1999 DODGE RAM wheel alignment

Apply multipurpose lubricant (NLGI grade 2 EP) to "U" joints
and slip joint fittings.
INSPECTION
Abnormal vibration and noise can come from many driveline
sources. Drive shaft vibration/noise increases with vehicle speed
(MPH). A vibration that occurs within a specific speed is not caused
by drive shaft imbalance. Before overhauling driveline, check for
other causes/sources of possible vibration/noise.
TIRES & WHEELS
Check tire inflation and wheel balance. Check for foreign
objects in tread, damaged tread, mismatched tread patterns or
incorrect tire sizes. Check for bent wheels.
CENTER BEARING
Tighten drive shaft center bearing mounting bolts. If bearing
insulator is deteriorated or oil-soaked, or drive shaft can be moved
up/down in support, replace center bearing support assembly.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION MOUNTS
Tighten mounting bolts. If rubber mounts are deteriorated or
broken, replace as needed.
DRIVE SHAFT(S)
Check drive shaft(s) for missing weights, broken welds, or
for dents affecting balance. Check for undercoating, mud, snow/ice on
drive shaft(s). Clean shafts thoroughly and test drive.
"U" JOINTS
Check for foreign material lodged in joints and flange/yokes.
Check for loose "U" joint-to-flange mounting bolts. Check for worn "U"
joint needle bearings. Check for Reddish-Brown rust-dust around "U"
joint caps. Replace "U" joints if necessary.
ADJUSTMENTS
CHECKING DRIVE SHAFT PHASING
One-Piece Drive Shafts
1) Ensure "U" joint flanges on either end of drive shaft are
in same plane. See Fig. 2. Drive shafts with slip joints between yokes
often have arrows to aid in alignment. If yokes are not in same plane,
disassemble slip joint from drive shaft splines. Install slip joint
back onto drive shaft splines, aligning "U" joint yokes. Test drive.
2) Single tube type drive shaft has slip joint on outside of
"U" joint yoke (at transmission end). If one-piece tube type drive
shaft yokes are out of alignment, the drive shaft is torque-twisted.
Drive shaft must be replaced.

perpendicular to each other in vertical plane. See Fig. 6. With non-
parallel or broken-back type installation, working angles of "U"
joints of given drive shaft must be equal (angle "A" = angle "B").
Fig. 6: Identifying Broken-Back Type Drive Shaft
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
2) Calculate by subtracting angle of output shaft center line
from angle of drive shaft. Difference should be equal to front shaft
angle subtracted from rear shaft angle.
2-Piece Drive Shafts (Except Broken-Back Type)
1) All yokes must be perpendicular in both vertical and
horizontal planes to engine crankshaft. Using Inclinometer (C-4224),
measure drive shaft vertical angles.
2) Raise and support vehicle so rear wheels can be rotated.
Rotate drive shaft so a pinion flange bearing cap faces downward.
Attach inclinometer magnet to bearing cap, and note angle. See Fig. 4.
Remove inclinometer.
3) Rotate drive shaft 90 degrees until drive shaft rear yoke
bearing cap faces downward. Attach inclinometer magnet to bearing cap,
and note angle. Difference between 2 measured angles is drive shaft
rear angle. See Fig. 5. Remove inclinometer.
4) Rotate drive shaft until a slip joint yoke bearing cap
faces downward. Attach inclinometer magnet to bearing cap, and note
angle. Remove inclinometer. Rotate drive shaft 90 degrees until drive
shaft front yoke bearing cap faces downward. Attach inclinometer
magnet to bearing cap, and note angle. Difference between 2 measured
angles is drive shaft front angle. See Fig. 5. Remove inclinometer.
5) Rotate drive shaft until front yoke of rear shaft faces
downward. Attach inclinometer magnet to bearing cap, and note angle.
Rotate drive shaft until rear yoke of front drive shaft faces
downward. Attach inclinometer magnet to bearing cap, and note angle.
Remove inclinometer.
6) Difference between 2 measured angles is drive shaft center
angle. Compare front, center and rear angles. Vertical alignment of 2
piece drive shafts at yokes should be greater than 1/2 degree and must
be retained as close to one degree as possible. See Fig. 7. If
difference of angles is greater than specified, adjustment is
necessary. See ADJUSTING VERTICAL ANGLE.

Fig. 7: Checking Vertical Alignment Of 2-Piece Drive Shaft
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
ADJUSTING VERTICAL ANGLE
If front angle minus rear angle is greater than one degree
positive (+1 degree), rear angle is too small and must be increased.
If front angle minus rear angle is greater than one degree negative (-
1 degree), rear angle is too large and must be decreased.
1) Raise and support rear of vehicle. Position a jack under
differential housing. Remove rear wheel assemblies. Loosen rear spring
"U" bolt nuts. Insert tapered shim between spring and axle spring pad.
If increasing angle, insert shim with taper facing front of vehicle.
If decreasing angle, insert shim with taper facing rear of vehicle.
NOTE: If encountering difficulty in making drive shaft vertical
adjustments on one-piece drive shafts, drive shaft may be out
of horizontal alignment. See CHECKING HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT.
NOTE: On 2-piece drive shafts, center angle is adjusted by use of
shims between center support mounting bracket and frame
crossmember. Center angle may need adjusting if rear angle is
changed.
2) Tighten spring "U" bolt nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Recheck drive shaft angle measurements. See
CHECKING VERTICAL ANGLE.
CHECKING HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT
1) Drive shaft horizontal alignment should be checked if
frame damage is suspected or when major components have been replaced.
See Fig. 8 .
2) Clamp a long straightedge (12" longer than width of rear
wheel track) at 90 degrees to frame side rails. See Fig. 9. Use large
framing squares to align straightedge with side rails.

has been incorporated which includes the "mystery shopping" of
outlets.
We welcome you to join us as we continue our outreach... with
your support, both the automotive repair industry and your customers
will reap the benefits. Please visit MAP at our Internet site www.
motorist.org or contact us at:
1444 I Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Phone (202) 712-9042 Fax (202) 216-9646
January 1999
MAP UNIFORM INSPECTION GENERAL GUIDELINES
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
It is MAP policy that all exhaust, brake, steering,
suspension, wheel alignment, drive-line, engine performance and
maintenance, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and
electrical services be offered and performed under the standards and
procedures specified in these sections.
Before any service is performed on a vehicle, an inspection
of the appropriate system must be performed. The results of this
inspection must be explained to the customer and documented on an
inspection form. The condition of the vehicle and its components will
indicate what services/part replacements may be "Required" or
"Suggested". In addition, suggestions may be made to satisfy the
requests expressed by the customer.
When a component is suggested or required to be repaired or
replaced, the decision to repair or replace must be made in the
customer's best interest, and at his or her choice given the options
available.
This section lists the various parts and conditions that
indicate a required or suggested service or part replacement.
Although this list is extensive, it is not fully inclusive. In
addition to this list, a technician may make a suggestion. However,
any suggestions must be based on substantial and informed experience,
or the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service interval and must be
documented.
Some conditions indicate that service or part replacement is
required because the part in question is no longer providing the
function for which it is intended, does not meet a vehicle
manufacturer's design specification or is missing.
Example:
An exhaust pipe has corroded severely and has a hole
in it through which exhaust gases are leaking. Replacement
of the exhaust pipe in this case is required due to
functional failure.
Example:
A brake rotor has been worn to the point where it measures
less than the vehicle manufacturer's discard specifications.
Replacement of the rotor is required because it does not meet
design specifications.
Some conditions indicate that a service or part replacement
is suggested because the part is close to the end of its useful life
or addresses a customer's need, convenience or request. If a
customer's vehicle has one of these conditions, the procedure may be
only to suggest service.

replacement.
Cracked, affecting
performance ............ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Cracked, not affecting
performance ............ 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Leaking ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Malfunctioning .......... A ........... (2) Require repair or
replacement.
Melted, affecting
performance ............ A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Melted, not affecting
performance ............ 2 ........... ( 1) Suggest repair or
replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Out of adjustment ....... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal broken ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal burned, affecting
performance ............ A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Terminal burned, not
affecting performance .. 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Terminal corroded,
affecting performance .. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal corroded, not
affecting performance .. 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Terminal loose, affecting
performance ............ B .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal loose, not
affecting performance .. 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Won't return ............ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Worn .................... 1 ............ Suggest replacement.
( 1) - Determine cause and correct prior to repair or
replacement of part.
( 2) - Includes inoperative, intermittent operation, or
failure to perform all functions.









\









\









\









\









\









\









\


TONE WHEELS
See TOOTHED RINGS (TONE WHEELS) .
TOOTHED RINGS (TONE WHEELS)
If the toothed ring requires replacement and cannot be
replaced as a separate component, replace the assembly of which the
ring is a part.
TOOTHED RING (TONE WHEEL) INSPECTION









\









\









\









\









\









\









\


Condition Code Procedure
Alignment incorrect ..... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Contaminated, affecting
performance ............ A .... Require repair. Identify and
correct cause.
Cracked ................. B ............ Require replacement.
Loose ................... A ..... Require replacement of worn
parts.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Number of teeth

manufacturer-recommended, maintenance. We encourage participating
service and repair shops (including franchisees and dealers) to adopt
(1) a Pledge of Assurance to their Customers and (2) the Motorist
Assurance Program Standards of Service. All participating service
providers have agreed to subscribe to this Pledge and to adhere to the
promulgated Standards of Service demonstrating to their customers that
they are serious about customer satisfaction.
These Standards of Service require that an inspection of the
vehicle's (problem) system be made and the results communicated to the\
customer according to industry standards. Given that the industry did
not have such standards, the Motorist Assurance Program successfully
promulgated industry inspection communication standards in 1994-95 for
the following systems: Exhaust, Brakes, ABS, Steering and Suspension,
Engine Maintenance and Performance, HVAC, and Electrical Systems.
Further, revisions to all of these inspection communication standards
are continually re-published.
In addition to these, standards for Drive Train and
Transmissions have recently been promulgated. Participating shops
utilize these Uniform Inspection & Communication Standards as part of
the inspection process and for communicating their findings to their
customers.
The Motorist Assurance Program continues to work
cooperatively and proactively with government agencies and consumer
groups toward solutions that both benefit the customer and are
mutually acceptable to both regulators and industry. We maintain the
belief that industry must retain control over how we conduct our
business, and we must be viewed as part of the solution and not part
of the problem. Meetings with state and other government officials
(and their representatives), concerned with auto repair and/or
consumer protection, are conducted. Feedback from these sessions is
brought back to the association, and the program adjusted as needed.
To assure auto repair customers recourse if they were not
satisfied with a repair transaction, the Motorist Assurance Program
offers mediation and arbitration through MAP/BBB-CARE and other non-
profit organizations. MAP conducted pilot programs in twelve states
before announcing the program nationally in October, 1998. During the
pilots, participating repair shops demonstrated their adherence to the
Pledge and Standards and agreed to follow the UICS in communicating
the results of their inspection to their customers. To put some
"teeth" in the program, an accreditation requirement for shops was
initiated. The requirements are stringent, and a self-policing method
has been incorporated which includes the "mystery shopping" of
outlets.
We welcome you to join us as we continue our outreach... with
your support, both the automotive repair industry and your customers
will reap the benefits. Please visit MAP at our Internet site www.
motorist.org or contact us at:
1444 I Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Phone (202) 712-9042 Fax (202) 216-9646
January 1999
MAP UNIFORM INSPECTION GENERAL GUIDELINES
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
It is MAP policy that all exhaust, brake, steering,
suspension, wheel alignment, drive-line, engine performance and
maintenance, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and
electrical services be offered and performed under the standards and
procedures specified in these sections.

components, reverse removal procedure.
Removal (Dakota 4WD & Durango 4WD)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove oil dipstick.
Drain engine oil. Remove exhaust pipe crossover and lower transmission
cover.
2) Remove front drive axle for access to oil pan. For front
drive axle removal, loosen wheel lug nuts. Remove cotter pin, lock nut
and spring washer. Loosen axle shaft nut with vehicle on floor and
brakes applied. Raise and support vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT pull on rubber boot during axle shaft removal. Pull on
outer CV joint only.
3) Remove wheels and skid plate. Remove axle shaft nut.
Remove axle shaft-to-differential flange bolts at front drive axle.
Support axle shaft, and separate axle splines from wheel hub by
pulling inward at outer CV joint.
4) Remove remaining axle shaft. Mark front drive shaft and
transfer case yoke for installation reference. Remove front drive
shaft from transfer case. Disconnect vacuum hoses from shift motor and
electrical connections at shift indicator switch.
5) Support front drive axle using a floor jack. Remove front
drive axle and shift motor bolts. Lower floor jack, and remove front
drive axle with drive shaft. Remove transmission lower cover. Remove
bolts, oil pan and gasket.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Before installing
oil pan, apply RTV sealant where front cover contacts cylinder block,
oil pan side gaskets meet end seals and end seals contact cylinder
block. See Fig. 14.
2) To facilitate oil pan installation, fabricate 4 alignment
dowels from 1 1/2" x 5/16" bolts. See Fig. 15. Tighten bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
3) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. When installing front drive axle, loosely install all bolts
before tightening to specification. Tighten axle shaft nut to
specification with vehicle on ground. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Ensure reference marks on transfer case yoke and front drive shaft are
aligned.
Removal (Ram Pickup & Ram Van/Wagon - 3.9L)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove oil dipstick. On
Ram Van/Wagon, remove engine cover. On all models, remove air cleaner
and engine controller. Raise and support vehicle. Drain engine oil.
2) Remove left engine-to-transmission strut. Loosen exhaust
pipe support bracket. Disconnect exhaust pipe. On Ram Pickup, remove
oil pan and gasket.
3) On Ram Van/Wagon, remove starter, transmission dust
shield, oxygen sensor and air injection tube. On all models, remove
right engine mount nut. Loosen, but DO NOT remove, left engine mount
nut.
4) Support right side of engine using jackstand. Remove
transmission mount through-bolt, and support transmission using
jackstand. Raise engine and transmission enough for oil pan removal.
Remove bolts, oil pan and gasket.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Before installing
oil pan, apply RTV sealant where front cover contacts cylinder block,
oil pan side gaskets meet end seals and end seals contact cylinder
block. See Fig. 14.

Standards as part of the inspection process and for communicating
their findings to their customers.
The Motorist Assurance Program continues to work
cooperatively and proactively with government agencies and consumer
groups toward solutions that both benefit the customer and are
mutually acceptable to both regulators and industry. We maintain the
belief that industry must retain control over how we conduct our
business, and we must be viewed as part of the solution and not part
of the problem. Meetings with state and other government officials
(and their representatives), concerned with auto repair and/or
consumer protection, are conducted. Feedback from these sessions is
brought back to the association, and the program adjusted as needed.
To assure auto repair customers recourse if they were not
satisfied with a repair transaction, the Motorist Assurance Program
offers mediation and arbitration through MAP/BBB-CARE and other non-
profit organizations. MAP conducted pilot programs in twelve states
before announcing the program nationally in October, 1998. During the
pilots, participating repair shops demonstrated their adherence to the
Pledge and Standards and agreed to follow the UICS in communicating
the results of their inspection to their customers. To put some
"teeth" in the program, an accreditation requirement for shops was
initiated. The requirements are stringent, and a self-policing method
has been incorporated which includes the "mystery shopping" of
outlets.
We welcome you to join us as we continue our outreach... with
your support, both the automotive repair industry and your customers
will reap the benefits. Please visit MAP at our Internet site www.
motorist.org or contact us at:
1444 I Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Phone (202) 712-9042 Fax (202) 216-9646
January 1999
MAP UNIFORM INSPECTION GENERAL GUIDELINES
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
It is MAP policy that all exhaust, brake, steering,
suspension, wheel alignment, drive-line, engine performance and
maintenance, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and
electrical services be offered and performed under the standards and
procedures specified in these sections.
Before any service is performed on a vehicle, an inspection
of the appropriate system must be performed. The results of this
inspection must be explained to the customer and documented on an
inspection form. The condition of the vehicle and its components will
indicate what services/part replacements may be "Required" or
"Suggested". In addition, suggestions may be made to satisfy the
requests expressed by the customer.
When a component is suggested or required to be repaired or
replaced, the decision to repair or replace must be made in the
customer's best interest, and at his or her choice given the options
available.
This section lists the various parts and conditions that
indicate a required or suggested service or part replacement.
Although this list is extensive, it is not fully inclusive. In
addition to this list, a technician may make a suggestion. However,
any suggestions must be based on substantial and informed experience,
or the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service interval and must be
documented.
Some conditions indicate that service or part replacement is