1998 DODGE RAM 1500 air

(14) Remove the bolts attaching the lower radiator
crossmember to the hydroform fender rail. (Fig. 18)
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. The
inaccurate and high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.
(15) Using a reciprocating saw or equivalent, cut
the fender rail and shotgun at a straight and square
section of the hydroform and remove.
(16) Smooth and square the cut edges.
(17) Using the damaged structure as a reference
cut the service part at the same location as the first
cut. Smooth and square the cut edges.
NOTE: The repair structure should butt up to the
remaining structure and provide the same overall
vehicle geometry.
(18) Fabricate 51 mm (2.0 in.) long repair inserts
using scrap from the old structure or the replacement
part. It will be necessary to split the inserts on each
of their four sides to fit into the hydroform.
(19) Remove any paint or e-coat from the inserts
and also to the interior and exterior of the hydro-
forms.
(20) Cut plug weld holes as described below.
²On the upper rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on each side of the rail, 25 mm (1.0 in.) from the butt
joint of the tubes.
²On the lower rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on the top and bottom sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
²On the lower rail, cut two 13 mm (0.5 in.) holes
on the inner and outer sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(21) Install the insert 1º into the replacement part
and tack into place with a weld. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME - SPECIFICATIONS -
WELDING)
(22) Insert the service part into place and using
the appropriate measuring equipment, verify the
front end sheet metal bracket's location in all three
(X,Y, and Z) planes of space. (Fig. 19)
(23) Complete all 360É plug welds.
NOTE: Before the final welding, use three dimen-
sional measuring equipment to ensure the part is in
the correct location. Verify that tap plate extrusion
at the bottom of the vertical post lines up with theisolator and hole in the frame perch mount. Also
ensure the lower radiator closure tube is bolted into
the forward shotgun ends.
(24) Complete welding by making a 360É butt weld
around the fender rails.
(25) Metal finish the exposed welds on the hydro-
forms.
(26) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound to the inside of the hydro-
forms ensuring 100% coverage including the mat-
ing face between the fender rail sections and insert
such that corrosion protection is restored in the
internal cavity.
(b) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(27) Install the front cab mount bolt if previously
removed and tighten to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(28) Install the lower radiator crossmember bolts
and tighten to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(29) Install the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(30) Install the upper radiator crossmember. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - INSTALLATION)
(31) Install the wire harness and ground if previ-
ously removed and install the bolts.
(32) Install the integrated power module, if previ-
ously removed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE -
INSTALLATION)
(33) Install the air cleaner bracket and air cleaner,
if previously removed. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT -
INSTALLATION)
(34) Install the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
(35) Install the A/C lines, if previously removed.
Refer to the Heating and Air Conditioning section of
the manual for the recommended procedures.
(36) Install the A/C condenser, if previously
removed. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C CONDENSER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(37) Install the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - INSTALLATION)
(38) Install the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(39) Reconnect the battery ground.
13 - 12 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (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)

(9) Remove the clip and remove the spare tire
winch tube. (Fig. 21)
(10) Remove the bolts and remove the spare tire
winch. (Fig. 22)
(11) Position the wire harness forward of the work
area.
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. The
inaccurate and high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.(12) Carefully remove the H-section welds using a
grinder or equivalent tool.
(13) Remove the H-section and clean any remain-
ing welds from the frame.
(14) Trial fit the replacement part.
(15) Remove all e-coat from within 25 mm (1.0 in.)
of the weld area.
(16) Using the appropriate measuring equipment,
position the replacement part and verify correct posi-
tioning in all three (X,Y, and Z) planes of space.
(Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME - SPEC-
IFICATIONS - FRAME DIMENSIONS)
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(17) Weld the replacement H-section into position.
The welding should be performed in a skip (stitch)
type method to minimize the heat buildup following
I-CAR or the American Welding Society welding pro-
cedures and utilizing the process specifications at the
end of this section. (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME - SPECIFICATIONS - WELD-
ING)
(18) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound through the existing holes
in the frame ensuring 100% coverage including the
mating face between the frame and replacement
H-section.
(b) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(19) Position the wiring harness back.
CAUTION: Inspect the tire winch assembly for dam-
age. If any one or more of the following are evident,
replace the winch assembly.
²Indications of cracked or bulging plastic.
²Housing flanges are bent or cracked.
²If winch was loose before repair.
(20) Install the spare tire winch and install the
bolts. (Fig. 22)
(21) Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(22) Install the spare tire winch tube and install
the clip. (Fig. 21)
(23) Install the spare tire.
CAUTION: Check operation of the spare tire winch
by manipulating it up and down. If the winch binds
or jambs, replace the winch assembly.
(24) Lift the axle into position and install the rear
shackle bolts. (Fig. 20)
(25) Tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 21 SPARE TIRE WINCH TUBE
1 - SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
2 - HAIR PIN CLIP
3 - WINCH TUBE
4 - H-SECTION/SPARE WHEEL SUPPORT
Fig. 22 SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
1 - SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
2 - BOLTS
3 - RETAINER BRACKET
4 - H-SECTION/SPARE WHEEL SUPPORT
13 - 14 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

OPERATION
Fuel is returned through the fuel pump module
and back into the fuel tank through the fuel filter/
fuel pressure regulator. A separate fuel return line
from the engine to the tank is not used.
The fuel tank assembly consists of: the fuel tank,
fuel pump module assembly, fuel pump module lock-
nut/gasket, and fuel tank check valve (refer to Fuel
Tank Check Valve for information).
A fuel filler/vent tube assembly using a pressure/
vacuum, 1/4 turn fuel filler cap is used. The fuel
filler tube contains a flap door located below the fuel
fill cap.
Also to be considered part of the fuel system is the
evaporation control system. This is designed to
reduce the emission of fuel vapors into the atmo-sphere. The description and function of the Evapora-
tive Control System is found in Emission Control
Systems.
Both fuel filters (at bottom of fuel pump module
and within fuel pressure regulator) are designed for
extended service. They do not require normal sched-
uled maintenance. Filters should only be replaced if
a diagnostic procedure indicates to do so.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELEASE
Use following procedure if the fuel injector
rail is, or is not equipped with a fuel pressure
test port.
(1) Remove fuel fill cap.
Fig. 1 FUEL DELIVERY COMPONENTS
1 - FUEL TANK 8 - LDP FRESH AIR FILTER
2 - CHECK VALVE 9 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP
3 - LIQUID EXPANSION CHAMBER 10 - EVAP CANISTERS (2)
4 - FUEL FILTER / FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR 11 - FUEL TANK STRAPS (2)
5 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING AND FUEL LINE (TO ENGINE) 12 - CHECK VALVE
6 - EVAP LINE CONNECTION 13 - FUEL PUMP MODULE LOCK RING
7 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP FRESH AIR LINE 14 - FUEL PUMP MODULE
14 - 2 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL DELIVERY - GAS (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL FILTER/PRESSURE
REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
A combination fuel filter and fuel pressure regula-
tor (Fig. 2) is used on all engines. It is located on the
top of the fuel pump module. A separate frame
mounted fuel filter is not used with any engine.
Both fuel filters (at bottom of fuel pump module
and within fuel pressure regulator) are designed for
extended service. They do not require normal sched-
uled maintenance. Filters should only be replaced if
a diagnostic procedure indicates to do so.
FUEL PRESSURE TESTER - #8978
TEST KIT, FUEL PRESSURE, 8.0L ENGINE - #5069
ADAPTERS, FUEL PRESSURE TEST, 8.0L - #6539
AND/OR #6631
SPANNER WRENCH - #6856
FITTING, AIR METERING - #6714
O2S (OXYGEN SENSOR) REMOVER/INSTALLER -
#C-4907
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 5
FUEL DELIVERY - GAS (Continued)

QUICK CONNECT FITTING
DESCRIPTION
Different types of quick-connect fittings are used to
attach various fuel system components, lines and
tubes. These are: a single-tab type, a two-tab type or
a plastic retainer ring type. Some are equipped with
safety latch clips. Some may require the use of a spe-
cial tool for disconnection and removal. Refer to
Quick-Connect Fittings Removal/Installation for more
information.
CAUTION: The interior components (o-rings, clips)
of quick-connect fittings are not serviced sepa-
rately, but new plastic spacers are available for
some types. If service parts are not available, do
not attempt to repair the damaged fitting or fuel line
(tube). If repair is necessary, replace the complete
fuel line (tube) assembly.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - QUICK-CONNECT
FITTINGS
Also refer to Fuel Tubes/Lines/Hoses and Clamps.
Different types of quick-connect fittings are used to
attach various fuel system components, lines and
tubes. These are: a single-tab type, a two-tab type or
a plastic retainer ring type. Safety latch clips are
used on certain components/lines. Certain fittings
may require use of a special tool for disconnection.
DISCONNECTING
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER A CON-
STANT PRESSURE (EVEN WITH ENGINE OFF).
BEFORE SERVICING ANY FUEL SYSTEM HOSE,
FITTING OR LINE, FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MUST
BE RELEASED. REFER TO FUEL SYSTEM PRES-
SURE RELEASE PROCEDURE.
CAUTION: The interior components (o-rings, spac-
ers) of some types of quick-connect fitting are not
serviced separately. If service parts are not avail-
able, do not attempt to repair a damaged fitting or
fuel line. If repair is necessary, replace complete
fuel line assembly.
(1) Perform fuel pressure release procedure. Refer
to Fuel Pressure Release Procedure.
(2) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(3) Clean fitting of any foreign material before dis-
assembly.
(4)2±Button Type Fitting:This type of fitting is
equipped with a push-button located on each side of
quick-connect fitting (Fig. 5). Press on both buttonssimultaneously for removal. Special tools are not
required for disconnection.
(5)Pinch-Type Fitting:This fitting is equipped
with two finger tabs. Pinch both tabs together while
removing fitting (Fig. 6). Special tools are not
required for disconnection.
Fig. 5 2-BUTTON TYPE FITTING
1 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
2 - PUSH-BUTTONS (2)
Fig. 6 PINCH TYPE QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
1 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
2 - PINCH TABS
14 - 8 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR

REMOVAL
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER A CON-
STANT PRESSURE (EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF).
BEFORE SERVICING THE FUEL PUMP MODULE,
THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MUST BE
RELEASED.
(1) Drain and remove fuel tank. Refer to Fuel
Tank Removal/Installation.
(2) The plastic fuel pump module locknut (Fig. 15)
is threaded onto fuel tank. Install Special Tool 6856
to locknut and remove locknut (Fig. 16). The fuel
pump module will spring up slightly when locknut is
removed.
(3) Remove module from fuel tank.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Whenever the fuel pump module is ser-
viced, the rubber gasket must be replaced.
(1) Using a new gasket, position fuel pump module
into opening in fuel tank.
(2) Position locknut over top of fuel pump module.
Install locknut finger tight.
(3) Rotate module until embossed alignment arrow
(Fig. 15) points to center alignment mark. This step
must be performed to prevent float from contactingside of fuel tank. Also be sure fitting on fuel filter/
fuel pressure regulator is pointed to drivers side of
vehicle.
(4) Install Special Tool 6856 (Fig. 16) to locknut.
(5) Tighten locknut. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(6) Install fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Removal/
Installation.
FUEL RAIL
DESCRIPTION
The fuel injector rail is used to mount the fuel
injectors to the engine.
OPERATION
High pressure from the fuel pump is routed to the
fuel rail. The fuel rail then supplies the necessary
fuel to each individual fuel injector.
A quick-connect fitting with a safety latch clip is
used to attach the fuel line to the fuel rail.
The fuel rail is not repairable.
CAUTION: The left and right sections of the fuel rail
are connected with either a flexible connecting
hose, or joints. Do not attempt to separate the rail
halves at these connecting hose or joints. Due to
the design of the connecting hose or joint, it does
not use any clamps. Never attempt to install a
clamping device of any kind to the hose or joint.
When removing the fuel rail assembly for any rea-
son, be careful not to bend or kink the connecting
hose or joint.
Fig. 15 FUEL PUMP MODULE (TOP)
1 - FUEL FILTER / FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
2 - ALIGNMENT ARROW
3 - TOP OF PUMP MODULE
4 - LOCKNUT
5 - ALIGNMENT MARKS
Fig. 16 LOCKNUT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION -
TYPICAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6856
2 - LOCKNUT
14 - 12 FUEL DELIVERY - GASDR
FUEL PUMP MODULE (Continued)

REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER CON-
STANT PRESSURE EVEN WITH ENGINE OFF.
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL RAIL, FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE MUST BE RELEASED.
CAUTION: The left and right fuel rails are replaced
as an assembly. Do not attempt to separate rail
halves at connector tubes (Fig. 18). Due to design
of tubes, it does not use any clamps. Never attempt
to install a clamping device of any kind to tubes.
When removing fuel rail assembly for any reason,
be careful not to bend or kink tubes.
(1) Remove fuel tank filler tube cap.
(2) Perform Fuel System Pressure Release Proce-
dure.
(3) Remove negative battery cable at battery.
(4) Remove air duct at throttle body air box.
(5) Remove air box at throttle body.
(6) Remove air resonator mounting bracket at
front of throttle body (2 bolts).
(7) Disconnect fuel line latch clip and fuel line at
fuel rail. A special tool will be necessary for fuel line
disconnection. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings.
(8) Remove necessary vacuum lines at throttle
body.
(9) Disconnect electrical connectors at all 6 fuel
injectors. To remove connector refer to (Fig. 17). Push
red colored slider away from injector (1). While push-
ing slider, depress tab (2) and remove connector (3)
from injector. The factory fuel injection wiring har-
ness is numerically tagged (INJ 1, INJ 2, etc.) for
injector position identification. If harness is not
tagged, note wiring location before removal.
(10) Disconnect electrical connectors at all throttle
body sensors.
(11) Remove 6 ignition coils. Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
(12) Remove 4 fuel rail mounting bolts (Fig. 18).
(13) Gently rock and pullleftside of fuel rail until
fuel injectors just start to clear machined holes in
cylinder head. Gently rock and pullrightside of rail
until injectors just start to clear cylinder head holes.
Repeat this procedure (left/right) until all injectors
have cleared cylinder head holes.
(14) Remove fuel rail (with injectors attached)
from engine.
(15) If fuel injectors are to be removed, refer to
Fuel Injector Removal/Installation.
Fig. 17 REMOVE/INSTALL INJECTOR CONNECTOR
Fig. 18 FUEL RAIL REMOVE/INSTALL - 3.7L V-6
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
2 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
3 - FUEL RAIL
4 - INJ. #1
5 - INJ. #3
6 - INJ. #5
7 - INJ. #2
8 - INJ. #4
9 - INJ. #6
10 - CONNECTOR TUBE
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 13
FUEL RAIL (Continued)