1998 DODGE RAM 1500 torque

STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL
REPLACEMENT
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
applications. They must be replaced with equivalent
parts. Do not use replacement parts of lesser quality
or a substitute design. All aluminum and some steel
wheels have wheel stud nuts which feature an
enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is necessary to
ensure proper retention of the aluminum wheels.
NOTE: Do not use chrome plated lug nuts with
chrome plated wheels.
Before installing the wheel, be sure to remove any
build up of corrosion on the wheel mounting surfaces.
Ensure wheels are installed with good metal-to-metal
contact. Improper installation could cause loosening
of wheel nuts (Fig. 21). This could affect the safety
and handling of your vehicle.
To install the wheel, first position it properly on
the mounting surface (Fig. 21). All wheel nuts should
then be tightened just snug. Gradually tighten them
in sequence to the proper torque specification, (Fig.
22) (Fig. 23).Never use oil or grease on studs or
nuts.
Wheels must be replaced if they have:
²Excessive runout
²Bent or dented
²Leak air through welds
²Have damaged bolt holes
Wheel repairs employing hammering, heating, or
welding are not allowed.Original equipment wheels are available through
your dealer. Replacement wheels from any other
source should be equivalent in:
²Load carrying capacity
²Diameter
²Width
²Offset
²Mounting configuration
Failure to use equivalent replacement wheels may
affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Replacement withusedwheels is not recommended.
Their service history may have included severe treat-
ment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DUAL REAR WHEEL
INSTALLATION
Dual rear wheels use a special heavy duty lug nut
wrench. It is recommended to remove and install
dual rear wheels only when the proper wrench is
available. The wrench is also use to remove wheel
Fig. 21 WHEEL INSTALLATION 8-LUG SHOWN
1 - CENTER CAP
2 - LUG NUT
3 - TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY
4 - WHEEL STUDS
Fig. 22 8-LUG TIGHTENING PATTERN
Fig. 23 TYPICAL 6 - LUG NUT TIGHTENING
PATTERN
22 - 12 TIRES/WHEELSDR
WHEELS (Continued)

center caps for more information refer to Owner's
Manual.
The tires on both wheels must be completely raised
off the ground when tightening the lug nuts. This
will ensure correct wheel centering and maximum
wheel clamping.
A two piece flat face lug nut with right-hand
threads is used for retaining the wheels on the hubs
(Fig. 24).
The dual rear wheel lug nuts should be tightened
according to the following procedure:
²Place two drops of oil to the interface of the nut/
washer (Fig. 24) before installing on the wheel stud.
NOTE: Do not use more then two drops of oil on
the nut/washer, since the center caps attach in this
area.
²Tighten the wheel lug nuts in the numbered
sequential pattern until they are snug tight. Then
tighten lug nut to specified torque following same
number sequence, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - SPECIFICATIONS).
²Tighten lug nuts in same numbered sequence a
second time to the specified torque. This will ensure
that the wheels are thoroughly mated.²Check lug nut specified torque after 100 miles
(160 kilometers). Also after 500 miles (800 kilome-
ters) of vehicle operation.
NOTE: Wheel lug nuts should be tightened to spec-
ified torque at every maintenance interval thereafter.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
1500 Series
Lug Nut 9/16 X 18 with
60É Cone180 135 Ð
2500 Series
Lug Nut 9/16 X 18 with
60É Cone180 135 Ð
3500 Series
Lug Nut 9/16 X 18 with
Flat Washer195 145 Ð
Fig. 24 Oil Location
1 - PLACE TWO DROPS OF OIL HERE
DRTIRES/WHEELS 22 - 13
WHEELS (Continued)

BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE . . . 2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY
LUBRICATION.........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING . . 3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUZZ, SQUEAK
& RATTLE...........................11
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE..............12SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY..............................14
TAILGATE..............................15
DOOR - FRONT.........................18
DOORS - REAR.........................28
EXTERIOR.............................36
HOOD.................................46
INSTRUMENT PANEL.....................49
INTERIOR..............................62
PAINT.................................73
SEATS................................75
STATIONARY GLASS.....................86
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS...................91
BODY STRUCTURE......................95
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE AN OSHA APPROVED BREATHING
FILTER WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN
A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
²AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL ± BASED CLEANING
SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT STAND UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: When holes must be drilled or punched
in an inner body panel, verify depth of space to the
outer body panel, electrical wiring, or other compo-
nents. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
²Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use
when welding.
²Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from
the battery when servicing electrical components
that are live when the ignition is OFF. Damage to
electrical system can result.²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds
on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.
²Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning sol-
vents on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage
to finish or color can result.
²Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can
break.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing,
improper body component alignment, body seam
porosity, missing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Cen-
trifugal and gravitational force can cause water to
drip from a location away from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing
points should be water tight in normal wet-driving
conditions. Water flowing downward from the front of
the vehicle should not enter the passenger or luggage
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
DRBODY 23 - 1

SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A-pillar trim/grab handle bolts 6 Ð 55
Body Isolator/cab bolts 81 60 Ð
Cargo box bolts 108 80 Ð
Cargo box tie down/cleat bolts 34 25 Ð
Center seat assembly nuts*25 18 Ð
Center seat cushion/hinge bolts*20 15 Ð
Center seat back hinge to storage bin bolts*25 18 Ð
Center seat back free pivot hinge bolt*25 18 Ð
Center seat back inertia hinge pivot bolt*10 Ð 89
Center seat inertia hinge to seat back bolts*25 18 Ð
Fender bolts - front lower 9 Ð 80
Fender bolts - lower inside 17 13 Ð
Fender to hinge support bolts 11 8 Ð
Fender to upper fender rail bolts 9 Ð 80
Footmans loop bolts 12 9 Ð
Front center seat nuts*25 18 Ð
Front door glass lift plate nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door hinge to a-pillar nuts 28 21 Ð
Front door hinge to door nuts/bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door inside handle bolt 9 Ð 80
Front door latch adjustment screw 3 Ð 30
Front door latch assembly bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door regulator bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door regulator stabilizer nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door remote handle actuator nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door run channel screws 10 Ð 89
Front seat assembly front bolts*28 30 Ð
Front seat assembly rear bolts*40 30 Ð
Front seat track nuts*25 18 Ð
Fuel fill door bolts 9 Ð 80
Hood hinge to fender rail bolts 20 15 Ð
Hood latch bolts 11 8 Ð
Hood latch striker/safety catch bolts 11 8 Ð
Hood hinge to hood nuts 23 17 Ð
Instrument panel center bracket bolts 12 9 Ð
Instrument panel column support bolts 14 10 Ð
Instrument panel side mounting bolts 12 9 Ð
23 - 12 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: For vehicles with four doors, it is recom-
mended that you adjust the rear door before adjust-
ing the front door. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS -
REAR/DOOR - ADJUSTMENTS)
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 bolts to hold the door
with final torque of the fasteners occurring after
correct door positioning is achieved.
²A suitable body sealant should be used when
removing or moving the hinges.
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/DOOR - FRONT/HINGE - REMOVAL)
(3) Adjust the door to the correct position. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)(4) Tighten the hinge pillar fasteners to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
UP/DOWN
NOTE: Up/down door adjustment is done by loosen-
ing either the hinge to the hinge pillar fasteners or
the 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) Loosen the latch striker bolts. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/LATCH STRIKER -
REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the hinge to door fasteners (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/DOOR - REMOVAL) or
loosen the hinge to hinge pillar fasteners (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/HINGE - REMOVAL).
(4) Adjust the door to the correct position. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(5) Tighten the hinge pillar fasteners or the door
to hinges fasteners to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(6) Tighten the latch striker bolts. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/LATCH STRIKER - INSTAL-
LATION)
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) Loosen the latch striker bolts. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/LATCH STRIKER -
REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the hinge to door fasteners. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/DOOR - REMOVAL)
Fig. 1 FRONT DOOR
1 - NUTS (2)
2 - UPPER HINGE
3 - STUDS
4 - FRONT DOOR
5 - WIRE HARNESS
6 - LOWER HINGE
7 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (2)
8 - BOLTS (2)
DRDOOR - FRONT 23 - 19
DOOR (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

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the mirror base at the bracket and
slide it downward onto the support bracket (Fig. 18).
(2) Tighten the setscrew 1 N´m (15 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) If equipped, connect mirror harness connector.
INSTALLATION - REAR VIEW MIRROR
SUPPORT BRACKET
(1) Mark the position for the mirror bracket on the
outside of the windshield glass with a wax pencil.
(2) Clean the bracket contact area on the glass.
Use a mild powdered cleanser on a cloth saturated
with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Finally, clean the
glass with a paper towel dampened with alcohol.
(3) Sand the surface on the support bracket with
fine grit-sandpaper. Wipe the bracket surface clean
with a paper towel.
(4) Apply accelerator to the surface on the bracket
according to the following instructions:
(a) Crush the vial to saturate the felt applicator.
(b) Remove the paper sleeve.
(c) Apply accelerator to the contact surface on
the bracket.
(d) Allow the accelerator to dry for five minutes.
(e) Do not touch the bracket contact surface
after the accelerator has been applied.
(5) Apply adhesive accelerator to the bracket con-
tact surface on the windshield glass. Allow the accel-
erator to dry for one minute. Do not touch the glass
contact surface after the accelerator has been
applied.
(6) Install the bracket according to the following
instructions:(a) Apply one drop of adhesive at the center of
the bracket contact-surface on the windshield
glass.
(b) Apply an even coat of adhesive to the contact
surface on the bracket.
(c) Align the bracket with the marked position
on the windshield glass.
(d) Press and hold the bracket in place for at
least one minute.
NOTE: Verify that the mirror support bracket is cor-
rectly aligned, because the adhesive will cure rapidly.
(7) Allow the adhesive to cure for 8-10 minutes.
Remove any excess adhesive with an alcohol-damp-
ened cloth.
(8) Allow the adhesive to cure for an additional
8-10 minutes before installing the mirror.
SUN VISOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screws at the visor pivot and
remove the visor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the visor and install the screws at the
visor pivots.
SUN VISOR SUPPORT
REMOVAL
(1) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, pry
down the release clip and remove the hook. (Fig. 19)
Fig. 18 REAR VIEW MIRROR
1 - CONNECTOR
2 - SCREW
3 - REAR VIEW MIRROR
4 - SUPPORT BUTTON
5 - WINDSHIELD
Fig. 19 VISOR SUPPORT
1 - VISOR SUPPORT
2 - HEADLINER
3 - RELEASE CLIP
23 - 70 INTERIORDR
REAR VIEW MIRROR (Continued)

²Faulty A/C-heater control.
²Faulty related wiring harness or connectors.
²Improper engine coolant temperature.
SPECIFICATIONS - A/C SYSTEM
The R-134a refrigerant system charge capacity for
this vehicle can be found on the underhood Specifica-
tion Label.
A/C SYSTEM SPECIFICATION CHART
Item Description Notes
Compressor Saden SD-7
(5.9L engine)SP-15 PAG oil
Denso 10S17
(3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
engines)ND-8 PAG oil
Freeze±up
ControlEvaporator
Temperature
SensorEvaporator coil
mounted
High psi Control A/C pressure
transducerDischarge line
mounted
Compressor
Clutch Coil
Draw2 - 3.9 amps @
12V   0.5V @
21É C (70É F)5.9L engine
2.2 amps @
12V   0.5V @
21É C (70É F)3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
engines
Compressor
Clutch Air Gap0.41 - 0.79 mm
(0.016 - 0.031
in.)5.9L engine
0.35 - 0.65 mm
(0.013 - 0.025
in.)3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
engines
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A/C Compressor Shaft Nut 15-20 11-15 ±
A/C Compressor Bolt-Inner
Front-3.7L,4.7L40 30 ±
A/C Compressor Bolt-Inner
Rear-3.7L,4.7L55 41 ±
A/C Compressor Rear Bolt-
3.7L,4.7L55 41 ±
A/C Compressor Lower Bolts-5.7L 40 30 ±
A/C Compressor Rear Bolt-5.7L 55 41 ±
A/C Compressor Bolts-5.9L Diesel 24 17 ±
A/C Compressor Clutch Coil Wire
Retainer Screw2.2 ± 20
A/C-Heater Control Screws 2.2 ± 20
Accumulator Bracket Bolts 4.5 ± 40
Blower Motor Screws 2.2 ± 20
Blower Motor Resistor Block
Screws2.2 ± 20
Center Distribution Duct Screws 2.2 ± 20
DRHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 7
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)