1998 DODGE RAM 1500 height adjustment

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT......................1
FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION..8FRONT - LINK/COIL......................29
REAR.................................41
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION..........................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT - 4WD (LD)..............3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT - 4WD (LD)................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT..................4STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE
ADJUSTMENT.........................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER,
CASTER AND TOE ADJUSTMENT..........4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALIGNMENT
LINK/COIL SUSPENSION.................5
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT..........................6
SPECIAL TOOLS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT....................7
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings should be tightened with the vehi-
cle at normal ride height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their
normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be
affected and premature bushing wear may occur.
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - TOE-IN
DRSUSPENSION 2 - 1

OPERATION
²CASTERis the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides less positive caster. Tilting
the top of the knuckle rearward provides more posi-
tive caster. Positive caster promotes directional sta-
bility. This angle enables the front wheels to return
to a straight ahead position after turns (Fig. 1)
²CAMBERis the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire (Fig. 1)
²TOEis the difference between the leading inside
edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires.
Wheel toe position out of specification cause's unsta-
ble steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel off-
center. The wheel toe position is thefinalfront
wheel alignment adjustment (Fig. 1)
²THRUST ANGLEis the angle of the rear axle
relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and exces-sive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
angle (Fig. 1)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION
Before starting wheel alignment, the following
inspection and necessary corrections must be com-
pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart below for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread
wear.
(2) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(3) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lat-
eral runout and balance.
(4) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(5) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(6) On 4x4 vehicles check suspension height (LD
only).
(7) Road test the vehicle.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FRONT END NOISE 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.3. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering gear. 3. Replace steering gear.
FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tires worn or out of balance. 3. Replace or balance tires.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
2 - 2 WHEEL ALIGNMENTDR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE STEERING
EFFORT1. Loose or worn steering gear. 1. Replace steering gear.
2. Column coupler binding. 2. Replace coupler.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Tire. 2. Criss-Cross Front Tires.
3. Alignment. 3. Align vehicle to specifications.
4. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.4. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
5. Radial tire lead. 5. Rotate or replace tire as necessary.
6. Brake pull. 6. Repair brake as necessary.
7. Weak or broken spring. 7. Replace spring.
8. Ride height (LD) 4WD only. 8. Measure and adjust ride height. (LD
only)
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT - 4WD (LD)
The vehicle suspension height MUST be measured
and adjusted before performing wheel alignment pro-
cedure. Also when front suspension components have
been replaced. This measure must be performed with
the vehicle supporting it's own weight and taken on
both sides of the vehicle.
(1) Inspect tires and set to correct pressure.
(2) Jounce the front of the vehicle.
(3) Measure and record the height from the ground
at the centerline of the rear lower control arm bolt
front tip (Fig. 2).
(4) Measure and record the height from the ground
at the front spindle centerline (Static Load Radius)
(Fig. 2).
(5) Subtract the first measurement from the sec-
ond measurement. The difference between the two
measurement should be 58 mm (2.3 inches) 3mm
(0.12 inches).
(6) If value is greater than 61 mm (2.4 inches),
tighten the torsion bar bolt until the specification is
achieved (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL
ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) If value is less than 55 mm (2.1 inches), loosen
the torsion bar bolt until the specification is achieve-
d,(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Repeat the previous steps until the ride height
is within specifications.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT - 4WD (LD)
The vehicle suspension height MUST be measured
and adjusted before performing wheel alignment pro-
cedure (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE). Also when
front suspension components have been replaced.
This measurement must be performed with the vehi-
cle supporting it's own weight and taken on both
sides of the vehicle.
Fig. 2 HEIGHT MESUREMENT
1 - HEIGHT FROM THE GROUND AT THE FRONT SPINDLE
CENTERLINE (STATIC LOAD RADIUS)
2 - CENTERLINE OF THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT
FRONT TIP
3 - GROUND LINE
DRWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 3
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

To adjust the vehicle height turn the torsion bar
adjustment bolt CLOCKWISE to raise the vehicle
and COUNTER CLOCKWISE to lower the vehicle.
CAUTION: ALWAYS raise the vehicle to the correct
suspension height, NEVER lower the vehicle to
obtain the correct suspension height. If the vehicle
suspension height is too high, lower the vehicle
below the height specification. Then raise the vehi-
cle to the correct suspension height specification.
This will insure the vehicle maintains the proper
suspension height.
NOTE: If a height adjustment has been made, per-
form height measurement again on both sides of
the vehicle.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: 4X4 (LD) SUSPENSION HEIGHT MEASURE-
MENT MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGN-
MENT.
NOTE: When the upper control arm pivot bolts are
loosened the upper control arm will normally go
inwards toward the frame automatically with the
weight of the vehicle.
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the upper control arm incon-
junction with the slotted holes in the frame brackets,
Install special tool 8876 between the top of the upper
control arm bracket and the upper control arm (on
1500 series 4X2 & 4X4). Install special tool 8876
between the bottom of the upper control arm bracket
pressing the tool against the frame and the upper
control arm (on 2500/3500 series 4X2) in order to
move the upper control arm outwards for proper
adjustment with the vehicle at normal ride height
(Fig. 3).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE ADJUSTMENT
4X4 SUSPENSION HEIGHT MESUREMENT
MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGN-
MENT.
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the
inner tie rod as necessary (Fig. 4).
(4) Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER, CASTER
AND TOE ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: 4X4 (LD) SUSPENSION HEIGHT MEASURE-
MENT MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGN-
MENT.
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the upper control arm with
the slots in the frame brackets using special tool
8876 to move the upper control arm outwards for
proper adjustment. (Fig. 3)
NOTE: When the upper control arm pivot bolts are
loosened the upper control arm will normally go
inwards toward the frame automatically with the
weight of the vehicle.
CASTER
Moving the front or rear position of the upper con-
trol arm in or out, will change the caster angle and
camber angle significantly. To maintain the camber
Fig. 3 CASTER & CAMBER ADJUSTMENT
1 - FRONT PIVOT BOLT
2 - REAR PIVOT BOLT
3 - SLOTTED HOLES FOR ADJUSTMENT OF CASTER &
CAMBER
4 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
2 - 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTDR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

angle while adjusting caster, move one pivot bolt of
the upper control arm in or out. Then move the other
pivot bolt of the upper control arm in the opposite
direction. Install special tool 8876 between the top of
the upper control arm bracket and the upper control
arm (on 1500 series 4X2 & 4X4). Install special tool
8876 between the bottom of the upper control arm
bracket pressing the tool against the frame and the
upper control arm (on 2500/3500 series 4X2) in order
to move the upper control arm outwards for proper
adjustment with the vehicle at normal ride height
(Fig. 3).
To increase positive caster angle, move the rear
position of the upper control arm inward (toward the
engine). Move the front of the upper control arm out-
ward (away from the engine) slightly until the origi-
nal camber angle is obtained using special tool 8876
to move the upper control arm for proper adjustment.
(Fig. 3)
CAMBER
Move both pivot bolts of the upper control arm
together in or out. This will change the camber angle
significantly and little effect on the caster angle
using special tool 8876 to move the upper control
arm for proper adjustment. (Fig. 3)
After adjustment is made tighten the upper control
arm nuts to proper torque specification.
TOE ADJUSTMENT
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the
inner tie rod as necessary (Fig. 4).
(4) Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALIGNMENT
LINK/COIL SUSPENSION
Before each alignment reading the vehicle should
be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each
bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and
down several times. Always release the bumper inthe down position.Set the front end alignment to
specifications while the vehicle is in its NOR-
MALLY LOADED CONDITION.
CAMBER:The wheel camber angle is preset and
is not adjustable.
CASTER:Check the caster of the front axle for
correct angle. Be sure the axle is not bent or twisted.
Road test the vehicle and make left and right turn.
Observe the steering wheel return-to-center position.
Low caster will cause poor steering wheel returnabil-
ity.
Caster can be adjusted by rotating the cams on the
lower suspension arm (Fig. 5).
TOE POSITION:The wheel toe position adjust-
ment should be the final adjustment.
Fig. 4 TIE ROD END
1 - JAM NUT
2 - TIE ROD - INNER
3 - TIE ROD END - OUTER
Fig. 5 ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT CAM
1 - BRACKET REINFORCEMENT
2 - ADJUSTING BOLT
3 - ADJUSTMENT CAM
DRWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4
(1) Install the stabilizer link to the vehicle.
(2) Install the lower nut and Tighten to 102 N´m
(75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the retainers, grommets and upper nut
and Tighten to 38 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 4X2
(1) Install the stabilizer link to the vehicle (Fig.
29).
(2) Install the lower nut and Tighten to 102 N´m
(75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the retainers, grommets and upper nut
and Tighten to 38 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
TORSION BAR
DESCRIPTION
The front of the bar connects to the back side of
the lower suspension arm. The rear end of the bar is
mounted in a anchor that rests in the frame cross-
member.
OPERATION
The torsion bars are used to control ride height
and ride quality. The vehicle height is adjusted
through an anchor adjustment bolt that increases or
decreases the wind up of the torsion bar. Increasing
or decreasing the bar angle changes the wind up of
the suspension arms.
REMOVAL
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) Raise and support the vehicle with the front
suspension hanging.
(2) Remove the transfer case skid plate (Refer to
13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER
CASE SKID PLATE - REMOVAL).
NOTE: Count and record the number of turns for
installation reference.
(3) Mark the adjustment bolt setting.
(4) Install Special Tool - 8686 to the anchor arm
and the cross member (Fig. 30).(5) Increase the tension on the anchor arm tool
until the load is removed from the adjustment bolt
and the adjuster nut (Fig. 30).
(6) Turn the adjustment bolt counterclockwise to
remove the bolt and the adjuster nut..
(7) Remove the Special Tool - 8686, allowing the
torsion bar to unload (Fig. 30).
(8) Remove torsion bar and anchor. Remove anchor
from torsion bar (Fig. 31).
(9) Remove all foreign material from torsion bar
mounting in anchor and suspension arm.
(10) Inspect adjustment bolt, bearing and swivel
for damage.
Fig. 30 LOADING/UNLOADING TORSION BAR
1 - SPECIAL TOOL ± 8686
2 - CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 31 TORSION BAR
1 - ANCHOR
2 - SWIVEL
3 - TORSION BAR
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 - 26 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
STABILIZER LINK (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)

PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
Original Pinion
Gear Depth
VarianceNew Pinion Gear Depth Variance
24232221 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
+4+0.008 +0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0
+3+0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.001
+2+0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.002
+1+0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.003
0+0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.004
21+0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.005
22+0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.006
23+0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.00620.007
24020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.00620.00720.008
PINION DEPTH MEASUREMENT AND ADJUSTMENT
Measurements are taken with pinion cups and pin-
ion bearings installed in housing. Take measure-
ments with a Pinion Gauge Set, Pinion Block 8177,
Arbor Discs 8541 and Dial Indicator C-3339 (Fig. 7).(1) Assemble Pinion Height Block 6739, Pinion
Block 8177 and rear pinion bearing onto Screw 6741
(Fig. 7).
(2) Insert assembled height gauge components,
rear bearing and screw into the housing through the
pinion bearing cups (Fig. 8).
(3) Install front pinion bearing and Cone-Nut 6740
onto the screw. Tighten cone-nut until Torque To
Rotate the screw is 2.0 N´m (18 in. lbs.) (Fig. 7).
(4) Place Arbor Discs 8541 on Arbor D-115-3 in
position in the housing side bearing cradles (Fig. 9).
Install differential bearing caps on arbor discs and
tighten cap bolts to specification.
(5) Assemble Dial Indicator C-3339 into Scooter
Block D-115-2 and secure set screw.
Fig. 7 PINION GEAR DEPTH GAUGE
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - ARBOR
3 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
4 - CONE
5 - SCREW
6 - PINION BLOCK
7 - SCOOTER BLOCK
8 - ARBOR DISC
Fig. 8 PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
1 - PINION BLOCK
2 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
DRFRONT AXLE - C205F 3 - 33
FRONT AXLE - C205F (Continued)