1998 DODGE RAM 1500 air

(3) Install the storage bin, if equipped. (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STORAGE BIN -
INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the cup holder, if equipped. (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CUP HOLDER -
INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the glove box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - INSTALLA-
TION)
(6) Install the ash receiver. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/ASH RECEIVER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(7) Install the passenger side cowl trim panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM -
INSTALLATION)
(8) Position the passenger side end cap and seat
fully.
STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Remove the two lower screws. (Fig. 21)
(2) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
release the upper clips and remove the cover.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURETO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the cover and seat the upper clips
fully.
(2) Install the two lower screws.
STEERING COLUMN OPENING
SUPPORT BRACKET
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering column opening cover.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the two screws and remove the diag-
nostic connector.
(3) Loosen the screws and remove the hood release
handle from the bracket.
(4) Remove the two bracket screws and slide
upward off the locating tabs to remove. (Fig. 22)
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the bracket onto the locating tabs and
slide down.
(2) Install the two screws.
(3) Install the diagnostic connector and install the
two screws.
(4) Install the hood release handle and tighten the
screws.
Fig. 21 STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
1 - SCREWS (2)
2 - COVER
23 - 60 INSTRUMENT PANELDR
INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SURROUND (Continued)

(5) Install the steering column opening cover.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLA-
TION)
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Remove the center bezel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
CENTER BEZEL - REMOVAL)(2) Remove the floor console. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the four screws and remove the bin.
(Fig. 23)
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Install the storage bin and install the four
screws from left to right.
(2) Install the floor console. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLATION)
(3) Install the center bezel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 22 COLUMN OPENING BRACKET
1 - LOCATING TABS
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - REINFORCEMENT BRACKET
4 - SCREWS (2)
Fig. 23 STORAGE BIN
1 - SCREWS (4)
2 - STORAGE BIN
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 61
STEERING COLUMN OPENING SUPPORT BRACKET (Continued)

PAINT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PAINT
SPECIFICATIONS - PAINT CODES..........73
PAINT CODE
DESCRIPTION.........................73
BASECOAT/CLEARCOAT FINISH
DESCRIPTION.........................73PAINT TOUCH-UP
DESCRIPTION.........................74
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PAINT TOUCH-UP . 74
FINESSE SANDING/BUFFING & POLISHING
DESCRIPTION.........................74
PAINT
SPECIFICATIONS - PAINT CODES
NOTE: Because of late model changes to the avail-
able paint colors (Refer to VEHICLE DATA/VEHICLE
INFORMATION/VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL -
DESCRIPTION) or (Refer to VEHICLE DATA/VEHI-
CLE INFORMATION/BODY CODE PLATE - DESCRIP-
TION) for the correct paint codes for each vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/PAINT/PAINT CODE - DESCRIP-
TION)
EXTERIOR COLORS
EXTERIOR COLOR DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CODE
Deep Molten Red
PearlcoatBR8
Flame Red Clearcoat PR4
Light Almond Pearl
Metallic ClearcoatZKJ
Atlantic Blue Pearlcoat ZBJ
Patriot Blue Pearlcoat WBT/WB7
Graphite Metallic
ClearcoatZDR
Bright Silver Metallic
ClearcoatWSB/WS2
Black Clearcoat DX8
Bright White Clearcoat GW7
Timberline Green AGW
INTERIOR COLORS
INTERIOR COLOR DAIMLERCHRYSLER
CODE
Taupe L5
Dark Slate Gray DV
PAINT CODE
DESCRIPTION
Exterior vehicle body colors are identified on the
Vehicle Certification Label (Refer to VEHICLE
DATA/VEHICLE INFORMATION/VEHICLE CERTI-
FICATION LABEL - DESCRIPTION) or the Body
Code Plate (Refer to VEHICLE DATA/VEHICLE
INFORMATION/BODY CODE PLATE - DESCRIP-
TION). The first digit of the paint code listed on the
vehicle indicates the sequence of application, i.e.: P =
primary coat, Q = secondary coat. The color names
provided in the Paint and Trim Code Description
chart are the color names used on most repair prod-
uct containers. (Refer to 23 - BODY/PAINT - SPECI-
FICATIONS)
BASECOAT/CLEARCOAT
FINISH
DESCRIPTION
The original equipment finish is a multi step pro-
cess that involves cleaning, applying electro de-posi-
tion (E-coat), anti-chip primer, basecoat, and
clearcoat steps.
On most vehicles a two-part paint application
(basecoat/clearcoat) is used. Color paint that is
applied to primer is called basecoat. The clear coat
protects the basecoat from ultraviolet light and pro-
vides a durable high-gloss finish.
DRPAINT 23 - 73

CAUTION: Do not use abrasive chemicals or com-
pounds on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can
result.
Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning solvents
on painted surfaces. Damage to finish or color can
result.
PAINT TOUCH-UP
DESCRIPTION
When a painted metal surface has been scratched
or chipped, it should be touched-up as soon as possi-
ble to avoid corrosion. For best results, use MOPARt
Scratch Filler/Primer, Touch-Up Paints and Clear Top
Coat. (Refer to VEHICLE DATA/VEHICLE INFOR-
MATION/BODY CODE PLATE - DESCRIPTION) for
Body Code Plate information.
WARNING: USE AN OSHA APPROVED RESPIRATOR
AND SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SPRAYING PAINT
OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PAINT TOUCH-UP
(1) Scrape loose paint and corrosion from inside
scratch or chip.
(2) Clean affected area with MOPARtTar/Road
Oil Remover or equivalent, and allow to dry.
(3) Fill the inside of the scratch or chip with a coat
of filler/primer. Do not overlap primer onto good sur-
face finish. The applicator brush should be wet
enough to puddle-fill the scratch or chip without run-
ning. Do not stroke brush applicator on body surface.
Allow the filler/primer to dry hard.
(4) Cover the filler/primer with color touch-up
paint. Do not overlap touch-up color onto the original
color coat around the scratch or chip. Butt the new
color to the original color, if possible. Do not stroke
applicator brush on body surface. Allow touch-up
paint to dry hard.(5) On vehicles without clearcoat, the touch-up
color can be lightly finesse sanded (1500 grit) and
polished with rubbing compound.
(6) On vehicles with clearcoat, apply clear top coat
to touch-up paint with the same technique as
described in Step 4. Allow clear top coat to dry hard.
If desired, Step 5 can be performed on clear top coat.
WARNING: AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT
WITH PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL ± BASED CLEAN-
ING SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL ± BASED CLEANING
SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
FINESSE SANDING/BUFFING &
POLISHING
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not remove more than .5 mils of
clearcoat finish, if equipped. Basecoat paint must
retain clearcoat for durability.
Use a Paint Thickness Gauge #PR-ETG-2X or equiv-
alent to determine film thickness before and after
the repair.
Minor acid etching, orange peel, or smudging in
clearcoat or single-stage finishes can be reduced with
light finesse sanding, hand buffing, and polishing.If
the finish has been finesse sanded in the past,
it cannot be repeated. Finesse sanding opera-
tion should be performed by a trained automo-
tive paint technician.
23 - 74 PAINTDR
BASECOAT/CLEARCOAT FINISH (Continued)

STATIONARY GLASS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BACKLITE
REMOVAL.............................86
INSTALLATION.........................86
BACKLITE VENT GLASS
REMOVAL.............................87
INSTALLATION.........................87WINDSHIELD
WARNING
WINDSHIELD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.....88
REMOVAL.............................88
INSTALLATION.........................88
BACKLITE
REMOVAL
It is difficult to salvage the backlite during the
removal operation. The backlite is part of the struc-
tural support for the roof. The urethane bonding
used to secure the glass to the fence is difficult to cut
or clean from any surface. Since the molding is set in
urethane, it is unlikely it would be salvaged. Before
removing the backlite, check the availability from the
parts supplier.
The backlite is attached to the window frame with
urethane adhesive. The urethane adhesive is applied
cold and seals the surface area between the window
opening and the glass. The primer adheres the ure-
thane adhesive to the backlite.
(1) Roll down door glass.
(2) Remove headliner. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTE-
RIOR/HEADLINER - REMOVAL).
(3) On standard cab models remove the upper
b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PIL-
LAR UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL)
(4) On quad cab models remove the upper c-pillar
trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/C-PILLAR
UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL)
(5) Bend backlite retaining tabs (Fig. 1) inward
against glass.
(6) Disconnect the rear window defogger electrical
connector, if equipped.
(7) Using a suitable pneumatic knife from inside
the vehicle, cut urethane holding backlite frame to
opening fence.
(8) Separate glass from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean urethane adhesive from around backlite
opening fence.
(2) If necessary, apply black-out primer to outer
edge of replacement backlite frame.(3) If black-out primer was pre-applied on backlite,
clean bonding surface with Isopropyl alcohol and
clean lint free cloth. Allow 3 minutes for drying time.
(4) Apply black-out primer to backlite opening
fence.
(5) Apply a 13 mm (0.5 in.) bead of urethane
around the perimeter of the window frame bonding
surface (Fig. 2).
(6) Set glass on lower fence and move glass for-
ward into opening (Fig. 3).
(7) Firmly push glass against rear window glass
opening fence.
(8) Bend tabs around edges of backlite opening
fence to retain glass.
(9) Clean excess urethane from exterior with
MOPARt, Super Clean or equivalent.
(10) Allow urethane to cure at least 24 hours (full
cure is 72 hours).
(11) Water test to verify repair before returning
vehicle to service.
(12) Connect the rear window defogger electrical
connector, if equipped.
Fig. 1 Backlite Tabs
1 - BACKLITE
2-TAB
23 - 86 STATIONARY GLASSDR

and 25 mm (1 in.) on the bottom of windshield. Allow
at least three minutes drying time.
(6) Locatenewsupport spacers on support brack-
ets and adjust to lowest height. (Fig. 5)
(7) Position seven new foam spacers on the inside
surface of the windshield, flush with the lower and
side edges. (Fig. 7)
(8) Position three new foam spacers on the inside
surface of the windshield, at a minimum distance of
3 mm (0.12 in.) from the top edge of the windshield.
(Fig. 7)
(9) Apply a 13 mm (1/2 in.) high and 10 mm (3/8
in.) wide bead of urethane around the perimeter of
windshield. At the top, apply the bead 7 mm (1/4 in.)
inboard from the glass edge. On the other three sides
apply the bead 14 mm (0.55 in.) inboard from the
glass edge. The urethane bead should be shaped in a
triangular cross-section, this can be achieved by
notching the tip of the applicator (Fig. 8).
(10) Install the a-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM - INSTALLATION)
(11) With the aid of a helper, position the wind-
shield over the windshield opening. Align the refer-
ence marks at the bottom of the windshield to the
support spacers.
(12) Slowly lower windshield glass to the fence
opening guiding the lower corners into proper posi-
tion. Beginning at the bottom and continuing to the
top, push glass onto fence along the A-Pillars. Push
windshield inward to the fence at the bottom corners
(Fig. 9).
(13) Push windshield upward, setting the wind-
shield to roof gap to 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) to 3 mm (0.12
in.) and ratchet up the adjustable support brackets.
(14) Using clean water, lightly mist the support
spacers.
(15) Clean excess urethane from exterior with
MOPARtSuper Clean or equivalent.
(16) Install cowl grill. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(17) Install rear view mirror support bracket.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/REAR VIEW MIR-
ROR - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install rear view mirror. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/REAR VIEW MIRROR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(19) Install the a-pillar weatherstrip retainer.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/A-
PILLAR WEATHERSTRIP RETAINER - INSTALLA-
TION)
(20) After urethane has cured, remove tape strips
and water test windshield to verify repair.
Fig. 5 CENTER WINDSHIELD AND MARK AT
SUPPORT
1 - WINDSHIELD
2 - INDEX MARKS
3 - SUPPORT SPACERS
Fig. 6 WORK SURFACE SET UP
1 - WINDSHIELD AND MOLDINGS
2 - URETHANE BEAD AROUND GLASS 7mm (0.3 in.) FROM
EDGE
3 - BLOCKS
DRSTATIONARY GLASS 23 - 89
WINDSHIELD (Continued)

WELD LOCATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DESCRIPTION FIGURE
FENDER BRACE, CLOSURE TUBE AND FRAME MOUNTING BRACKET TO FRONT
FENDER SUPPORT, FRONT FENDER AND RADIATOR TUBE31
STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT, CONNECTOR WIRING BRACKET AND WELD NUTS
TO LOWER PLENUM PANEL32
WIPER ATTACHING WELD NUTS AND VACUUM RESERVOIR ATTACHING STUDS TO
COWL PAR PANEL33
DASH PANEL TO FRONT FLOOR PAN 34
DASH PANEL TO LOWER PLENUM PANEL 35
LOWER PLENUM PANEL TO COWL BACK PANEL 36
FRONT FENDER AND RADIATOR TUBE DASH PANEL, INSTRUMENT PANEL
MOUNTING BRACKET, AND WELD NUTS TO COWL SIDE PANEL - LEFT SIDE37
DASH PANEL, LOWER PLENUM PANEL AND COWL PANEL BAR TO COWL SIDE
PANEL - LEFT SIDE38
FRONT FENDER AND RADIATOR TUBE DASH PANEL, INSTRUMENT PANEL
MOUNTING BRACKET AND WELD NUTS TO COWL SIDE PANEL - RIGHT SIDE39
DASH PANEL, LOWER PLENUM PANEL AND COWL PANEL BAR TO COWL SIDE
PANEL - RIGHT SIDE40
REINFORCEMENT AND HEADLAMP MOUNTING PANEL TO OUTER FENDER PANEL 41
SEAT MOUNTING FRONT BRACKETS TO SEAT MOUNTING FRONT CROSSMEMBER
TO FRONT FLOOR PAN42
AIR BAG MODULE BRACKET SHIFTER MOUNTING PLATE AND REAR FLOOR PANE
TO FRONT FLOOR PAN43
RIGHT TO LEFT REAR FLOOR CROSSMEMBER AND RIGHT TO LEFT SEAT
MOUNTING CROSSMEMBER44
REAR FLOOR CROSSMEMBER, SEAT MOUNTING CROSSMEMBER AND
UNDERBODY SUPPORT TO FLOOR SILL45
SEAT MOUNTING FRONT CROSSMEMBER TO FRONT FLOOR PAN TO UNDERBODY
SUPPORT46
FRONT SEAT MOUNTING CROSSMEMBERS TO FRONT SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET
TO FRONT FLOOR PAN47
REAR FLOOR CROSSMEMBERS TO REAR FLOOR PAN 48
FLOOR SILL TO FRONT SEAT MOUNTING CROSSMEMBER, FRONT AND REAR
FLOOR PAN49
AIR BAG MODULE BRACKET, SHIFTER MOUNTING PLATE AND FRONT SEAT
MOUNTING CROSSMEMBER TO FRONT FLOOR PAN50
REAR SEAT MIDDLE MOUNTING PLATE TO REAR FLOOR PAN TO FRONT FLOOR
PA N51
REAR FLOOR CROSSMEMBER, SEAT MOUNTING CROSSMEMBER AND
UNDERBODY SUPPORT TO FLOOR SILL52
LEFT REAR CROSSMEMBER TO RIGHT REAR CROSSMEMBER TO REAR FLOOR
PA N53
23 - 120 BODY STRUCTUREDR

Fig. 43 AIR BAG MODULE BRACKET - STANDARD CAB
23 - 132 BODY STRUCTUREDR
WELD LOCATIONS (Continued)