1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Removal

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION.........................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................19BUSHING
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gears (Fig. 1) is made
up of two main components, the pinon shaft and the
rack. The gear cannot be adjusted or internally ser-
viced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear
must be replaced as an assembly.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(1) Lock the steering wheel.(2) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Remove and discard the steering coupler pinch
bolt.
(5) Remove the power steering hoses from the rack
& pinion.
(6) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(7) Remove the tie rod end nuts and separate tie
rod ends from the knuckles with Special tool 8677
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE -
REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the rack & pinion mounting bolts. (Fig.
2) & (Fig. 3)
(10) Remove the rack & pinion from the vehicle.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - OUTER TIE ROD ENDS
2 - MOUNTING BUSHINGS
3 - BELLOWS
Fig. 2 STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS
1 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS 4X4
DRGEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 17

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Gear to Frame Bolts319 235 Ð
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Coupler Bolt49 36 Ð
Tie Rod End
Knuckle Nut61
Then tighten an additional
90É45
Then tighten an additional
90ÉÐ
Tie Rod End
Jam Nut75 55 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line32 23 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return Line71 52 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line To Pump37 27 Ð
BUSHING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering gear (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case.
(2) Mount the steering gear in a soft jawed vise.
NOTE: If the bushings are seized a brass punch can
be used to remove the bushings from the gear
using care not to strike the gear.
(3) Remove the front mounting bushings.
(4) Remove the rear mounting bushings.
(5) Remove the steering gear from the vise and
place it on the bench.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Coat all bushings with a thin rubber lubri-
cate oil prior to installation.
NOTE: A rubber mallet can be used to assist in the
installation of the bushings once lubricated.
(1) Coat the rear bushings with a thin rubber
lubricate oil then install the rear bushings using a
rubber mallet to seat the bushings in the gear.
(2) Coat the front bushings with a thin rubber
lubricate oil then install the front bushings using a
rubber mallet to seat the bushings in the gear.
(3) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(4) Adjust the toe position (if necessary) (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
DRGEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 19
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

GEAR - LINK/COIL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................21
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............22
TORQUE CHART......................23
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............23
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS ENGINE...............25REMOVAL - DIESEL...................25
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS ENGINE...........26
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................26
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL.............................27
INSTALLATION.........................29
PITMAN SHAFT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS......................30
REMOVAL - DIESEL...................30
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS..................31
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................31
GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION
The power steering gear is a recirculating ball type
gear (Fig. 1). The gear ratio's used are 12.5:1.
OPERATION
The gear acts as a rolling thread between the
worm shaft and rack piston. The worm shaft is sup-
ported by a thrust bearing at the lower end and a
bearing assembly at the upper end. When the worm
shaft is turned from input from the steering column
the rack piston moves. The rack piston teeth mesh
with the pitman shaft. Turning the worm shaft, turns
the pitman shaft, which turns the steering linkage.
REMOVAL
(1) Place the front wheels in a straight-ahead posi-
tion.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(2) Lock the steering wheel.
(3) Siphon out as much power steering fluid as
possible.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OUTLET
3 - INLET
4 - VALVE ASSEMBLY HOUSING
5 - PITMAN SHAFT COVER BOLTS
6 - STEERING GEAR
7 - MESHLOAD ADJUSTER NUT
8 - PITMAN SHAFT
19 - 20 GEAR - LINK/COILDR

(4) Disconnect and cap the fluid hoses from steer-
ing gear (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove coupler pinch bolt at the steering gear
and slide shaft off gear (Fig. 2).
(6) Mark the pitman shaft and pitman arm for
installation reference. Remove the pitman arm from
the shaft with Puller C-4150A (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - REMOVAL), (Fig. 3).
(7) Remove steering gear three mounting bolts
(Fig. 4). Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering gear on the frame rail and
install the three mounting bolts (Fig. 4). Tighten the
mounting bolts to 196 N´m (145 ft. lbs.).(2) Align steering coupler on gear shaft. Install
pinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Align and install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Install the washer and retaining nut on the pit-
man shaft. Tighten the nut to 305 N´m (225 ft. lbs.).
(5) Connect fluid hoses to steering gear (Refer to
19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTALLATION),
tighten to 31 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(6) Add fluid, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) Reset the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION: Steering gear must be adjusted in the
proper order. If adjustments are not performed in
order, gear damage and improper steering response
may result.
NOTE: Adjusting the steering gear in the vehicle is
not recommended. Remove gear from the vehicle
and drain the fluid. Then mount gear in a vise to
perform adjustments.
(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
(2) Mount the gear carefully into a soft-jawed vise.
Fig. 2 COLUMN SHAFT
1 - STEERING COUPLER
2 - STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 3 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - C-4150A PULLER
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 21
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)

PITMAN SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS ENGINE
(1) Seperate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(3) Rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop and
count the number of turns.
(4) Center the steering wheel by rotating it from
the stop back 1 1/2 turns to achieve center position.
(5) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(6) Remove the pitman shaft from the gear.
(7) Remove dust seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: Use care not to score the housing bore
when prying out seals and washer.
(8) Remove retaining ring with snap ring pliers.
(9) Remove washer from the housing.
NOTE: Tighten the slide hammer adapter 8990 into
the seal using wrenches, in order to make a tight fit
to pull the seal out. If this is not performed the seal
may tear on the removal making it difficult to
remove.(10) Remove oil seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool 8990 with slide hammer C-3752.
REMOVAL - DIESEL
(1) Seperate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the steering gear box (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
(3) Install the steering gear in a soft jawed bench
vise.
(4) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(5) Rotate the input shaft with a 12 point socket
from stop to stop and count the number of turns (Fig.
6).
(6) Center the input shaft by rotating it from the
stop 1/2 of the total amount of turns (Fig. 6).
(7) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(8) Remove the pitman shaft from the gear.
(9) Remove dust seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool 8990 (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: Use care not to score the housing bore
when prying out seals.
(10) Remove retaining ring with snap ring pliers.
(11) Remove washer from the housing.
Fig. 5 SLIDE HAMMER
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - SLIDE HAMMER C-3752 USED WITH SPECIAL TOOL
ADAPTER
8990
Fig. 6 CENTERING STEERING GEAR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - 12 POINT SOCKET
3 - RATCHET
4 - INPUT SHAFT
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 25

NOTE: Tighten the slide hammer adapter 8990 into
the seal using wrenches, in order to make a tight fit
to pull the seal out. If this is not performed the seal
may tear on the removal making it difficult to
remove.
(12) Remove oil seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool 8990 with slide hammer C-3752. (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS ENGINE
NOTE: Generous amounts of the high temperature
grease from the seal kit should be applied to areas
between the pitman shaft bearing and oil seals and
also between the dust seals and snap ring.
(1) Coat the oil seal and washer withhigh temp
grease.
NOTE: Install the oil seal with the lip facing inward.
Flat side of the oil seal should be against the
washer.
(2) Install the oil seal with special tool 8989 driver
and C-4171 handle (Fig. 7).
(3) Install backup washer.
(4) Install the retainer ring with snap ring pliers.
(5) Coat the dust seal withhigh temp grease.
(6) Install the dust seal with a driver and handle
(Fig. 7).
(7) Install protective seal protector 8993 over the
shaft (Fig. 8).(8) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
(9) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION - DIESEL
NOTE: Generous amounts of the high temperature
grease from the seal kit should be applied to areas
between the pitman shaft bearing and oil seals and
also between the dust seals and snap ring.
(1) Coat the oil seal and washer withhigh temp
grease.
NOTE: Install the oil seal with the lip facing inward.
Flat side of the oil seal should be against the
washer.
(2) Install the oil seal with special tool 8989 driver
and C-4171 handle (Fig. 7).
(3) Install backup washer.
(4) Install the retainer ring with snap ring pliers.
(5) Coat the dust seal withhigh temp grease.
(6) Install the dust seal with special tool 8989
driver and C-4171 handle (Fig. 7).
(7) Install protective seal protector 8993 over the
shaft (Fig. 8).
(8) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
(9) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 7 SEAL INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8989
3 - STEERING GEAR
Fig. 8 PITMAN SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8993
19 - 26 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

(11) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(12) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
STEERING GEAR INPUT
SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case. This may affect the adjustment
(2) Mount the steering gear upside down over a
drain pan in a soft jawed vise.
(3) Place a drain pan under the gear and rotate
the input shaft back and forth several times lock-to-
lock to discharge the fluid from the steering gear
(4) Drain all the remaining fluid from the gear.
(5) Rotate the input shaft from stop to stop and
count the number of turns using a 12 point socket
(Fig. 9).
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(6) Center the input shaft by rotating it from the
stop back 1 1/2 turns to achieve center position (Fig.
9).(7) Remove the pitman shaft (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR/PITMAN SHAFT - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the four bolts securing the valve hous-
ing.
(9) Remove the valve housing from the steering
gear (Fig. 10).
(10) Remove the valve housing and wormshaft
assembly from the steering gear housing and place
the valve housing in a soft jawed vise (Fig. 11).
Fig. 9 CENTERING STEERING GEAR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - 12 POINT SOCKET
3 - RATCHET
4 - INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 10 VALVE ASSEMBLY
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - WORMSHAFT BALLS
3 - STEERING GEAR HOUSING
Fig. 11 VALVE HOUSING AND WORMSHAFT
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - SET SCREW
3 - RETAINER RING
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 27
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

(11) Remove the retainer ring set screw from the
valve housing (Fig. 12).
(12) Using special tool reatainer ring wrench to
remove the steering gear worm thrust bearing
reatainer ring (Fig. 13).(13) Separate the wormshaft assembly from the
valve housing, Then remove the wormshaft assembly
from the vise (Fig. 14).
(14) Remove the dust seal with a pick (Fig. 15).
Fig. 12 SET SCREW FOR THE RETAINER RING
1 - SET SCREW
2 - 3/32 ALLEN HEAD SOCKET
3 - RETAINER RING
Fig. 13 REATINER RING REMOVAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
8988
2 - RATCHET
Fig. 14 WORMSHAFT AND VALVE ASSEMBLY
1 - PISTON TEFLON SEALS
2 - RETAINER RING
Fig. 15 DUST SEAL REMOVAL
1 - PICK
2 - VALVE HOUSING
3 - SEAL
19 - 28 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL (Continued)