1998 DODGE RAM 1500 fig

(6) Position the hub spacer (Fig. 8) and brake
shield (Fig. 9) on bolts just installed in knuckle.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a wheel speed
sensor the brake shield must be positioned on the
hub bearing (Fig. 10).
(7) Align the rotor hub with the drive shaft and
start the shaft into the rotor hub splines.NOTE: Position wheel speed sensor wire at the top
of the knuckle if equipped.
(8) Align the bolt holes in the hub bearing flange
with the bolts installed in the knuckle. Then thread
the bolts into the bearing flange far enough to hold
the assembly in place.
(9) Install the remaining bolts. Tighten the hub/
bearing bolts to 202 N´m (149 ft. lbs.
(10) Install the washer and axle nut and tighten a
beginning torque of 179 N´m (132 ft. lbs.).
(11) Rotate the axle 5 to 10 times to seat the hub
bearing.
(12) Tighten to a final torque of 356 N´m (263 ft.
lbs.).
(13) Align the axle nut to the next forward cotter
pin hole and install a new cotter pin in the axle nut.
(14) Install the brake caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the sensor wire to the steering knuckle
and frame and if equipped. Connect the wheel speed
sensor wire under the hood.
(16) Install the wheel and tire assemblies, (Refer
to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(17) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(18) Apply the brakes several times to seat the
brake shoes and caliper piston. Do not move the vehi-
cle until a firm brake pedal is obtained.
Fig. 8 Hub Spacer
1 - ROTOR HUB BOLTS
2 - HUB SPACER (POSITION FLAT TO REAR)
3 - APPLY ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND TO SPLINES
Fig. 9 Brake Shield
1 - BRAKE SHIELD
2 - HUB BEARING BOLTS
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 10 Brake Shield With Wheel Speed Sensor
1 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 - HUB BEARING
3 - SHIELD
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 33
HUB / BEARING (Continued)

LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
To properly diagnose the lower ball joint two read-
ings from the dial indicator are necessary, The two
readings must be added together to find a total ball
joint movement as identified in the steps below.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Attach a dial indicator with the indicator rest-
ing on the flat part of the steering knuckle by the
lower ball stud (Fig. 11).
(3) Set the dial indicator to zero.
NOTE: Use care not to damage the upper ball joint
grease seal.
(4) Pry between the knuckle and the axle tube
yoke next to the upper ball joint, Record the reading
on the dial indicatorThis will be the first reading
(Fig. 12).
(5) Set the dial indicator back to zero.
(6) Set up a jackstand and use a long prybar to lift
the knuckle assembly (Fig. 13), pry upwards on the
flat part of the steering knuckle next to the ball joint
stud and nut (Fig. 14) using the jackstand as lever-
age. Record the reading on the dial indicatorThis
will be the second reading.(7) Add the two reading together for a total lower
ball joint movement, If this reading is above 2.29 mm
(0.090 in) then replacement of the lower ball joint is
necessary (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/
LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
Fig. 11 DIAL INDICATOR POSITION
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 12 FIRST READING
1-PRYBAR
2 - UPPER BALL JOINT
3 - GEASE SEAL
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 13 SECOND READING
1-PRYBAR
2 - DIAL INDICATOR
3 - JACK STAND
2 - 34 FRONT - LINK/COILDR

REMOVAL
(1) Remove lower snap ring from the lower ball
joint (Fig. 15).
(2) Position special tool 8975±2 (RECEIVER) and
8975±4 (DRIVER) with tool C4212±F as shown to
remove lower ball stud (Fig. 16).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position special tool 8975±1 (DRIVER) and
8975±3 (RECEIVER) with C4212±F as shown to
install lower ball stud (Fig. 17).
Fig. 14 PRYING LOCATION
1-PRYBAR
2 - UPPER BALL JOINT
3 - AXLE YOKE
4 - GRESE SEAL
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 15 LOWER SNAP RING
Fig. 16 LOWER BALL JOINT REMOVAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
C4212-F
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8975-2
3 - KNUCKLE
4 - SPECIAL TOOL
8975-4
Fig. 17 LOWER BALL JOINT INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
C4212-F
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8975-1
3 - BALL JOINT
4 - KNUCKLE
5 - SPECIAL TOOL
8975-3
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 35
LOWER BALL JOINT (Continued)

UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT
To properly diagnose the upper ball joint two read-
ings from the dial indicator are necessary, The two
readings must be added together to find a total ball
joint movement as identified in the steps below.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Attach a dial indicator with the indicator rest-
ing on either the front or back sides of the steering
knuckle as close to the upper ball joint as possible
(Fig. 18).
(3) Set the dial indicator to zero.
(4) Grab the tire by pushing in on the top of the
tire and pulling out on the bottom of the tire. Record
the reading on the dial indicatorThis will be the
first reading(Fig. 18).
(5) Set the dial indicator back to zero.
(6) Grab the tire by pulling in on the top of the
tire and pushing out on the bottom of the tire.
Record the reading on the dial indicatorThis will be
the second reading(Fig. 18).
(7) Add the two reading together for a total upper
ball joint movement, If this reading is above 1.52 mm
(0.060 in) then replacement of the upper ball joint is
necessary (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/UP-
PER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
REMOVAL
(1) Position special tool 6761 (RECEIVER) and
8445±3 (DRIVER) with C-4212±F as shown to
remove upper ball stud (Fig. 19).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position special tool 8445±2 (DRIVER) and
8975±5 (RECEIVER) with C-42121±F as shown to
install upper ball stud (Fig. 20).
Fig. 18 UPPER BALL JOINT MOVEMENT
1 - UPPER BALL JOINT
2 - AXLE YOKE
3 - DIAL INDICATOR
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE FLAT
Fig. 19 UPPER BALL JOINT REMOVAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
C4212-F
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
6761
3 - KNUCKLE
4 - SPECIAL TOOL
8445-3
Fig. 20 UPPER BALL JOINT INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
C4212-F
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8445-2
3 - BALL JOINT
4 - KNUCKLE
5 - SPECIAL TOOL
8975-5
2 - 36 FRONT - LINK/COILDR

KNUCKLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the hub bearing (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove tie-rod or drag link end from the steer-
ing knuckle arm.
(3) Remove the ABS sensor wire and bracket from
knuckle. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedures.
(4) Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball stud
nut. Remove the upper and lower ball stud nuts.
(5) Strike the steering knuckle with a brass ham-
mer to loosen.
(6) Remove knuckle from axle tube yokes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering knuckle on the ball studs.
(2) Install and tighten lower ball stud nut to 47
N´m (35 ft. lbs.) torque. Do not install cotter pin at
this time.
(3) Install and tighten upper ball stud nut to 94
N´m (70 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to
line up hole and install new cotter pin.
(4) Retorque lower ball stud nut to 190±217 N´m
(140±160 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to
line up hole and install new cotter pin.
(5) Install the hub bearing (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install tie-rod or drag link end onto the steer-
ing knuckle arm.
(7) Install the ABS sensor wire and bracket to the
knuckle. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedure.
UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LEFT
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the upper suspension arm nut and bolt
at the axle bracket (Fig. 21).
(3) Remove the nut and bolt at the frame rail and
remove the upper suspension arm.
REMOVAL - RIGHT
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Disconnect the exhaust system at the mani-
folds.
(3) Disconnect the rubber exhaust mounts at the
muffler.
(4) Support the transmission.
(5) Remove the transmission cross member.
(6) Lower the exhaust system down in order to
gain access to the removal of the upper bolt.(7) Remove the nut and bolt at the frame rail and
remove the upper suspension arm.
(8) Remove the upper suspension arm nut and bolt
at the axle bracket.
(9) Remove the suspension arm from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LEFT
(1) Position the upper suspension arm at the axle
and frame rail.
(2) Install the bolts and finger tighten the nuts.
(3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(4) Tighten nut at the axle bracket to 163 N´m
(120 ft. lbs.). Tighten nut at frame bracket to 163
N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
INSTALLATION - RIGHT
(1) Position the upper suspension arm at the axle
and frame rail.
(2) Install the bolts, then finger tighten the nuts.
(3) Reconnect the rubber exhaust mounts at the
muffler.
(4) Reconnect the exhaust at the manifolds.
(5) Install the transmission crossmember.
(6) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(7) Tighten nut at the axle bracket to 163 N´m
(120 ft. lbs.). Tighten nut at frame bracket to 163
N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 21 Link/Coil Suspension
1 - STABILIZER BAR
2 - SHOCK ABSORBER
3 - COIL SPRING
4 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
5 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
6 - TRACK BAR
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 37

LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Paint or scribe alignment marks on the cam
adjusters and suspension arm for installation refer-
ence (Fig. 22).
(3) Remove the lower suspension arm nut, cam
and cam bolt from the axle.
(4) Remove the nut and bolt from the frame rail
bracket and remove the lower suspension arm (Fig.
22).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower suspension arm at the axle
bracket and frame rail bracket.
(2) Install the rear bolt and finger tighten the nut.
(3) Install the cam bolt, cam and nut in the axle
and align the reference marks.
(4) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(5) Tighten cam nut at the axle bracket to 217
N´m (160 ft. lbs.). Tighten rear nut at the frame
bracket to 217 N´m (160 ft. lbs.).
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
(1) Remove the nut, retainer and grommet from
the upper stud in the engine compartment.
(2) Remove three nuts from the upper shock
bracket (Fig. 23).
(3) Remove the lower bolt from the axle bracket
(Fig. 24). Remove the shock absorber from engine
compartment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower retainer and grommet on the
upper stud. Insert the shock absorber through the
spring from engine compartment.
(2) Install the lower bolt and tighten to 135 N´m
(100 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the upper shock bracket and three nuts.
Tighten nuts to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install upper grommet and retainer. Install
upper shock nut and tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs).
Fig. 22 Adjustment Cam
1 - ADJUSTMENT CAM
2 - AXLE BRACKET
3 - BRACKET REINFORCEMENT
4 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
2 - 38 FRONT - LINK/COILDR

SPRING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a
hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.
(2) Paint or scribe alignment marks on lower sus-
pension arm cam adjusters and axle bracket for
installation reference.
(3) Remove the upper suspension arm and loosen
lower suspension arm bolts.
(4) Mark and disconnect the front propeller shaft
from the axle 4x4 models.
(5) Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail
bracket.
(6) Disconnect the drag link from pitman arm.
(7) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock
absorber from the axle.
(8) Lower the axle until the spring is free from the
upper mount. Remove the coil spring.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the coil spring on the axle pad.
(2) Raise the axle into position until the spring
seats in the upper mount.
(3) Connect the stabilizer bar links and shock
absorbers to the axle bracket. Connect the track bar
to the frame rail bracket.
(4) Install the upper suspension arm.
(5) Install the front propeller shaft to the axle 4x4
model.
(6) Install drag link to pitman arm and tighten
nut to specifications. Install new cotter pin.
(7) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(8) Tighten the following suspension components
to specifications:
²Link to stabilizer bar nut.
²Lower shock bolt.
²Track bar bolt at axle shaft tube bracket.
²Upper suspension arm nut at axle bracket.
²Upper suspension nut at frame bracket.
²Align lower suspension arm reference marks and
tighten cam nut.
²Lower suspension nut at frame bracket.
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Hold the stabilizer link shafts with a wrench
and remove the link nuts at the stabilizer bar.
(3) Remove the retainers and grommets from the
stabilizer bar links.
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar link nuts from the
axle brackets.
Fig. 23 Shock Absorber and Bracket
1 - GROMMET
2 - RETAINER
3 - BRACKET
4 - RETAINER
5 - SHOCK
6 - GROMMET
Fig. 24 Shock Absorber Axle Mount
1 - SHOCK
2 - SPRING
3 - FLAG NUT
4 - SHOCK BOLT
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 39
SHOCK (Continued)

(5) Remove the links from the axle brackets with
Puller C-3894-A (Fig. 25).
(6) Remove the stabilizer bar clamps from the
frame rails and remove the stabilizer bar.INSTALLATION
(1) Position the stabilizer bar on the frame rail
and install the clamps and bolts. Ensure the bar is
centered with equal spacing on both sides.
(2) Tighten the clamp bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install links to the axle bracket and tighten
nut to 71 N´m (52 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install links, retainers, grommets and nuts to
the stabilizer bar. Hold the link shaft with a wrench
and tighten the nuts to 37 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(5) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
Fig. 25 Stabilizer Link
1 - PULLER
2 - LINK
2 - 40 FRONT - LINK/COILDR
STABILIZER BAR (Continued)