1998 DODGE RAM 1500 gage panel

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

VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear, and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
When the conditions causing a water leak have
been determined, simulate the conditions as closely
as possible.
²If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-
ended garden hose.
²If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds
in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.
²If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left
turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak
occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the vehi-
cle. For hoisting recommendations (Refer to LUBRI-
CATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove inte-
rior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the
leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned without
being held, have someone help do the water test.
Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak
appears, find the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will show the point of
entry. After leak point has been found, repair the
leak and water test to verify that the leak has
stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking
into a cavity between panels can be difficult. The
trapped water may splash or run from the cavity,
often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on an incline.MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use
a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can
also be used to deflect light to a limited-access area
to assist in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can
be detected without water testing. Position the vehi-
cle in a brightly lit area. From inside the darkened
luggage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the luggage
compartment. If light is visible through a normally
sealed location, water could enter through the open-
ing.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compart-
ment cannot be detected by water testing, pressurize
the passenger compartment and soap test exterior of
the vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compart-
ment, close all doors and windows, start engine, and
set heater control to high blower in HEAT position. If
engine can not be started, connect a charger to the
battery to ensure adequate voltage to the blower.
With interior pressurized, apply dish detergent solu-
tion to suspected leak area on the exterior of the
vehicle. Apply detergent solution with spray device or
soft bristle brush. If soap bubbles occur at a body
seam, joint, seal or gasket, the leak entry point could
be at that location.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE
Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks
can be caused by poor sealing, improper body compo-
nent alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs
in the engine compartment or door hinge pillar areas.
All body sealing points should be airtight in normal
driving conditions. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal airtight under all conditions. At times,
side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be
noticed in the passenger compartment during high
cross winds. Over compensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop wind noise that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After a repair pro-
cedure has been performed, test vehicle to verify
noise has stopped before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place and
body components are aligned and sealed. If compo-
nent alignment or sealing is necessary, refer to the
appropriate section of this group for proper proce-
dures.
23 - 2 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

(4) Adjust the door to the correct position. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
(5) Tighten 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)
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Reinstall the window handle, if equipped.
(3) Remove the window switch from the door trim
panel and reconnect it to the door wire harness, if
equipped.
(4) Raise the window to the position shown and
remove the two nuts attaching the glass to the win-
dow regulator. (Fig. 2)
(5) Remove the two front run channel screws.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/GLASS RUN
CHANNEL - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the inner belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
INNER BELT WEATHERSTRIP - REMOVAL)
(7) Disengage the glass from the regulator and
lower into the door.
(8) Twist the glass forward in the door window
opening and remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the glass into the window opening.(2) Engage the glass into the glass run weather-
strip.
(3) Raise the glass within the door opening and
connect the window regulator to the lift plate.
(4) Install the nuts and tighten to 10 N´m (89 in.
lbs.).
(5) Install the inner belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
INNER BELT WEATHERSTRIP - INSTALLATION)
(6) Position the front run channel and install the
screws. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/GLASS
RUN CHANNEL - INSTALLATION)
(7) Remove the window switch from the wire har-
ness, if equipped.
(8) Remove the window handle, if equipped.
(9) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - INSTALLATION)
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the door glass. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/DOOR GLASS - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the lock switch electrical connector,
if equipped. (Fig. 3)
(3) Disconnect the actuator rods at the handle.
(4) Remove the nuts and remove the handle.
Fig. 2 DOOR GLASS POSITIONING
1 - SIGHT WINDOW
2 - WIDOW REGULATOR
3 - SIGHT WINDOW
4 - REGULATOR STABILIZER
Fig. 3 EXTERIOR HANDLE
1 - EXTERIOR HANDLE
2 - NUTS (2)
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - FRONT DOOR
5 - DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY
6 - LATCH ACTUATOR ROD
7 - LOCK SWITCH WIRE HARNESS
8 - KEY CYLINDER ACTUATOR ROD
23 - 20 DOOR - FRONTDR
DOOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the exterior handle and install the nuts.
(2) Connect the actuator rods at the handle
(3) Connect the lock switch electrical connector, if
equipped.
(4) Install the door glass. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/DOOR GLASS - INSTALLATION)
GLASS RUN CHANNEL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise glass into the full up position.
(2) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
FRONT RUN CHANNEL
(1) Remove the window regulator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WINDOW REGULATOR -
REMOVAL)
(2) Loosen the front run channel screws, slide up
and disengage from the door. (Fig. 4)
(3) Separate the glass run weatherstrip from the
channel and remove the front channel.
REAR RUN CHANNEL
(1) On standard cab models, remove the screws
from the side of the door. (Fig. 5)
(2) On quad cab models, remove the lower screw
from the side of the door, loosen the upper screw and
disengage from the door. (Fig. 6)(3) Separate the glass run weatherstrip from the
rear channel and remove the channel.
Fig. 4 FRONT RUN CHANNEL
1 - FRONT GLASS RUN CHANNEL
2 - UPPER SCREW
3 - LOWER SCREW
4 - DOOR PANEL OPENING
5 - RUN CHANNEL MOUNTING SLOTS (2)
Fig. 5 REAR RUN CHANNEL - QUAD CAB
1 - SCREWS
2 - REAR GLASS RUN CHANNEL
3 - DOOR PANEL OPENING
Fig. 6 REAR RUN CHANNEL - STANDARD CAB
1 - LOWER SCREW
2 - DOOR PANEL OPENING
3 - REAR GLASS RUN CHANNEL
4 - UPPER SCREW
DRDOOR - FRONT 23 - 21
EXTERIOR HANDLE (Continued)

(5) Install the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the window crank, if equipped.
WATERDAM
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Do not allow the waterdam or adhesive
to become contaminated with dirt or other foreign
substances.
Do not damage the waterdam during removal and
installation.
If the waterdam becomes contaminated or dam-
aged, replace the waterdam.
(1) Remove the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/AUDIO/SPEAKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Separate the waterdam from the inner door
panel and off of the latch linkages.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not allow the waterdam or adhesive
to become contaminated with dirt or other foreign
substances.
Do not damage the waterdam during removal and
installation.
If the waterdam becomes contaminated or dam-
aged, replace the waterdam.(1) Position the wire harness and actuator rods
through the holes in the waterdam.
(2) Secure the waterdam to the inner door panel.
(3) Install the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/SPEAKER - INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW REGULATOR -
POWER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the window switch from the door trim
panel and reconnect it to the door harness.
(3) Raise the window to the position shown and
remove the nuts. (Fig. 14)
(4) Disengage the door glass from the regulator lift
plate and position into the full up position.
(5) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(6) Lower the regulator.
(7) Remove the stabilizer nuts.
(8) Remove the forward regulator bolt and loosen
the other two. (Fig. 15)
(9) Slide the regulator up and out of the keyhole
slots in the door panel.
(10) Disconnect the electrical connector and
remove the regulator.Fig. 13 WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
1 - WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
2 - WINDOW CRANK
Fig. 14 DOOR GLASS POSITIONING
1 - SIGHT WINDOW
2 - WIDOW REGULATOR
3 - SIGHT WINDOW
4 - REGULATOR STABILIZER
DRDOOR - FRONT 23 - 25
TRIM PANEL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the regulator through the door panel
opening and connect the electrical connector.
(2) Position the regulator bolts into the keyhole
slots and slide into place.
(3) Install the forward bolt and tighten all three to
10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(4) Position the stabilizer, install the nuts and
tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(5) Raise the regulator to the position shown in
(Fig. 14).
(6) Remove the glass support and connect to the
regulator lift plate.
(7) Install the glass nuts and tighten to 10 N´m
(89 in. lbs.).
(8) Disconnect the window switch and install into
the door trim panel.
(9) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW REGULATOR -
MANUAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Reinstall the window handle and raise the win-
dow to the position shown and remove the nuts. (Fig.
14)
(3) Disengage the door glass from the regulator lift
plate and position into the full up position.
(4) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(5) Lower the regulator.
(6) Remove the stabilizer nuts.
(7) Remove the two lower and loosen the two
upper bolts. (Fig. 16)
(8) Slide the regulator up and out of the keyhole
slot.
(9) Remove the regulator from the door panel
opening.
Fig. 15 WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER
1 - REGULATOR STABILIZER
2 - INNER DOOR PANEL
3 - STABILIZER NUTS (2)
4 - REGULATOR
5 - FORWARD BOLT
6 - WIRE HARNESS
7 - BOLTS (2)
Fig. 16 WINDOW REGULATOR - MANUAL
1 - DOOR
2 - REGULATOR BOLTS (4)
3 - REGULATOR
4 - STABILIZER NUTS (2)
23 - 26 DOOR - FRONTDR
WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the run channels into the door and
engage the upper screws into the keyhole slots.
(2) Install the lower screws and tighten to 10 N´m
(89 in. lbs.).
(3) Tighten the upper screws to 10 N´m (89 in.
lbs.).
(4) Stuff the glass run weatherstrip into the chan-
nels.
(5) Verify correct window operation.
(6) Install the window regulator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/WINDOW REGULATOR -
INSTALLATION)
HINGE
REMOVAL
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the door to
replace the hinges if they are replaced one at a
time.
NOTE: The epoxy coated washers should not be
removed from the hinge. If the washers are
removed the door may have to be re-adjusted.
(1) Open the front door
UPPER HINGE
(1) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the hinge on the door and b-pillar.
(2) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the hinge to
the door.
(3) Remove the three bolts attaching the hinge to
the b-pillar and remove the hinge.
LOWER HINGE
(1) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the hinge on the door and b-pillar.
(2) Remove the lower b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the hinge to
the door.
(4) Remove the two bolts attaching the hinge to
the b-pillar.
(5) From the inside of the vehicle remove the
remaining bolt attaching the hinge to the b-pillar
and remove the hinge.
INSTALLATION
UPPER HINGE
(1) Install the hinge to door washers, if there were
removed previously, nut and bolt and tighten to 28
N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the three hinge to b-pillar bolts and
tighten to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Adjust the door if needed. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/DOOR - ADJUSTMENTS)
LOWER HINGE
(1) Install the hinge and install the b-pillar bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the hinge to door washers, if there were
removed previously, nut and bolt and tighten to 28
N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(4) Adjust the door if needed. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/DOOR - ADJUSTMENTS)
(5) Install the lower b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
INSTALLATION)
INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screw and remove the inside han-
dle. (Fig. 5)
(2) Remove the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect the latch actuator rod. (Fig. 6)
(4) Remove the nuts and remove the remote han-
dle actuator.
Fig. 4 REAR RUN CHANNEL
1 - REAR RUN CHANNEL
2 - SCREW LOCATIONS
DRDOORS - REAR 23 - 31
GLASS RUN CHANNEL (Continued)

(4) Install the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the window crank, if equipped.
WATERDAM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/AUDIO/SPEAKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Separate the waterdam from the inner door
panel and off of the latch linkages.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wire harness and actuator rods
through the holes in the waterdam.
(2) Secure the waterdam to the inner door panel.
(3) Install the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/SPEAKER - INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW REGULATOR -
POWER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the window switch from the door trim
panel and reconnect it to the door wire harness.(3) Raise the window to the position shown and
remove the two nuts attaching the glass to the win-
dow regulator. (Fig. 11)
(4) Remove the stabilizer nut.
(5) Disengage the door glass from the regulator lift
plate and position into the full up position.
(6) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(7) Lower the regulator.
(8) Disconnect the electrical connector. (Fig. 12)
(9) Remove the lower regulator bolt and loosen the
upper two. (Fig. 12)
(10) Slide the regulator up and out of the keyhole
slots in the door panel.
(11) Remove the regulator through the hole in the
inner door panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the regulator through the hole in the
inner door panel.
(2) Position the regulator bolts into the keyhole
slots and slide into place.
(3) Install the lower regulator bolt and tighten all
three to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect the electrical connector.
(5) Position the stabilizer, install the nut and
tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(6) Raise the regulator to the position shown in
(Fig. 11).
(7) Remove the glass support and connect to the
regulator lift plate.
(8) Install the glass nuts and tighten to 10 N´m
(89 in. lbs.).
(9) Disconnect the window switch and install into
the door trim panel.
Fig. 10 WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
1 - WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
2 - WINDOW CRANK
Fig. 11 GLASS POSITIONING
1 - SIGHT WINDOW
2 - STABILIZER NUT
3 - GLASS LIFT PLATE
23 - 34 DOORS - REARDR
TRIM PANEL (Continued)