Depressing the OFF switch
²Depressing the CANCEL switch.
The speed control can be disengaged also by any of
the following conditions:
²An indication of Park or Neutral (auto. trans.)
²The VSS signal increases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the co-efficient of friction
between the road surface and tires is extremely low)
²Depressing the clutch pedal (manual trans.).
²Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the trans-
mission may be in a low gear)
²The VSS signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the vehicle may have
decelerated at an extremely high rate)
²If the actual speed is not within 20 mph of the
set speed
Fig. 6 SPEED CONTROL SERVO LOCATION
1 - BATTERY TRAY
2 - MOUNTING LUGS
3 - SERVO
4 - ELEC. CONNEC.
5 - MOUNTING SCREWS (3)
6 - MOUNTING BRACKET
7 - VACUUM LINE
Fig. 7 SERVO CABLE CLIP REMOVE/INSTALL Ð
TYPICAL
1 - SERVO MOUNTING NUTS (2)
2 - SERVO
3 - CABLE RETAINING CLIP
4 - SERVO CABLE AND SLEEVE
DRSPEED CONTROL 8P - 7
SERVO (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REAR FRAME
H-SECTION REPLACEMENT
CAUTION: This procedure is designed to replace
the H-section/spare tire support located at the rear
of the frame assembly. Prior to any cutting, the
vehicle must be mounted on the appropriate frame
repair equipment (ªframe rackº), checked with three
dimensional measuring equipment, and the neces-
sary pull corrections made. If damage remains in
the frame beyond the area covered by this service
part after the pull, the frame must be replaced in its
entirety.
(1) Before proceding with this repair procedure
review the required service warnings and precau-
tions. (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME -
WARNING)
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the cargo box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/CARGO BOX - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the trailer hitch. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/TRAILER HITCH -
REMOVAL)
(5) Raise and support the frame so the tires are off
floor.(6) Remove the shock absorbers. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/REAR/SHOCK - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove the rear leaf spring shackle bolts and
let the axle rest on the ground. (Fig. 20)
(8) Remove the spare wheel.
Fig. 19 ENGINE COMPARTMENT/FRONT STRUCTURE
Fig. 20 REAR SPRING
1 - SPRING SHACKLE
2 - LEAF SPRING EYE BOLT/NUT
3 - REAR LEAF SPRING
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 13
FRAME (Continued)

BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn. 7. Replace gear.
8. Pump seized / Stuck valve 8. Replace pump.
INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Low pump pressure. 4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
5. Internal gear leak. 5. Replace gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Replace gear.
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Inspect and repair or adjust
bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Replace gear.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler. 5. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
VEHICLE PULLS OR LEADS TO
ONE SIDE.1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Rotate tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align front end.
DRSTEERING 19 - 3
STEERING (Continued)

(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft
using the marks made in the removal process.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION - 4X4 HD
(1) Install the coupler to the steering gear.
(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Disable and remove the driver's side air-
bag.(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Partially remove the steering wheel bolt and
leave the bolt in the column.
(3) Install puller CJ98-1 or equivalent using the
top of the bolt to push on. (Fig. 21)
(4) Remove and discard the steering wheel bolt.
(5) Remove the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt (a
new bolt must be used)
(1) Install steering wheel to the column
NOTE: Be certain that the steering wheel mounting
bolt is tightened to the proper torque specification
to ensure proper clockspring operation.
(2) Install the new steering wheel bolt. Tighten the
bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the driver's side air bag. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 20 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
1 - UPPER COUPLING BOOT AND BOLT
2 - INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
3 - LOWER COUPLING BOLT
4 - STEERING GEAR
Fig. 21 STEERING WHEEL PULLER
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL CJ98-1
DRCOLUMN 19 - 15
LOWER STEERING COUPLING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before installing gear inspect bushings and
replace if worn or damaged.
NOTE: In the frame there is two holes for the
mounting of the steering gear one is slotted and
one is round, When tightening the gear to specifi-
cations make sure to tighten the mounting bolt with
the hole first to avoided movement of the steering
gear.
(1) Install the gear on the front crossmember and
tighten the mounting bolts to 319 N´m (235 ft. lbs.).
(Fig. 4) & (Fig. 3).
(2) Slide the shaft coupler onto the gear. Install
newpinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.).
(3) Clean and dry the tie rod end studs and the
knuckle tapers.
(4) Install the tie rod ends into the steering knuck-
les and tighten the nuts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) thenan additional 90É. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINK-
AGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the pressure power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 32 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(6) Install the return power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 71 N´m (52 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Install the front skid plate (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE
- INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(10) Fill the system with fluid, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Adjust the toe position. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
Fig. 3 STEERING GEAR 4X2
1-SWAYBAR
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
5 - LEFT INNER & RIGHT OUTER (TIE ROD ENDS)
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR 4X4
1 - FRONT AXLE
2 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING NUTS & BUSHINGS
19 - 18 GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OUTER TIE ROD
END ................................32TIE ROD END
REMOVAL - OUTER TIE ROD END..........32
INSTALLATION - OUTER TIE ROD END......33
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT
FRONT SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OUTER TIE ROD
END
NOTE: If the outer tie rod end 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 vehicle
steering knuckle and then zero the dial indicator.
(4) Position indicator plunger on the topside of the
outer tie rod end.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the outer tie rod
end.
(5) Position a pry bar in order to pry downwards
on the outer tie rod end.
(6) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the outer tie rod end (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL).
(7) If the outer tie rod end is within specs reinstall
the front tires (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
TIE ROD END
REMOVAL - OUTER TIE ROD END
NOTE: Do not twist the boot anytime during
removal or installation.
(1) Loosen the jam nut.
(2) Remove the outer tie rod end nut from the ball
stud.
(3) Separate the tie rod ball stud from the knuckle
with Remover 8677 (Fig. 1).
(4) Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner
tie rod.
Fig. 1 TIE ROD SEPARATION
1 - TIE ROD END
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8677
19 - 32 LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR