1998 DODGE RAM 1500 grease fitting

(8) Remove the hub/bearing from the steering
knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/HUB /
BEARING - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The ball joint stud tapers must be
CLEAN and DRY before installing the knuckle.
Clean the stud tapers with mineral spirits to remove
dirt and grease.
NOTE: When installing hub/bearing with ABS
brakes, position the speed sensor opening towards
the front of the vehicle.
(1) Install the hub/bearing to the steering knuckle
and tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.)(LD) or
176 N´m (130 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2) (Fig. 19).
(2) Install the knuckle onto the upper and lower
ball joints (Fig. 19).
(3) Install the upper and lower ball joint nuts.
Tighten the upper ball joint nut to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.) (on 1500 series only an additional 90É turn is
required) and the lower ball joint nut to 52 N´m (38
ft. lbs.)(on 1500 series only an additional 90É turn is
required)(LD) or 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.)(HD 4X2).
(4) Remove the hydraulic jack from the lower sus-
pension arm.
(5) Install the tie rod end and tighten the nut to
61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the front halfshaft into the hub/bearing
(if equipped).
(7) Install the the halfshaft nut and tighten to 251
N´m (185 ft. lbs.) (if equipped).(8) Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLATION) and
brake shield, rotor and caliper (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(9) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(10) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(11) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrication
fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle
before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the topside of
the lower control arm and then zero the dial indica-
tor.
(3) Position the indicator plunger against the bot-
tom surface of the steering knuckle.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the steering
knuckle.
(4) Position a pry bar under the tire assembly. Pry
upwards on the tire assembly.
(5) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the lower ball joint (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(2) Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the tie rod from the steering
knuckle (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE
ROD END - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the steering knuckle (Fig. 20)(Refer to
2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL).
(5) Move the halfshaft to the side and support the
halfshaft out of the way (If Equipped).
Fig. 19 STEERING KNUCKLE
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 19
KNUCKLE (Continued)

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The left and right side torsion bars are
NOT interchangeable. The bars are identified and
stamped R or L, for right or left. The bars do not
have a front or rear end and can be installed with
either end facing forward.
(1) Insert torsion bar ends into anchor and suspen-
sion arm.
(2) Position the anchor in the frame crossmember.
(3) Install Special Tool - 8686 to the anchor and
the crossmember (Fig. 30).
(4) Increase the tension on the anchor in order to
load the torsion bar.
(5) Install the adjustment bolt and the adjuster
nut.
(6) Turn adjustment bolt clockwise the recorded
amount of turns.
(7) Remove tool - 8686 from the torsion bar cross-
member (Fig. 30).
(8) Install the transfer case skid plate (Refer to 13
- FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION).
(9) Lower vehicle and adjust the front suspension
height (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(10) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT
NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrication
fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle
before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2) Remove the front tires.(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the frame and
then zero the dial indicator.
(4) Position dial indicator plunger on the topside of
the upper ball joint (Fig. 32).
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the ball joint
(Fig. 32).
NOTE: Use care not to pry or tear the ball joint
boot, when checking the free play.
(5) Position a pry bar between the steering
knuckle and the upper control arm. Pry upwards on
the upper control arm (Fig. 32).
(6) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the upper control arm since the upper ball joint is
integral to the arm (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/UPPER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL).
(7) If the upper ball joint is within specs reinstall
the front tires (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 32 UPPER BALL JOINT PLAY
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
3-PRYBAR
4 - KNUCKLE
5 - BALL JOINT BOOT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 27
TORSION BAR (Continued)

SINGLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL
JOINTS
DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY - WITH SNAP RINGS
(1) Tap outside of bearing cap with a drift to
loosen snap ring.
(2) Remove snap rings (1) from both sides of yoke
(Fig. 17).
(3) Position yoke with the grease fitting if
equipped, pointing up.
(4) Position a socket with a inside diameter large
enough to receive the bearing cap, beneath the yoke
on a press.
(5) Place another socket with an outside diameter
smaller than bearing cap on the upper bearing cap
and press (1) the lower cap through the yoke (Fig.
18).
NOTE: If the bearing cap will not pull out of the
yoke by hand after pressing, tap the yoke ear near
the bearing cap to dislodge the cap.
(6) Pull bearing cap of the yoke.
(7) Turn yoke over in the press and straighten the
cross (1). Press the cross until the remaining bearing
cap (2) can be removed (Fig. 19).
CAUTION: If cross or bearing cap are not straight
during removal, the bearing cap will score the walls
of the yoke bore and damage can occur.
Fig. 17 SNAP RING
1 - SNAP RING
Fig. 18 PRESS OUT BEARING
1 - PRESS
2 - SOCKET
Fig. 19 PRESS OUT REMAINING BEARING
1 - CROSS
2 - BEARING CAP
3 - 10 PROPELLER SHAFTDR

(2) Position cross (1) in yoke with lube fitting
pointing up, if equipped (Fig. 27).
(3) Place a bearing cap (1) over the cross end (2)
and align cap with yoke bore (Fig. 28).
(4) Press bearing cap into the yoke bore enough to
clear snap ring groove.
(5) Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 to install the oppo-
site bearing cap.
NOTE: If joint is stiff or binding, strike the yoke with
a soft hammer to seat the needle bearings.
(6) Add grease to lube fitting, if equipped.
(7) Install propeller shaft.ASSEMBLY - WITH INJECTED RINGS
NOTE: Replacement joint has internal snap rings.
(1) Place joint in flange with one bearing cap.
(2) Position press (3) with receiver (1) on flange
and bearing cap (2) (Fig. 29).
Fig. 28 BEARING AND CROSS
1 - BEARING CAP
2 - CROSSFig. 29 PRESS ON FLANGE
1 - RECEIVER
2 - BEARING
3 - PRESS
Fig. 30 SNAP RING GROOVE
1 - YOKE
2 - GROOVE
DRPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 13
SINGLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINTS (Continued)

DOUBLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL
JOINTS
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove propeller shaft.
(2) Mark propeller shaft, link yoke and flange yoke
for assembly reference.
(3) Tap outside of the bearing cap assembly with
drift to loosen snap rings.
(4) Remove all bearing cap snap rings (Fig. 39).
(5) Remove grease fittings if equipped.
(6) Position a socket on the press with an inside
diameter large enough to receive the bearing cap
under the link yoke.
(7) Place another socket with an outside diameter
smaller than the bearing cap on the upper bearing
cap.(8) Press one bearing cap from outboard side of the
link yoke, enough to grasp the cap with vise jaws
(Fig. 40).
(9) Grasp protruding bearing cap with vise jaws
and tap link yoke with a mallet to remove bearing
cap (Fig. 41).
Fig. 39 SNAP RINGS
Fig. 40 PRESS OUT BEARING
Fig. 41 REMOVE BEARING FROM YOKE
3 - 16 PROPELLER SHAFTDR

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT
NOTE: Install a new copper washers on the banjo
bolt when installing
(1) Install the disc brake caliper (Fig. 26) or (Fig.
27).
CAUTION: Verify brake hose is not twisted or
kinked before tightening fitting bolt.
(2) Install the banjo bolt with new copper washers
to the caliper. Tighten to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install the caliper slide pin bolts. tighten to 32
N´m (24 ft. lbs.)
(4) Remove the prop rod.
(5) Bleed the base brake system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Install the tire and wheel assembly, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(7) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR
(1) Install caliper to the caliper adapter.
(2) Coat the caliper mounting slide pin bolts with
silicone grease. Then install and tighten the bolts to
15 N´m (11 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the brake hose banjo bolt if removed.
(4) Install the brake hose to the caliper withnew
seal washersand tighten fitting bolt to 27 N´m (245
in. lbs.).CAUTION: Verify brake hose is not twisted or
kinked before tightening fitting bolt.
(5) Remove the prop rod from the vehicle.
(6) Bleed the base brake system,(Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE) OR (Refer to
5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) Install the wheel and tire assemblies (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(8) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(9) Verify a firm pedal before moving the vehicle.
DISC BRAKE CALIPER
ADAPTER
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the disc brake caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the bolts securing the caliper adapter
to the steering knuckle (Fig. 38)
(5) Remove the caliper adapter.
REMOVAL - REAR
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Drain a small amount of fluid from master cyl-
inder brake reservoir with acleansuction gun.
Fig. 37 Seating Dust Boot
1 - HANDLE
2 - CALIPER
3 - DUST BOOT INSTALLER
Fig. 38 CALIPER ADAPTER
1 - CALIPER ASSEMBLY
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
3 - DISC BRAKE ROTOR
DRBRAKES - BASE 5 - 21
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS (Continued)

(5) Verify operation of one-way check valve and
check it for leaks.
(a) Locate one-way check valve. The valve is
located in vacuum line between vacuum reservoir
and engine vacuum source. Disconnect vacuum
hoses (lines) at each end of valve.
(b) Connect a hand-operated vacuum pump to
reservoir end of check valve. Apply vacuum. Vac-
uum should not bleed off. If vacuum is being lost,
replace one-way check valve.
(c) Connect a hand-operated vacuum pump to
vacuum source end of check valve. Apply vacuum.
Vacuum should flow through valve. If vacuum is
not flowing, replace one-way check valve. Seal the
fitting at opposite end of valve with a finger and
apply vacuum. If vacuum will not hold, diaphragm
within check valve has ruptured. Replace valve.
5.7 Gas
Vacuum is not used for any part of the speed con-
trol system if equipped with a 5.7L V-8 engine.
5.9L Diesel Engine With Manual Trans.
Vacuum is not used for any part of the speed con-
trol system if equipped with a diesel engine and a
manual transmission.
5.9L Diesel Engines With Automatic Trans.
If equipped with a diesel powered engine and an
automatic transmission, an electric vacuum pump
and vacuum lines are used to supply vacuum to the
speed control servo. A vacuum reservoir is not used.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TEST
Perform a vehicle road test to verify reports of
speed control system malfunction. The road test
should include attention to the speedometer. Speed-ometer operation should be smooth and without flut-
ter at all speeds.
Flutter in the speedometer indicates a problem
which might cause surging in the speed control sys-
tem. The cause of any speedometer problems should
be corrected before proceeding. Refer to Instrument
Cluster for speedometer diagnosis.
If a road test verifies a system problem and the
speedometer operates properly, check for:
²A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). If a DTC
exists, conduct tests per the Powertrain Diagnostic
Procedures service manual.
²A misadjusted brake (stop) lamp switch. This
could also cause an intermittent problem.
²Loose, damaged or corroded electrical connec-
tions at the servo (if used). Corrosion should be
removed from electrical terminals and a light coating
of Mopar MultiPurpose Grease, or equivalent,
applied.
²Leaking vacuum reservoir (if used).
²Loose or leaking vacuum hoses or connections (if
used).
²Defective one-way vacuum check valve (if used).
²Secure attachment of both ends of the speed con-
trol servo cable (if used).
²Smooth operation of throttle linkage (if used)
and throttle body air valve.
²Failed speed control servo (if used). Do the servo
vacuum test.
CAUTION: When test probing for voltage or conti-
nuity at electrical connectors, care must be taken
not to damage connector, terminals or seals. If
these components are damaged, intermittent or
complete system failure may occur.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - SPEED CONTROL
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Servo Mounting Bracket-
to-Servo Nuts7-60
Servo Mounting Bracket-
to-Battery Tray Screws4-30
Speed Control Switch
Mounting Screws1.7 - 15
Vacuum Reservoir
Mounting Nuts3-20
DRSPEED CONTROL 8P - 3
SPEED CONTROL (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURES - WATER DRAINING
AT FUEL FILTER
Refer to Fuel Filter/Water Separator removal/in-
stallation for procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURES - CLEANING FUEL
SYSTEM PARTS
CAUTION: Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
when handling or replacing diesel fuel system com-
ponents. This especially includes the fuel injectors,
high-pressure fuel lines and fuel injection pump.
Very tight tolerances are used with these parts. Dirt
contamination could cause rapid part wear and pos-
sible plugging of fuel injector nozzle tip holes. This
in turn could lead to possible engine misfire.
Always wash/clean any fuel system component
thoroughly before disassembly and then air dry.
Cap or cover any open part after disassembly.
Before assembly, examine each part for dirt, grease
or other contaminants and clean if necessary. When
installing new parts, lubricate them with clean
engine oil or clean diesel fuel only.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FUEL SYSTEM
PRIMING
A certain amount of air becomes trapped in the
fuel system when fuel system components on the
supply and/or high-pressure side are serviced or
replaced. Fuel system priming is accomplished using
the electric fuel transfer (lift) pump.
Servicing or replacing fuel system components will
not require fuel system priming.
The fuel transfer (lift) pump is self-priming: When
the key is first turned on (without cranking engine),
the pump operates for approximately 1 to 2 second
and then shuts off. The pump will also operate for up
to 25 seconds after the starter is quickly engaged,
and then disengaged without allowing the engine to
start. The pump shuts off immediately if the key is
on and the engine stops running.
(1) Turn key to CRANK position and quickly
release key to ON position before engine starts. This
will operate fuel transfer pump for approximately 25
seconds.
(2) Crank engine. If the engine does not start after
25 seconds, turn key OFF. Repeat previous step until
engine starts.
(3) Fuel system priming is now completed.
(4) Attempt to start engine. If engine will not
start, proceed to following steps.When engine does
start, it may run erratically and be noisy for a
few minutes. This is a normal condition.
CAUTION: Do not engage the starter motor for more
than 30 seconds at a time. Allow two minutes
between cranking intervals.
(5) Perform previous fuel priming procedure steps
using fuel transfer pump. Be sure fuel is present at
fuel tank.
(6) Crank the engine for 30 seconds at a time to
allow fuel system to prime.
WARNING: THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP SUPPLIES
EXTREMELY HIGH FUEL PRESSURE TO EACH INDI-
VIDUAL INJECTOR THROUGH THE HIGH-PRES-
SURE LINES. FUEL UNDER THIS AMOUNT OF
PRESSURE CAN PENETRATE THE SKIN AND
CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY. WEAR SAFETY GOG-
GLES AND ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING.
DO NOT LOOSEN FUEL FITTINGS WHILE ENGINE
IS RUNNING.
WARNING: ENGINE MAY START WHILE CRANKING
STARTER MOTOR.
Fig. 2 FUEL INJECTORS
1 - SOLENOID CONNECTIONS
2 - ROCKER HOUSING
3 - FUEL INJECTOR
4 - PASSTHROUGH CONNECTOR
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 47
FUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL (Continued)