1999 DODGE RAM steering

Removal
1) Place wheels in straight-ahead position. Place drain pan
under steering gear assembly. Disconnect and cap pressure and return
hoses from steering gear. Disconnect steering column shaft coupling
from steering gear stub shaft.
2) Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect steering linkage
(center link) from pitman arm. See Fig. 9. Disconnect stabilizer bar
(if necessary). Place reference mark on pitman arm and sector shaft.
Remove nut and pitman arm from sector shaft. Remove steering gear-to-
frame bolts. Remove steering gear.
Installation
1) Install steering gear with bolts finger tight. Center
steering gear and align stub shaft with steering column. Install
steering column shaft coupling bolt and tighten to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: Stake pitman arm nut against pitman arm to ensure proper
retention.
2) Reposition steering gear to eliminate binding, and tighten
bolts to specification. Install pitman arm on sector shaft with
reference marks aligned. Install lock washer and nut. Tighten nut to
specification.
3) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Fill pump reservoir. Bleed air from hydraulic system. See
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING under LUBRICATION.
SECTOR SHAFT OIL SEAL
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Place wheels in straight-ahead
position. Disconnect steering linkage (center link) from pitman arm.
Disconnect stabilizer bar (if necessary).
2) Place reference mark on pitman arm and sector shaft.
Remove nut and pitman arm from sector shaft. Place drain pan under
steering gear. Remove retaining ring and steel washer. See Fig. 1.
CAUTION: DO NOT hold steering wheel in left-turn position for more
than 2 seconds.
3) Start engine and momentarily hold steering wheel in
extreme left-turn position. When pressure develops, this should force
upper oil seal, steel washer and lower oil seal from steering gear
housing. Stop engine and remove seals.
Installation
1) Ensure seal bore of steering gear is free of burrs and
sector shaft is free of pitting or roughness. Lubricate replacement
seals and steel washers with power steering fluid.
2) Wrap sector shaft with plastic tape or .005" (.13 mm)
thick shim stock. Install upper oil seal (single lip seal) and steel
washer first. Oil seal must be installed only deep enough to allow for
remaining oil seal, steel washer and retaining ring.
CAUTION: DO NOT install upper oil seal against inner bore surface of
steering gear housing. Oil seals must be installed so each
oil seal is separately seated in shaft bore.
3) Install lower oil seal (double lip seal) and steel washer\
.
Oil seal must be installed only deep enough to allow for steel washer
and retaining ring. Remove tape or shim stock and install retaining
ring.

CAUTION: Stake pitman arm nut against pitman arm to ensure proper
retention.
4) Install pitman arm on sector shaft with reference marks
aligned. Install lock washer and nut. Tighten nut to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
5) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Fill pump reservoir. Allow engine to idle for at least 3
minutes. DO NOT turn wheels during this time. Rotate wheels both
directions and check for leaks. Refill pump reservoir.
CENTER LINK
Removal & Installation
Separate tie rods, idler arm, steering and drag link (if
equipped) from center link. Remove center link. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten nuts to specification.
Fig. 9: Exploded View Of Steering Linkage
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
DRAG LINK
Removal & Installation
Remove cotter pins and drag link nuts. Using Separator (C-
4150), separate drag link from steering knuckle or center link and

pitman arm. Remove drag link. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Install
cotter pins.
IDLER ARM
Removal & Installation
Remove cotter pin and nut from idler arm. Separate idler arm
from center link. Remove idler arm bolts. Remove idler arm. To
install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Install NEW cotter pin.
PITMAN ARM
Removal & Installation
1) Remove cotter pin and nut at pitman arm-to-center link or
drag link. Separate pitman arm from center link or drag link. Mark
location of pitman arm on steering gear shaft. Remove pitman arm-to-
steering gear shaft nut. Separate pitman arm from steering gear.
CAUTION: Stake pitman arm nut against steering gear shaft to ensure
proper retention.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure reference
marks are aligned. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. Install
NEW cotter pin.
TIE ROD END
Removal
Remove cotter pin and nut from tie rod end. Using Tie Rod End
Puller (C-3894-A), remove tie rod end from steering knuckle or center
link. Loosen lock nut or clamp bolt. Remove tie rod end. Note number
of turns required for removal.
NOTE: Use Tie Rod End Puller (C-3894-A) to prevent tie rod end seal\
damage.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure tie rod end
is installed at same location. Position clamp sleeve with bolt located
on bottom. Clamp opening should be aligned with slot in sleeve.
2) Tighten the tie rod end nut to specification. Install a
NEW cotter pin. Check and adjust toe-in. See appropriate
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT. Tighten clamp
bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
OVERHAUL
POWER STEERING PUMP OVERHAUL
Only fluid reservoirs, caps, pulleys, "O" rings, seals and
flow control valve are replaceable on pump. See Figs. 7 and 8.
Internal components are non-serviceable. If internal components fail,
replace pump. Replace reservoir, or "O" ring and seals if damaged.
NOTE: If expansion plug is deformed or dislodged, DO NOT remove it.
Replace pump housing.
STEERING GEAR OVERHAUL

NOTE: Manufacturer does not recommend overhaul of steering. If
faulty, replace steering gear as an assembly.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS\
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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Center Link-To-Pitman Arm Nut .............................. 65 (88)\
Drag Link Nut .............................................. 65 (88)\
Flow Control Valve Fitting ................................. 55 (75)\
Idler Arm-To-Center Link Nut
Dakota (4WD) & Ram Pickup ................................ 65 (88\
)
Ram Van/Wagon ............................................ 47 (64)\
Idler Arm-To-Frame Bolt
Dakota (4WD)
Standard Duty ........................................... 50 (68)\
Heavy Duty ............................................ 195 (264)\
Ram Pickup ............................................... 50 (68)\
Ram Van/Wagon .......................................... 115 (156)\
Mounting Studs ............................................. 35 (47)\
Pitman Arm Nut ( 1) ....................................... 185 (251)
Sector Shaft Adjuster Screw Lock Nut ....................... 20 (27)\
Dakota (4WD) & Ram Van/Wagon ............................. 20 (27\
)
Ram Pickup ............................................... 43 (58)\
Steering Gear Housing-To-Frame Bolt
Dakota (4WD) ............................................. 65 (88\
)
Ram Pickup ............................................. 140 (190)\
Ram Van/Wagon
Steering Gear-To-Bracket .............................. 105 (142)\
Bracket-To-Frame ...................................... 100 (136)\
Tie Rod Clamp Bolt
Dakota (4WD) ............................................. 56 (75\
)
Ram Pickup
Standard Duty ........................................... 45 (61)\
Heavy Duty .............................................. 60 (81)\
Ram Van/Wagon
Standard Duty (9/16" Nut) ............................... 16 (22\
)
Heavy Duty (5/8" Nut) ................................... 26 (35\
)
Tie Rod Nut
Dakota (4WD) & Ram Pickup ................................ 65 (88\
)
Ram Van/Wagon
9/16" ................................................... 55 (75)\
5/8" ................................................... 75 (102)\
Vacuum/Power Steering Pump Assembly-To-Engine Bolts ........ 57 (77)\
Vacuum Pump-To-Power Steering Pump Nuts .................... 18 (24)\
( 1) - Nut must be staked against pitman arm threads.
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* S TE ER IN G U NIF O RM IN SPEC TIO N G UID ELIN ES *

1 999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Steering, Suspension, Wheel Alignment, Wheels and Tires
Motorist Assurance Program
Standards For Automotive Repair
All Makes and Models
INTRODUCTION TO MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
CONTENTS
Motorist Assurance Program (MAP)
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
Steering and Suspension
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCKS AND AIR STRUTS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRINGS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - COMPRESSORS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - HEIGHT SENSORS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - MODULES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - RELAYS (COMPRESSOR)
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - SWITCHES (ON/OFF)
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - TORSION SPRINGS (COUNTER BALANCING)
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - TUBING
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - WARNING LAMPS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - WIRING HARNESSES
BALL JOINTS
BUSHINGS
CENTER LINKS
CONTROL ARM SHAFTS
CONTROL ARMS
DRAG LINKS
ELECTRONIC RIDE CONTROL SHOCKS AND STRUTS
IDLER ARMS
KING PINS
PITMAN ARMS
POWER STEERING HOSES
POWER STEERING (HYDRAULIC) PUMPS
RADIUS ARMS
RELAY RODS
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
SPINDLES
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR
STEEL POWER STEERING LINES
STEERING ARMS
STEERING DAMPERS
STEERING GEARS (EXCEPT RACK AND PINION)
STEERING GEARS - RACK AND PINION
STEERING KNUCKLES
STRIKE OUT BUMPERS
STRUT RODS
STRUT UPPER BEARING PLATE ASSEMBLIES
SWAY BAR LINKS
SWAY BARS

TIE ROD ENDS (INNER AND OUTER)
TRACK BARS
TRAILING ARMS
WHEEL BEARINGS, RACES AND SEALS
Wheel Alignment
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheels and Tires
TIRES
VALVE STEMS
WHEEL ATTACHMENT HARDWARE
WHEELS (RIMS)
MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
OVERVIEW
The Motorist Assurance Program is the consumer outreach
effort of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, Inc.
(AMRA). Participation in the Motorist Assurance Program is drawn from
retailers, suppliers, independent repair facilities, vehicle
manufacturers and industry associations.
Our organization's mission is to strengthen the relationship
between the consumer and the auto repair industry. We produce
materials that give motorists the information and encouragement to
take greater responsibility for their vehicles-through proper,
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.
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.

the facts, allowing the customer to draw their own
conclusions and make an informed decision about how to
proceed.
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
SERVICE PROCEDURES REQUIRED AND SUGGESTED FOR PROPER VEHICLE
OPERATION
Steering and suspension are complex systems made up of a
variety of interdependent components. For proper vehicle handling,
ride, and tire wear, a thorough inspection is required whenever
suspension work is being performed.
Conditions listed assume that the problem has been isolated
to the specific component by proper testing procedures.
NOTE: When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check
and adjust alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM
specifications.
CAUTION: DO NOT use ride height altering or load compensating
components, such as variable rate springs and coil over
shocks, on vehicles with height or load sensing
proportioning valve-equipped braking systems, unless
these components are original equipment.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION
NOTE: Depending on the air suspension design, there are some
aftermarket products available to eliminate the air ride
suspension on certain vehicles. If the system has been
eliminated with one of these products, then no service is
suggested or required.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCKS AND AIR STRUTS
NOTE: This section covers the air spring portion of the
air shock or strut. For damping portion of shock
or strut conditions and procedures, refer to the
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
section.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCK AND AIR STRUT INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Inner fabric of air bag
damaged ................ A ............ Require replacement.
Leaking ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Outer covering of air bag
is cracked to the extent
that inner fabric of air
bag is visible ......... 1 ............ Suggest replacement.









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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVE INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure