1999 DODGE RAM suspension

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.
Dust boot missing ....... 2 ........ (1) Suggest replacement.
Dust boot split ......... 2 ........ ( 1) Suggest replacement.
Dust boot torn .......... 2 ........ ( 1) Suggest replacement.
Housing cracked ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Lead routing incorrect .. B .. Require rerouting according to
vehicle manufacturer's
specifications.
Loose ................... B ... Require adjustment to vehicle
manufacturer's specifications.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Output signal incorrect . A .. Require repair or replacement.
Wire lead damaged ....... A .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - This condition can lead to damage of the sliding magnet,
which, in turn, causes premature sensor failure.









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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - MODULES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - MODULE INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
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.
Housing cracked ......... 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Inoperative ............. A ............ Require replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.









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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - RELAYS (COMPRESSOR)
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - RELAY (COMPRESSOR) INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Housing cracked ......... 2 ........ ( 1) Suggest replacement.
Intermittent ............ A ............ Require replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Output signal incorrect . A ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If moisture enters the relay, it can reduce life
expectancy or impair function.









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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - SWITCHES (ON/OFF)

AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - SWITCH (ON/OFF) INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Output signal incorrect . A ............ Require replacement.









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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - TORSION SPRINGS (COUNTER BALANCING)
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - TORSION SPRING (COUNTER BALANCING) 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.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.









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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - TUBING
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - TUBING INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
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.
Blocked ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Fitting incorrect ....... B ............ Require replacement.
Leaking ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Line type incorrect ..... B ............ Require replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Restricted .............. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Routed incorrectly ...... B ..... Require routing correction.

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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - WARNING LAMPS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - WARNING LAMP INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Bulb burned out ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Warning light does
not come on during
bulb check ............. .. . Further inspection required to
determine cause.
Warning light flashes ... .. . Further inspection required to
determine cause.
Warning light is
intermittent ........... .. . Further inspection required to
determine cause.
Warning light stays
on after initial
bulb check ............. .. . Further inspection required to
determine cause.









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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - WIRING HARNESSES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - WIRING HARNESS INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Connector bent .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector broken ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector loose ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Damaged (cut, burned, or
chafed) ................ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Excessive resistance .... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Fuse blown .............. A ............ Require replacement.
Fusible link blown ...... A ............ Require replacement.
Open .................... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Poor ground ............. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Routed incorrectly ...... B .. Require rerouting according to
vehicle manufacturer's
specifications.
Shorted ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal bent ........... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal broken ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal corroded ....... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal loose .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.









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BALL JOINTS
Before requiring or suggesting ball joint replacement, the
approved OEM procedure must be used to measure ball joint wear. The
measurement(s) obtained, along with the vehicle manufacturer's
specifications, must be noted on the inspection report. Some states
require that these measurements also appear on the invoice.
NOTE: The term "perceptible movement," defined as any visible
movement in any direction, has been the industry standard
for determining the need for replacement of follower ball
joints. Some vehicle manufacturers are now publishing
specifications for follower ball joints that were

Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... (7) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications .......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 6) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 8) - Check for damaged stud.









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SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
You are not required to replace shocks or struts in axle
sets. However, when replacing a shock or strut due to the conditions
that follow, you may suggest replacement of the other shock or strut
on the same axle for improved performance and preventive maintenance.
* Part is close to the end of its useful life
* To extend tire life
* To balance ride and handling
* To improve stopping distance
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.
Under no circumstances should a technician bend struts or
strut housings.
A vehicle's load-carrying and handling abilities are limited
by its suspension, tires, brakes, and driveline. Installing coil over
shocks or any other load assist device does not increase the vehicle's
load capacity. See the vehicle owner's manual for more details.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with original equipment coil over
shocks, apply the conditions for coil springs from the
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR section of the
STEERING AND SUSPENSION guidelines. If the vehicle is
equipped with add-on coil over shocks, you may suggest
replacing the shocks with standard shocks for any spring-
related condition.
SHOCK ABSORBER, STRUT CARTRIDGE AND STRUT ASSEMBLY INSPECTION









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(1) - Require replacement of units where dents restrict shock
or strut piston rod movement. If dents don't restrict
movement, no service is suggested or required. Especially
critical on mono-tube shocks.
( 2) - This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod,
which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
( 3) - Only required if replacing cartridge.
( 4) - CAUTION: If the strut cartridge has been replaced previously,
the oil on the strut housing may be filler oil. The
technician must identify the source of the oil.
( 5) - If noise is isolated to shock or strut, suggest
replacement.
( 6) - Although shocks or struts may have contributed to tire
cupping, an inspection is needed of the entire suspension
system. If the shock or strut is found to be contributing
to the tire cupping, require replacement.









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SPINDLES
SPINDLE INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
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.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Race seat area
undersized ............. B ............ Require replacement.
Scored .................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.









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SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR
When springs are replaced, it is suggested, but not required,
that both springs on an axle be replaced to maintain equal height from
side to side and to provide a balanced ride and proper handling.
When variable rate springs are installed in place of
conventional coil springs, they must be installed in axle sets to
ensure proper handling, uniform ride, and proper chassis height.
Erroneous height measurements may result from: improper tire
inflation, non-standard tire or wheel size, and heavy load in vehicle
or trunk.
SPRING (COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR) INSPECTION

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


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