1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Fig

BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the spring from the vehicle.
(2) Make small relief cuts in the flared up end of
the bushing metal being careful not to cut the spring.
Use a punch to bend the flared bushing metal down
for push out.
(3) Position the spring eye in a press.
(4) Press the bushing out with an appropriate size
driver.
INSTALLATION
(1) Press new bushing into the spring eye with an
appropriate size driver. The bushing should be cen-
tered in the spring eye.
(2) Stake the outermetal of the bushing in a mini-
mum of six points to retain the bushing.
(3) Install the spring on the vehicle.
JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the two bolts securing the jounce
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 1).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the jounce bumper.
(2) Install the two bolts securing the jounce
bumper to the bracket. Tighten the bolts to 40 N´m
(30 ft. lbs.)(LD) or Tighten the bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft.
lbs.)(HD).
AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS
(3500)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut securing the auxiliary spring
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 2).
(2) Remove the auxiliary spring bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the auxiliary spring bumper.
(2) Install the nut securing the auxiliary spring
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut to 25
N´m (34 ft. lbs.).
SHOCK
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and support the axle.
NOTE: The rear upper shock attachment uses a flag
nut. Do not use an air tool to remove the bolt, the
flag may rotate into the bottom of the bed and
cause damage. Use a wrench to hold the nut when
loosening.
(2) Remove the upper shock bolt and nut (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
(4) Remove the rear shock absorber from the vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the shock absorber in the brackets.
(2) Install the bolts through the brackets and the
shock. Install the flag nut on the top bolt and nut on
lower bolt.
Fig. 1 JOUNCE BUMPER
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - JOUNCE BUMPER
Fig. 2 AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPER (3500)
1 - NUTS
2 - AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS
DRREAR 2 - 43

(3) Tighten the upper and lower bolt/nuts Tighten
to 135 N.m (100 ft. lbs.)
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
SPRING
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension system uses a multi-leaf
springs and a solid drive axle. The forward end of the
springs are mounted to the body rail hangers
through rubber bushings. The rearward end of the
springs are attached to the body by the use of shack-
les. The spring and shackles use rubber bushings.
OPERATION
The springs control ride quality and maintain vehi-
cle ride height. The shackles allow the springs to
change their length as the vehicle moves over various
road conditions.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Support the axle with a suitable holding fix-
ture.
(3) Remove the nuts, spring clamp bolts and the
plate that attach the spring to the axle (Fig. 4).
(4) Remove the nuts and bolts from the spring
front and rear shackle (Fig. 4).
(5) Remove the spring from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position spring on axle shaft tube so spring
center bolt is inserted into the locating hole in the
axle tube.(2) Align the front of the spring with the bolt hole
in the front bracket. Install the eye pivot bolt and
nut.
(3) Align the rear of the spring into the shackle
and install the bolt and nut.
(4) Tighten the spring front and rear eye pivot bolt
snug do not torque.
(5) Install the spring clamp bolts, plate and the
retaining nuts.
(6) Remove the holding fixture for the rear axle.
(7) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle so
that the weight is being supported by the tires.
(8) Tighten the spring clamp retaining nuts to 149
N´m (110 ft. lbs.).
(9) Tighten the spring front and rear pivot bolt
nuts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.)(LD) or 230 N´m (170 ft.
lbs.)(HD).
SPRING TIP INSERTS
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove both rear tireand wheel assemblies
(3) Position a large C-Clamp adjacent to the spring
clinch clip and clamp the leaves of the spring
together
Fig. 3 SHOCK ABSORBER
1 - NUT
2 - AXLE
3 - SHOCK ABSORBER
Fig. 4 REAR SPRING
1 - LEAF SPRING
2 - PLATE
3 - NUTS
4 - FRONT NUT & BOLT
5 - SPRING CLAMP BOLTS
6 - SHACKLES
2 - 44 REARDR
SHOCK (Continued)

CAUTION: When working on the front leaf spring
clinch clamps finish the front before starting on the
rear to prevent personal injury.
(4) Use an appropriate pry bar to bend open the
spring clinch clip (Fig. 5). If necessary, remove the
existing spring clinch clip isolators.
(5) Use the pry bar to spread apart the leaf (Fig.
6). The clearance between the leaves should be
enough to remove the old liner (if necessary) and
install the replacement liner.
(6) If necessary, remove the old spring tip liner
(Fig. 7).
INSTALLATION
(1) With the prybar still inserted between the
leaves, install a new spring tip liner onto the leaf.
(2) Firmly seat the spring tip liner onto the leaf. A
C-Clamp can be used to compress the adjacent leaves
together (Fig. 8) which will seat the liner retaining
pin into the hole.
NOTE: THE SPRING TIP LINER IS PROPERLY
INSTALLED WHEN THE RETAINING PIN IS POINT-
ING TOWARD THE PAVEMENT AND THE WEAR PAD
IS CONTACTING THE LEAF SPRING.
(3) Apply a small amount of lubricant oil onto the
tip liner wear pad.
(4) Install all the spring tip liners.
Fig. 5 C-CLAMP AND PRY BAR
1 - REAR LEAF SPRING CLINCH CLAMP
2-PRYBAR
3 - C-CLAMP
Fig. 6 SPRING SEPARATION
1 - REAR LEAF SPRING
2-PRYBAR
Fig. 7 SPRING TIP LINER REMOVAL
1 - SPRING TIP LINER
2 - RUBBER MALLET
Fig. 8 CLINCH CLIP
1 - C-CLAMP
2 - SPRING CLINCH CLAMP
DRREAR 2 - 45
SPRING TIP INSERTS (Continued)

(5) Place one spring clinch clip isolator onto the
outboard side of the spring clinch clip (Fig. 9) and
one isolator on the inboard side of the spring clinch
clip.
(6) Using large adjustable pliers, close the spring
clinch clip until the isolator contacts the leaf spring
(Fig. 10).
CAUTION: DO NOT USE A HAMMER TO CLOSE THE
SPRING CLINCH CLIP. DAMAGE TO THE ISOLATOR
MAY RESULT.(7) Use an appropriate pry bar to bend open the
spring clinch clip. If necessary, remove the existing
spring clinch clip isolators.
(8) Repeat procedure for the other side of the vehi-
cle.
(9) Iinstall the tire wheel assemblies.
(10) Lower the vehicle.
Fig. 9 CLINCH CLIP ISOLATOR
1 - SPRING CLINCH CLIP ISOLATOR
2 - C-CLAMP
Fig. 10 CLINCH CLIP REASSEMBLY
1 - SPRING CLINCH CLIP
2 - ADJUSTABLE PLIERS
3 - C-CLAMP
2 - 46 REARDR
SPRING TIP INSERTS (Continued)

DRIVELINE VIBRATION
Drive Condition Possible Cause Correction
Propeller Shaft Noise 1) Undercoating or other foreign
material on shaft.1) Clean exterior of shaft and wash
with solvent.
2) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 2) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
3) Loose or bent U-joint yoke or
excessive runout.3) Install new yoke.
4) Incorrect driveline angularity. 4) Measure and correct driveline
angles.
5) Rear spring center bolt not in
seat.5) Loosen spring u-bolts and seat
center bolt.
6) Worn U-joint bearings. 6) Install new U-joint.
7) Propeller shaft damaged or out
of balance.7) Installl new propeller shaft.
8) Broken rear spring. 8) Install new rear spring.
9) Excessive runout or unbalanced
condition.9) Re-index propeller shaft, test,
and evaluate.
10) Excessive drive pinion gear
shaft runout.10) Re-index propeller shaft and
evaluate.
11) Excessive axle yoke deflection. 11) Inspect and replace yoke if
necessary.
12) Excessive transfer case runout. 12) Inspect and repair as necessary.
Universal Joint Noise 1) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 1) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
2) Lack of lubrication. 2) Replace as U-joints as
necessary.
PROPELLER SHAFT BALANCE
If propeller shaft is suspected of being out of bal-
ance, use the following procedure.
NOTE: Indexing propeller shaft 180É relative to the
yoke may eliminate some vibrations.
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Clean all foreign material from the propeller
shaft and universal joints.
(3) Inspect propeller shaft for missing balance
weights, broken welds and bent areas.If propeller
shaft is bent, it must be replaced.
(4) Inspect universal joints for wear and properly
installed.
(5) Check propeller shaft bolt torques.
(6) Remove wheels and install lug nuts to retain
brake rotors.
(7) Mark and number the shaft six inches from the
pinion yoke end at four positions 90É apart.
(8) Run and accelerate vehicle until vibration
occurs. Note the intensity and speed the vibration
occurred. Stop the engine.(9) Install a screw clamp at position 1 (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 CLAMP SCREW AT POSITION 1
1 - CLAMP
2 - SCREWDRIVER
3 - 2 PROPELLER SHAFTDR
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)

(10) Start engine and check vibration. If there is
little or no change move the clamp to the next posi-
tions. Repeat the vibration test.
NOTE: If there is no difference in vibration at this
positions, the vibration may not be the propeller
shaft.
(11) If vibration decreased, install a second clamp
(Fig. 2) and repeat the test.
(12) If additional clamp causes an additional vibra-
tion, separate the clamps 1/2 inch above and below
the mark. Repeat the vibration test (Fig. 3).
(13) Increase distance between the clamp screws
and repeat test, until the least amount of vibration is
noticed. Bend the slack end of the clamps so screws
will not loosen.
(14) If vibration remains unacceptable, repeat the
procedure to the front end of the propeller shaft.
(15) Install wheels and lower vehicle.PROPELLER SHAFT RUNOUT
(1) Clean propeller shaft surface, where dial indi-
cator will contact the shaft.
(2) Install dial indicator perpendicular to the shaft
surface.
(3) Measure runout at the center and ends of the
shaft away from weld areas, so weld process does not
affect measurements.
(4) Refer to Runout Specifications chart.
(5) If runout is out of specification, index the shaft
180É and take shaft runout measurements again.
(6) If runout is now within specifications, mark
shaft and yokes for proper orientation.
(7) If runout is not within specifications, verify
runout of the transmission/transfer case and axle are
within specifications. Correct as necessary and mea-
sure propeller shaft runout again.
(8) Replace propeller shaft if the runout still
exceeds the limits.
RUNOUT SPECIFICATIONS
Front of Shaft 0.030 in. (0.76 mm)
Center of Shaft 0.015 in. (0.38 mm)
Rear of Shaft 0.030 in. (0.76 mm)
note:
Measure front/rear runout approximately 3 inches (76
mm) from the weld seam at each end of the shaft
tube for tube lengths over 30 inches. For tube lengths
under 30 inches, the maximum allowed runout is
0.020 in. (0.50 mm) for the full length of the tube.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
PROPELLER SHAFT ANGLE
This procedure applies to front and rear propeller
shafts.
NOTE: To obtain output angle (A) on the front pro-
peller shaft equipped with a C/V joint, place incli-
nometer on machined surface of the C/V joint.
(1) Place vehicle in Neutral.
(2) Raise vehicle and support the axles as level as
possible.
(3) Remove universal joint snap rings if equipped,
so Inclinometer 7663 base sits flat.
(4) Rotate shaft until transmission/transfer case
output yoke bearing is facing downward.
NOTE: Always take measurements from front to
rear and on the same side of the vehicle.
(5) Place inclinometer on yoke bearing cap or pin-
ion flange ring (A) parallel to the shaft (Fig. 4). Cen-
ter bubble in sight glass and record measurement.
Fig. 2 TWO CLAMP SCREWS
Fig. 3 CLAMP SCREWS SEPARATED
1-1¤2INCH
DRPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 3
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)

This measurement will give you the transmis-
sion yoke Output Angle (A).
(6) Rotate propeller shaft 90 degrees and place
Inclinometer on yoke bearing parallel to the shaft
(Fig. 5). Center bubble in sight glass and record mea-
surement. This measurement can also be taken at
the rear end of the shaft.
This measurement will give you the Propeller
Shaft Angle (C).(7) Rotate propeller shaft 90 degrees and place
inclinometer on companion flange yoke bearing par-
allel to the shaft (Fig. 6). Center bubble in sight glass
and record measurement.
This measurement will give you the pinion
Companion Flange Input Angle (B).
(8) Subtract smaller figure from larger (C minus
A) to obtain Transmission/Transfer CaseOutput
Operating Angle.
(9) Subtract smaller figure from larger (C minus
B) to obtain axleInput Operating Angle.
Refer to rules and example in (Fig. 7) for addi-
tional information.
RULES
²Good cancellation of U-joint operating angles
should be within 1 degree.
²Operating angles should be less than 3 degrees.
²Operating angles less than 10 degrees for double
cardan U-joint.
²At least 1/2 of one degree continuous operating
propeller shaft angle.
TWO-PIECE PROPELLER SHAFT
Two-piece propeller shaft angles measurement (Fig.
8) is the same as a one-piece propeller shaft.
Fig. 4 OUTPUT ANGLE (A)
Fig. 5 PROPELLER SHAFT ANGLE (C)
Fig. 6 INPUT ANGLE (B)
3 - 4 PROPELLER SHAFTDR
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)

Fig. 7 UNIVERSAL JOINT ANGLE EXAMPLE
1 - 4.9É ANGLE (C)
2 - 3.2É ANGLE (B)
3 - INPUT YOKE4 - 3.0É ANGLE (A)
5 - OUTPUT YOKE
Fig. 8 UNIVERSAL JOINT ANGLE
1 - YOKES MUST BE IN SAME PLANE
DRPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 5
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)