1999 DODGE RAM height adjustment

original pinion depth shims. Replace shims with NEW shims of same
thickness.
4) If only pinion and ring gear are being replaced and
original axle housing is used, note pinion depth variance marking on
old pinion and replacement pinion.
5) Using etched markings and pinion depth shim adjustment
chart, determine amount to be added or subtracted from thickness of
original pinion depth shims. See Fig. 4. For example, if etched
marking is +4 on original pinion and -4 on replacement pinion,
thickness of pinion depth shims should be increased by .008" (.20 mm).\
NOTE: When using pinion depth shim adjustment chart, if result is a
negative (-) reading, subtract this amount from thickness of
pinion depth shim pack to obtain thickness of correct shim.
If result is positive (+), add this amount to thickness of
pinion depth shim pack to obtain thickness of correct shim.
If result is zero, this will be nominal standard pinion depth
setting and no shims are required. When using pinion depth
shim adjustment chart, thickness of original pinion depth
shim pack must be accurately determined. If original pinion
depth shim pack dimension cannot be accurately determined,
pinion depth gauge set must be used to properly determine
pinion depth setting. Pinion depth gauge set must also be
used if using replacement axle housing. Proceed to
DETERMINING PINION DEPTH USING PINION DEPTH GAUGE SET.
NOTE: If slinger is used, slinger thickness must also be included
in pinion depth shim pack.
Fig. 4: Pinion Depth Shim Adjustment Chart
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Determining Pinion Depth Using Pinion Depth Gauge Set
1) Use Pinion Depth Gauge Set for all axle models. Place
master pinion block in pinion bore of axle housing. See Fig. 5.
Install discs on arbor. Install arbor in axle housing, with discs
positioned in differential bearing bores. See Fig. 5.
2) Install pinion height block on top of master pinion block,
against arbor. Place gauge block with dial indicator on lowest step of

number is stamped on pinion face. This number must be same as number
on ring gear. A pinion depth variance marking is etched on pinion
face. See Fig. 4.
2) Etched marking, in thousandths of an inch, indicates
deviation from standard pinion depth setting. Standard pinion depth
setting is distance from center line of axle shaft to rear pinion
bearing shoulder area. See Fig. 4. Standard pinion depth setting
varies with axle model. See STANDARD PINION DEPTH SETTING table.
STANDARD PINION DEPTH SETTING









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Application In. (mm)\
248 RBI ............................................. 5.000 (127.00)\
267 RBI ............................................. 5.375 (136.52)\
286 RBI ............................................. 5.812 (147.62)\









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3) If original pinion, ring gear and axle housing are being
used, and pinion depth shims are being replaced, determine thickness
of original pinion depth shims. Replace shims with NEW shims of same
thickness.
4) If only pinion and ring gear are being replaced, and
original axle housing is used, note pinion depth variance marking on
old pinion and replacement pinion.
5) Using etched markings and pinion depth shim adjustment
chart, determine amount to be added or subtracted from thickness of
original pinion depth shims. See Fig. 5. For example, if etched
marking is +4 on original pinion and -4 on replacement pinion,
thickness of pinion depth shims should be increased by .008" (.20 mm).\
NOTE: When determining shim thickness, if result is a negative (-)
reading, subtract this amount from thickness of pinion depth
shim pack to obtain thickness of correct shim. If result is
positive (+), add this amount to thickness of pinion depth
shim pack to obtain thickness of correct shim. If result is
zero, this will be nominal standard pinion depth setting and
no shims are required. When using PINION DEPTH SHIM
ADJUSTMENT CHART, thickness of original pinion depth shim
pack must be accurately determined. If original pinion depth
shim pack dimension cannot be accurately determined, pinion
depth gauge set must be used to properly determine pinion
depth setting. Pinion depth gauge set must also be used if
using replacement axle housing. Proceed to DETERMINING PINION
DEPTH USING PINION DEPTH GAUGE SET procedure.
NOTE: If slinger is used, slinger thickness must also be included
in pinion depth shim pack.
Determining Pinion Depth Using Pinion Depth Gauge Set
1) Use pinion depth gauge set for all axle models. Place
master pinion block into pinion bore of axle housing. See Fig. 6.
Install discs on arbor. Install arbor in axle housing with discs
positioned in differential bearing bores. See Fig. 6.
2) Install pinion height block on top of master pinion block,
against arbor. Place gauge block with dial indicator on lowest step of
pinion height block. Zero dial indicator with gauge block flat on
pinion height block.
3) Move gauge block so dial indicator stem contacts arbor.
Move gauge block back and forth (perpendicular to arbor) to get
highest reading. This reading is thickness of required pinion depth
shim pack.
4) To select correct shim, note etched markings on end of

Off ....................... B & N; B & J; B & M; B & E; B & K; B & L
Vertical Up ............................. B & M; B & E; A & N; A & J
Vertical Down ........................... B & N; B & J; A & M; A & E
Horizontal Forward .................................... B & K; A & L
Horizontal Aft ........................................ B & L; A & K
Front Tilt Up ......................................... B & M; A & N
Front Tilt Down ....................................... B & N; A & M
Rear Tilt Up .......................................... B & E; A & J
Rear Tilt Down ........................................ B & J; A & E









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REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist
until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
SEAT ASSEMBLY
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup)
Remove 4 bolts/nuts attaching seat frame to floor pan. Remove
2 bolts holding power seat to center seat section. Disconnect power
seat wire harness connector located under seat. Remove seat from
vehicle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat mounting
screws to 21 ft. lbs. (29 N.m).
Removal & Installation (Ram Van & Ram Wagon)
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove seat riser rear
shield. Disconnect power seat wire harness connector located under
seat. Remove 4 nuts attaching seat frame to floor pan. The rear nuts
are accessed by lifting up the seat riser rear shield. Remove seat
from vehicle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat
mounting screws to 55 ft. lbs. (75 N.m).
MOTOR
NOTE: Seat motors are not serviced separately. If any segment of
power seat adjustment mechanism is faulty, replace motor,
cables and seat track assembly as a unit.
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup)
Remove 4 bolts/nuts attaching seat to adjuster and motor
assembly. Remove adjuster and motor assembly. To install, reverse
removal procedure.
NOTE: If seat is in raised position, it is possible to remove seat
and/or adjuster and motor assembly without removing seat
riser. If seat can not be raised to full height, entire seat
and riser assembly must be removed from vehicle.
Removal & Installation (Ram Van & Ram Wagon)
If seat cannot be raised to full height, remove seat. See
SEAT ASSEMBLY. Remove 4 nuts attaching seat to riser. Disconnect
wiring between seat switch and motor. Remove seat cushion frame from
adjuster and motor assembly. Remove adjuster and motor assembly from
riser. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat adjuster
bolts to 17 ft. lbs. (23 N.m).
POWER SEAT SWITCH

adjuster bent ......... A ............ (4) Require repair or
replacement of adjuster.
Torsion bar adjuster
seized ................ A .... ( 4) Require repair or replacement
of adjuster.
Torsion bar adjuster
threads damaged ....... A .... ( 4) Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Torsion bar adjuster
threads stripped
(threads missing) ..... A ...... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Vehicle suspension height
not within OEM
specifications ........ B ............ Require adjustment or
replacement.
( 1) - If vehicle is within manufacturer's height
specifications, no service is suggested or required.
( 2) - Some manufacturers require replacement under these
conditions.
( 3) - Check vehicle ride height. If ride height is OK, no
service is suggested or required.
( 4) - Only required if ride height needs to be adjusted.









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STEEL POWER STEERING LINES
CAUTION: When replacing steel power steering lines, be sure to use
a replacement product that meets or exceeds OEM design
specifications.
STEEL POWER STEERING LINE INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
bent ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Blocked ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Fitting incorrect
(such as compression
fitting) ............... B ............ Require replacement.
Flare type incorrect .... B ........... Required replacement.
Leaking ................. A ........... Require tightening or
replacement.
Line type incorrect ..... B ............ Require replacement.

if possible. If proper
adjustment cannot be obtained,
require repair or replacement
of worn component.
Wheel bearing race
is loose in the
hub bore ............... A ...... Require replacement of hub
assembly and wheel bearings.
Wheel bearing races
are pitted ............. A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing races
are worn ............... A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing rollers
are pitted ............. A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing rollers
are worn ............... A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.









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WHEEL ALIGNMENT
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheel alignment is defined as the measurement, analysis, and
adjustment of steering and suspension angles to conform to OEM
specifications. These angles usually include, but are not limited to:
caster, camber, toe, and thrust angle. Where these angles are not
adjustable and not in specification, component replacement or
correction kits may be required. Errors in set-back and steering axis
inclination (SAI) are often attributable to failed or damaged
components and must be corrected prior to performing an alignment.
Failure to replace or correct suggested parts or service may
prevent a proper alignment.
Before performing an alignment check, inspect and verify the
following:
* Tire pressure and size
* Vehicle loading
* Ride height
* Steering and suspension parts
If the inspection reveals that all the above are within
published specifications, a wheel alignment check and an alignment, if
needed, may be performed.
CAUTION: Under no circumstances should a technician bend or heat
any steering or suspension component, unless specified by
the vehicle manufacturer, for example, Ford forged twin
"I" beam axles. All measurements and specifications must
be noted on the inspection report.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Dog tracking, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... 2 ................ Suggest repair.
Lead, shown to

adjuster bent ......... A ............ (4) Require repair or
replacement of adjuster.
Torsion bar adjuster
seized ................ A .... ( 4) Require repair or replacement
of adjuster.
Torsion bar adjuster
threads damaged ....... A .... ( 4) Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Torsion bar adjuster
threads stripped
(threads missing) ..... A ...... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Vehicle suspension height
not within OEM
specifications ........ B ............ Require adjustment or
replacement.
( 1) - If vehicle is within manufacturer's height
specifications, no service is suggested or required.
( 2) - Some manufacturers require replacement under these
conditions.
( 3) - Check vehicle ride height. If ride height is OK, no
service is suggested or required.
( 4) - Only required if ride height needs to be adjusted.









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STEEL POWER STEERING LINES
CAUTION: When replacing steel power steering lines, be sure to use
a replacement product that meets or exceeds OEM design
specifications.
STEEL POWER STEERING LINE INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
bent ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Blocked ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Fitting incorrect
(such as compression
fitting) ............... B ............ Require replacement.
Flare type incorrect .... B ........... Required replacement.
Leaking ................. A ........... Require tightening or
replacement.
Line type incorrect ..... B ............ Require replacement.

if possible. If proper
adjustment cannot be obtained,
require repair or replacement
of worn component.
Wheel bearing race
is loose in the
hub bore ............... A ...... Require replacement of hub
assembly and wheel bearings.
Wheel bearing races
are pitted ............. A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing races
are worn ............... A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing rollers
are pitted ............. A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing rollers
are worn ............... A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.









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WHEEL ALIGNMENT
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheel alignment is defined as the measurement, analysis, and
adjustment of steering and suspension angles to conform to OEM
specifications. These angles usually include, but are not limited to:
caster, camber, toe, and thrust angle. Where these angles are not
adjustable and not in specification, component replacement or
correction kits may be required. Errors in set-back and steering axis
inclination (SAI) are often attributable to failed or damaged
components and must be corrected prior to performing an alignment.
Failure to replace or correct suggested parts or service may
prevent a proper alignment.
Before performing an alignment check, inspect and verify the
following:
* Tire pressure and size
* Vehicle loading
* Ride height
* Steering and suspension parts
If the inspection reveals that all the above are within
published specifications, a wheel alignment check and an alignment, if
needed, may be performed.
CAUTION: Under no circumstances should a technician bend or heat
any steering or suspension component, unless specified by
the vehicle manufacturer, for example, Ford forged twin
"I" beam axles. All measurements and specifications must
be noted on the inspection report.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Dog tracking, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... 2 ................ Suggest repair.
Lead, shown to

WHEEL A LIG NM EN T S PEC IF IC ATIO NS

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 WHEEL ALIGNMENT
CHRY - Specifications & Procedures - Trucks & FWD Vans
Caravan, Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van/Wagon,
Town & Country, Voyager
NOTE: Prior to performing wheel alignment, perform visual and
mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension
components. See PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS in WHEEL ALIGNMENT
THEORY & OPERATION article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
CHECKING PROCEDURE
NOTE: Information on vehicles not listed was not available from
manufacturer.
1999 Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager
Before adjusting alignment, check riding height. Measure
height from inboard edge of fenderwell directly above center of wheel,
unless specified otherwise. Riding height must be checked with vehicle
on level floor, correct size tires properly inflated and fuel tank
full. Bounce vehicle several times and allow suspension to settle.
Visually inspect vehicle for signs of abnormal height from
front-to-rear and side-to-side. Check passenger and luggage
compartments for extra-heavy items and remove if present. Riding
height between left side and right side of vehicle should vary less
than 0.5 (12.7 mm). Information on riding height between front and
rear is not available from manufacturer. See RIDING HEIGHT
SPECIFICATIONS (1999 CARAVAN, TOWN & COUNTRY, & VOYAGER) table. If
riding height is not within specification, check, repair or replace
suspension components.
Dakota & Durango (4WD)
1) Measure and record distance between floor surface and
center of lower suspension arm rear mounting bolt head. Measure and
record distance between floor surface and center of front wheel. See
Fig. 1 . Subtract first measurement from second measurement. On Dakota,
difference between both measurements should be 1.725-1.975" (43.82-50.
16 mm). On Durango, difference between both measurements should be 2.
78-3.02" (70.6-76.7 mm).
2) If necessary, adjust height differential to specification.
Adjust each front suspension arm by rotating torsion bar anchor
adjustment bolt clockwise to raise vehicle and counterclockwise to
lower vehicle. Always raise vehicle to correct height. If vehicle
height is greater than maximum specification, lower height to less
than specification, then back up to specification. After each
adjustment, jounce vehicle before measuring height to determine
effects of adjustment.