1998 DODGE RAM 1500 rear light

INTERNATIONAL VEHICLE
CONTROL & DISPLAY
SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION - INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
The graphic symbols illustrated in the following
International Control and Display Symbols Chart are
used to identify various instrument controls. The
symbols correspond to the controls and displays that
are located on the instrument panel.
FASTENER IDENTIFICATION
DESCRIPTION
The SAE bolt strength grades range from grade 2
to grade 8. The higher the grade number, the greater
the bolt strength. Identification is determined by the
line marks on the top of each bolt head. The actual
bolt strength grade corresponds to the number of line
marks plus 2. The most commonly used metric bolt
strength classes are 9.8 and 10.9. The metric
strength class identification number is imprinted on
the head of the bolt. The higher the class number,
the greater the bolt strength. Some metric nuts are
imprinted with a single-digit strength class on the
nut face. Refer to the Fastener Identification and
Fastener Strength Charts (Fig. 5) and (Fig. 6).
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
1 High Beam 13 Rear Window Washer
2 Fog Lamps 14 Fuel
3 Headlamp, Parking Lamps, Panel Lamps 15 Engine Coolant Temperature
4 Turn Warning 16 Battery Charging Condition
5 Hazard Warning 17 Engine Oil
6 Windshield Washer 18 Seat Belt
7 Windshield Wiper 19 Brake Failure
8 Windshield Wiper and Washer 20 Parking Brake
9 Windscreen Demisting and Defrosting 21 Front Hood
10 Ventilating Fan 22 Rear hood (Decklid)
11 Rear Window Defogger 23 Horn
12 Rear Window Wiper 24 Lighter
DRINTRODUCTION 5

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
REAR AXLE   .03 L (1 oz)
9 1/4 2.32 L (4.9 pts.)***
10 1/2 AA 2.25 L (4.75 pts.)
11 1/2 AA 3.62 L (7.65 pts)
*** With Trac-Lok add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Limited Slip
Additive.
** Includes 0.9L (1.0 qts.) for coolant reservoir.
*Nominal refill capacities are shown. A variation may
be observed from vehicle to vehicle due to
manufacturing tolerance and refill procedure.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
Maintenance Schedule Information not included in
this section, is located in the appropriate Owner's
Manual.
There are two maintenance schedules that show
therequiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are
operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É
F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85
(ethanol) fuel.
NOTE: If ANY of these apply to the vehicle then
change the engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
or 3 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule ªBº of the(Maintenance Schedules(sec-
tion of this manual.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the condi-
tions listed for Schedule(B(.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are
not operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule9B9.Use the schedule that best describes the driving
conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.
CAUTION: Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after
a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil
only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front sus-
pension components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ªAº 10 000 km (6,000 miles) or
every other interval shown on Schedule ªBº 10 000
km (6,000 miles).
Tire Rotation
²Rotate the tires at 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
Schedule ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your
vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É
F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
0 - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
FLUID CAPACITIES (Continued)

Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
and transfer case (if equipped), add as needed.
²Check Filter MinderŸ. Replace air cleaner
filter element if necessary.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front sus-
pension components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Tire Rotation
²Rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12 000 km).
Engine Oil Change Chart Notes
²LTier 1 EPA (250 hp or 305 hp) Engines Only
(see engine data label for your engine type)
²² California LEV (235 hp) Engines Only (see
engine data label for your engine type)
Schedule ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your
vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É
F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
²Off-road or desert operation.
Miles 3,750 7,500 11,250 15,000 18,750
(Kilometers) (6 000) (12 000) (18 000) (24 000) (30 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (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)

FRONT AXLE - C205F
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT AXLE - C205F
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................27
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
ADJUSTMENTS........................32
SPECIFICATIONS.......................39
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................40
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................43INSTALLATION.........................44
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................45
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................46
DISASSEMBLY.........................47
ASSEMBLY............................47
INSTALLATION.........................48
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................48
INSTALLATION.........................48
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................51
FRONT AXLE - C205F
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, tooth contact, worn/damaged
gears or the carrier housing not having the proper
offset and squareness.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The noise can also occur during a specific type
of driving condition. These conditions are accelera-
tion, deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, first warm-up the axle fluid by
driving the vehicle at least 5 miles and then acceler-
ate the vehicle to the speed range where the noise is
the greatest. Shift out-of-gear and coast through the
peak-noise range. If the noise stops or changes
greatly check for:
²Insufficient lubricant.
²Incorrect ring gear backlash.
²Gear damage.
Differential side gears and pinions can be checked
by turning the vehicle. The side gears are loaded dur-
ing turns. They usually do not cause noise during
straight-ahead driving when the gears are unloaded.
A worn pinion mate shaft can also cause a snapping
or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion bearings can
all produce noise when worn or damaged. Bearing
noise can be either a whining, or a growling sound.
Pinion bearingshave a constant-pitch noise. This
noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion bearing
noise will be higher pitched because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs, the rear pinion bearing
is the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is
heard during a coast, the front pinion bearing is the
source.
Differential bearingsusually produce a low pitch
noise. Differential bearing noise is similar to pinion
bearing noise. The pitch of differential bearing noise
is also constant and varies only with vehicle speed.
Axle shaft bearingsproduce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise generally changes
when the bearings are loaded. Road test the vehicle.
Turn the vehicle sharply to the left and to the right.
This will load the bearings and change the noise
level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 m.p.h.
LOW SPEED KNOCK
Low speed knock is generally caused by:
²Worn U-joints/CV joint.
²Worn side-gear thrust washers.
²Worn pinion shaft bore.
DRFRONT AXLE - C205F 3 - 27

INSTALLATION
NOTE: The ring gear and pinion are serviced in a
matched set. Never replace one gear without replac-
ing the other matching gear. If ring and pinion
gears or bearings are replaced, Refer to Adjust-
ments for Pinion Gear Depth Setting.
(1) Apply Mopar Door Ease or equivalent lubricant
to outside surface of the bearing cups.
(2) Install rear pinion bearing cup with Installer
8692 and Driver Handle C-4171 (Fig. 51).
(3) Install front pinion bearing cup with Installer
8693 and Handle C-4171.
(4) Lubricate front pinion bearing and install bear-
ing in the housing.
(5) Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the
lip of pinion seal.
(6) Install pinion seal with Installer 8695 and
Handle C-4171 (Fig. 52).
Fig. 50 REAR PINION BEARING
1 - PULLER
2 - VISE
3 - ADAPTERS
4 - DRIVE PINION GEAR SHAFTFig. 51 REAR PINION BEARING CUP
1 - HOUSING
2 - INSTALLER
3 - HANDLE
Fig. 52 PINION SEAL
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
DRFRONT AXLE - C205F 3 - 51
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR (Continued)

FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................54
REMOVAL.............................57
INSTALLATION.........................58
ADJUSTMENTS........................59
SPECIFICATIONS.......................63
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................64
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................67
DISASSEMBLY.........................68
ASSEMBLY............................69
INSTALLATION.........................69
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL.............................69
INSTALLATION.........................70PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................71
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................72
DISASSEMBLY.........................72
ASSEMBLY............................73
INSTALLATION.........................74
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................75
INSTALLATION.........................75
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL.............................75
INSTALLATION.........................77
FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, tooth contact, worn/damaged
gears or the carrier housing not having the proper
offset and squareness.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The noise can also occur during a specific type
of driving condition. These conditions are accelera-
tion, deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, first warm-up the axle fluid by
driving the vehicle at least 5 miles and then acceler-
ate the vehicle to the speed range where the noise is
the greatest. Shift out-of-gear and coast through the
peak-noise range. If the noise stops or changes
greatly check for:
²Insufficient lubricant.
²Incorrect ring gear backlash.
²Gear damage.
Differential side gears and pinions can be checked
by turning the vehicle. The side gears are loaded dur-
ing turns. They usually do not cause noise during
straight-ahead driving when the gears are unloaded.
A worn pinion mate shaft can also cause a snapping
or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion bearings can
all produce noise when worn or damaged. Bearing
noise can be either a whining, or a growling sound.
Pinion bearingshave a constant-pitch noise. This
noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion bearing
noise will be higher pitched because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs, the rear pinion bearing
is the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is
heard during a coast, the front pinion bearing is the
source.
Differential bearingsusually produce a low pitch
noise. Differential bearing noise is similar to pinion
bearing noise. The pitch of differential bearing noise
is also constant and varies only with vehicle speed.
Axle shaft bearingsproduce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise generally changes
when the bearings are loaded. Road test the vehicle.
Turn the vehicle sharply to the left and to the right.
This will load the bearings and change the noise
level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 m.p.h.
LOW SPEED KNOCK
Low speed knock is generally caused by:
²Worn U-joint(s).
²Worn side-gear thrust washers.
²Worn pinion shaft bore.
3 - 54 FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AADR

REAR AXLE-91/4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE-91/4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................80
REMOVAL.............................83
INSTALLATION.........................83
ADJUSTMENTS........................83
SPECIFICATIONS.......................90
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................90
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................93
INSTALLATION.........................94
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL.............................94
INSTALLATION.........................94
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................95
INSTALLATION.........................95
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................95
INSTALLATION.........................96
DIFFERENTIAL COVER
REMOVAL.............................97INSTALLATION.........................97
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................97
DISASSEMBLY.........................98
ASSEMBLY............................99
INSTALLATION.........................99
DIFFERENTIAL-TRAC-LOK
DESCRIPTION........................100
OPERATION..........................100
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING...............100
DISASSEMBLY........................101
ASSEMBLY...........................103
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL............................105
INSTALLATION........................106
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL............................106
INSTALLATION........................108
REAR AXLE-91/4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, incorrect pinion depth, tooth
contact, worn/damaged gears, or the carrier housing
not having the proper offset and squareness.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The noise can also occur during a specific type
of driving condition. These conditions are accelera-
tion, deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, first warm-up the axle fluid by
driving the vehicle at least 5 miles and then acceler-
ate the vehicle to the speed range where the noise is
the greatest. Shift out-of-gear and coast through the
peak-noise range. If the noise stops or changes
greatly check for:
²Insufficient lubricant.
²Incorrect ring gear backlash.
²Gear damage.
Differential side gears and pinions can be checked
by turning the vehicle. They usually do not cause
noise during straight-ahead driving when the gears
are unloaded. The side gears are loaded during vehi-cle turns. A worn pinion shaft can also cause a snap-
ping or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion bearings can
all produce noise when worn or damaged. Bearing
noise can be either a whining, or a growling sound.
Pinion bearingshave a constant-pitch noise. This
noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion bearing
noise will be higher pitched because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs, the rear pinion bearing
is the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is
heard during a coast, the front pinion bearing is the
source.
Differential bearingsusually produce a low pitch
noise. Differential bearing noise is similar to pinion
bearing noise. The pitch of differential bearing noise
is also constant and varies only with vehicle speed.
Axle shaft bearingsproduce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise generally changes
when the bearings are loaded. Road test the vehicle.
Turn the vehicle sharply to the left and to the right.
This will load the bearings and change the noise
level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 mph.
3 - 80 REAR AXLE-91/4DR