1999 DODGE RAM steering

Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
U-joint binding ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
U-joint loose ........... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
Unequal power assist .... A .. Require repair or replacement.
(1) - Determine and correct source of contamination. Follow OE
specifications for fluid type.
( 2) - Indicates internal wear.
( 3) - If steering gear is source of inadequate assist, require
repair or replacement.









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STEERING KNUCKLES
STEERING KNUCKLE 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
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect 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.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt incorrect .... B ... Require replacement with bolt
that meets OE design.
Pinch bolt loose ........ B ................. Require repair.
Pinch bolt missing ...... B ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt tabs
deformed (pinched
together), .032"
or more before
clamping ............... B ........ ( 1) Require replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 2) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - Steering knuckle deformation can cause pinch
bolt breakage.
( 2) - Check for damaged stud.

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

be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Part has been changed,
affecting alignment .... A ....... Require alignment check.
Pull, shown to be caused
by faulty alignment .... A ............. Require alignment.
Steering wheel
off-center ............. 2 ............. Suggest alignment.
Tire wear, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Wander, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.









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WHEELS AND TIRES
TIRES
These guidelines do not apply to split rims. Some vehicle
manufacturers restrict replacement of tires to specific brands, types,
or sizes.
WARNING: High pressure temporary compact spare tires should not be
used with any other rims or wheels, nor should standard
tires, snow tires, wheel covers, or trim rings be used
with high pressure compact spare rims or wheels.
Attempting to mount a tire of one diameter on a wheel of
a different diameter or flange type may result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING: Only specially trained persons should dismount or mount
tires. Explosions of tire and wheel assembly can result
from improper mounting, possibly causing serious injury
or death.
WARNING: Consult the vehicle owner's manual or vehicle placard for
correct size, speed rating, designation, and cold
inflation pressure of the original tires. DO NOT exceed
the maximum load or inflation capacity of the tire
specified by the Tire and Rim Association
WARNING: When replacing tires, it is suggested that the
replacement tires match or exceed the OEM speed rating
designation. If tires of different speed rating
designations are mixed on the same vehicle, the tires may
vary in handling characteristics. DO NOT mix different
speed rating designations on the same axle.
WARNING: DO NOT mix radials with non-radial tires on the same
axle, as this may affect vehicle handling and stability.
If radial tires and bias or bias-belted ply tires are
mixed on the same vehicle, the radials must be on the
rear. High-pressure temporary compact spare tires are
exempt from this rule.
WARNING: DO NOT mix size or type (all season, performance, mud and
snow) of tires on the same axle.
TIRE INSPECTION









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SU SPEN SIO N - F R O NT - 2 W D C O IL S PR IN G
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 SUSPENSION
CHRY - Front - 2WD Coil Spring
Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION
All models are equipped with independent front suspension,
consisting of upper and lower control arms, steering knuckles, coil
springs and shock absorbers. See Fig. 1. Upper control arms are
mounted to frame side rails. Lower control arms are mounted to
crossmember. Steering knuckles are mounted between upper and lower
control arms by conventional ball joints. Coil springs are mounted
between seat in frame and lower control arm.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Front Suspension
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT.
WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
1) Tighten wheel bearing adjusting nut to 30-40 ft. lbs. (41-\
54 N.m) while rotating wheel. Stop rotation, and back off adjusting
nut to release all preload. Retighten nut finger tight.
2) Ensure bearing end play is .001-.003" (.025-.076 mm).
Install nut lock and cotter pin. Coat grease cap inside lightly with
grease, and install cap.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Ball joints are preloaded. Replace lower ball joint if
vertical movement exceeds .03" (.8 mm). Replace upper ball joint if
movement exceeds .03" (.8 mm).
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
COIL SPRING
Removal
1) Raise vehicle, and position safety stands under frame.
Remove wheels. Remove brake caliper retainer and brake caliper (if
necessary). Support caliper aside. Disconnect tie rod from steering
knuckle.
2) Disconnect stabilizer bar link from lower control arm. See
Fig. 1 . Support lower suspension arm outboard end with jack. Place
jack under arm in front of shock mount. Remove cotter pin and nut from
lower ball joint stud. Using Ball Joint Breaker (C-4150A), separate
ball joint from steering knuckle.
3) Remove lower shock bolt from suspension arm. Lower jack
and suspension arm until spring tension is relieved. Remove spring and
rubber isolator.
Installation
1) Install rubber isolator on top of spring. Position spring
between upper spring seat and lower suspension arm. Raise suspension
arm with jack, and position shock into suspension arm mount.
2) Install shock bolt and tighten to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Install steering knuckle on lower ball
joint stud. Install lower ball joint stud nut and tighten. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Replace cotter pin, and remove jack. Install
stabilizer bar link on lower suspension arm. Install grommet, retainer
and nut.
3) Install tie rod on steering knuckle, and tighten nut to 65
ft. lbs. (88 N.m). Install brake caliper assembly and rotor. Install
tire and wheel assembly. Remove support, and lower vehicle.
STEERING KNUCKLE
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
Remove brake caliper. Remove wheel hub and bearing assembly from
spindle.
2) Remove cotter pin and nut from tie-rod end, and disconnect
tie rod. Remove cotter pins and nut from upper and lower ball joint

CAUTION: To avoid damage to threads, bearing and seal, DO NOT allow
inner bearing and seal to contact spindle threads during
removal.
2) Carefully slide rotor from steering knuckle. Remove oil
seal and inner bearing.
Installation
Clean and inspect bearings. Pack or replace bearings as
required. Install inner bearing and oil seal. Carefully install rotor
and outer bearing, washer, and nut. Adjust wheel bearings. See WHEEL
BEARING ADJUSTMENT under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. To install
remaining components, reverse removal procedure.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS








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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Ball Joint Nuts
Lower
Light Duty ............................................. 95 (129)\
Heavy Duty ............................................ 110 (149)\
Upper .................................................... 60 (81)\
Lower Control Arm-To-Crossmember Bolt .................... 145 (196)\
Lower Shock Absorber Mounting Bolt
1998 Models ............................................ 100 (135)\
1999 Models ........................................... 105 (142))\
Stabilizer Bar Bolts/Nuts
Frame End ................................................ 40 (54)\
Link End ................................................. 25 (34)\
Tie Rod End Nut ............................................ 40 (54)\
Upper Ball Joint-To-Control Arm .......................... 125 (169)\
Upper Control Arm Eccentric Cam Bolt ....................... 70 (95)\
Upper Control Arm Pivot Bar To Frame ..................... 150 (203)\
Upper Shock Absorber Mounting Bolt
1998 Models .............................................. 35 (47)\
1999 Models .............................................. 40 (54)\
Wheel Lug Nuts
Tapered (Coned)
1/2"-20 ............................................... 105 (142)\
5/8"-18 ............................................... 200 (271)\
Flat (Flanged) (5/8"-18) ............................... 325 (4\
40)









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Removal & Installation
Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect stabilizer bar links
from axle brackets. See Fig. 3. Disconnect stabilizer bar from links.
Disconnect stabilizer bar clamps from frame rails. Remove stabilizer
bar. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Fig. 3: Removing Stabilizer Bar Assembly
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
STEERING KNUCKLE
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
Remove tie-rod or drag link end from steering knuckle arm. Remove ABS
sensor wire and bracket from knuckle.
2) Remove cotter pin and nut from upper and lower ball joint
stud. Strike steering knuckle with brass hammer to loosen. Remove
knuckle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts
to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
TRACK BAR
Removal & Installation

1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove cotter pin and nut from
ball joint stud at end of frame rail bracket. See Fig. 4. Remove ball
stud from bracket with Puller C-4150A.
2) Remove bolt and flag nut from axle bracket. Remove track
bar. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Fig. 4: Removing Track Bar Assembly
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
WHEEL BEARINGS & HUB ASSEMBLY (5 STUDS)
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Remove caliper
and rotor. Remove ABS sensor (if equipped). Remove cotter pin and axle\
hub nut.
2) Remove wheel bearing and hub assembly hub-to-knuckle
bolts. Remove wheel bearing and hub assembly from steering knuckle and
axle shaft. Remove brake dust shield and spacer. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten retaining nuts and bolts to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
WHEEL BEARINGS & HUB ASSEMBLY (8 STUDS)
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Remove caliper
and rotor. Remove hub extension mounting nuts and remove extension
rotor (if equipped).