1999 DODGE RAM 4WD

5.9L
Normal Service .................... 12 ................. 12,000
Severe Service ................... (3) ................... 6000
8.0L
Normal Service .................... 6 .................... 6000
Severe Service ................... ( 3) ................... 3000
PCV Valve (5.9L Only)
Normal Service ..................... 60 ................. 60,000
Severe Service ( 7) ................ ( 3) ................. 30,000
Distributor Cap & Rotor (5.9L Only)
Normal Service ..................... 60 ................. 60,000
Severe Service .................... ( 3) ................. 60,000
Spark Plugs
Normal Service ..................... 30 ................. 30,000
Severe Service .................... ( 3) ................. 30,000
Spark Plug Wires
Normal Service ..................... 60 ................. 60,000
Severe Service .................... ( 3) ................. 60,000
Oxygen Sensor (5.9L Only)
Normal Service ..................... 82 ................. 82,500
Severe Service ..................... ( 3) ................ 82,500
Automatic Transmission Fluid,
Filter & Band Adjustment
Normal Service ..................... 24 ................. 24,000
Severe Service ..................... ( 3) ................ 12,000
Manual Transmission Fluid ............ ( 8) ................... ( 8)
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)
Normal Service ..................... 36 ................. 36,000
Severe Service ..................... ( 3) ................ 18,000
Front Differential Fluid (4WD) ( 9)
Severe Service ..................... ( 3) ................ 12,000
Rear Differential Fluid ( 9) .......... ( 3) ................ 12,000
Repack Front Wheel Bearings
2WD
Normal Service .................... 24 ................. 24,000
Severe Service .................... ( 3) .................. 9000
4WD
Normal Service .................... 18 ................. 18,000
Severe Service .................... ( 3) .................. 6000
( 1) - Heavy-duty vehicles apply to 2500 and 3500 Federal models with
8.0L engine and all 3500 models with 5.9L gasoline engine.
( 2) - Different interval may be required for normal and severe
service. Severe service is described as long periods of engine
idling, frequent short trip operation of less than 5 miles,
trailer towing, off-highway operation, snow removal operation,
or operating in dusty or excessively hot conditions.
( 3) - Monthly interval is not available from manufacturer.
( 4) - Inspect filter every 12,000 miles and replace as necessary.
Replace at 24,000 miles unless previously replaced during
inspection.
( 5) - Replace coolant at 36,000 miles or 36 months whichever occurs
first. Replace coolant at 36 months regardless of mileage. After
first coolant change, replace coolant every 24 months or 30,000
miles thereafter.
( 6) - If equipped with EGR valve, clean EGR passages when replacing
EGR valve.
( 7) - Inspect and replace as necessary. Replace PCV valve at 60,000
miles.
( 8) - Service interval is not available from manufacturer.
( 9) - Normal service interval is not available from manufacturer.
Manufacturer lists service schedule only under severe service
conditions.

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REPLACEMENT INTERVALS (RAM PICKUP - MEDIUM & HEAVY DUTY - 5.9L
DIESEL) (1)









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Component Months Miles
Air Filter ............................... ( 2) ............... ( 2)
Coolant .................................. ( 3) ............... ( 3)
Engine Oil & Filter
Normal Service .......................... 6 ............... 7500
Severe Service ......................... ( 4) .............. 3750
Fuel Filter
Normal Service .......................... 12 ............ 15,000
Severe Service ......................... ( 4) .............. 7500
Valve Clearance Adjustment ............... ( 5) ............... ( 5)
Automatic Transmission Fluid,
Filter & Band Adjustment
Normal Service .......................... 24 ............ 30,000
Severe Service ......................... ( 4) ............ 15,000
Manual Transmission Fluid ................ ( 6) ............... ( 6)
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)
Normal Service .......................... 36 ............ 45,000
Severe Service ......................... ( 4) ............ 36,000
Front Differential Fluid (4WD) ( 7)
Severe Service ......................... ( 4) ............ 15,000
Rear Differential Fluid ( 7)
Severe Service ......................... ( 4) ............ 15,000
Repack Front Wheel Bearings (2WD)
Normal Service .......................... 24 ............ 30,000
Severe Service ......................... ( 4) ............ 30,000
Normal Service .......................... 48 ............ 48,000
Severe Service ......................... ( 4) ............ 48,000
( 1) - Different interval may be required for normal and severe
service. Severe service is described as long periods of engine
idling, frequent short trip operation of less than 5 miles,
trailer towing, off-highway operation, snow removal operation,
or operating in dusty or excessively hot conditions.
( 2) - Service interval is not available from manufacturer. Use filter-
minder on top of air cleaner housing to determine condition of
air filter. If filter-minder is in the Red zone, replace air
filter. Reset filter-minder by depressing button on top of
filter-minder.
( 3) - Replace coolant at 30,000 miles or 24 months whichever occurs
first. Replace coolant at 24 months regardless of mileage. After
first coolant change, replace coolant every 24 months or 30,000
miles thereafter.
( 4) - Monthly interval is not available from manufacturer.
( 5) - Does not require routine adjustments.
( 6) - Service interval is not available from manufacturer.
( 7) - Normal service interval is not available from manufacturer.
Manufacturer lists service schedule only under severe service
conditions.









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REPLACEMENT INTERVALS (RAM VAN & RAM WAGON) ( 1)








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Component Months Miles
Air Filter
Normal Service ................... 24 ................... 30,000
Severe Service ................... ( 2) .............. ( 3) 15,000


STE ER IN G K NUCKLE S - 4 W D

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 DRIVE AXLES
CHRY - 4WD Steering Knuckles
Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION
Open type steering knuckles are used on all models. Open type
knuckles provide sharper turning angle, decreasing turning radius.
Axle shafts are free floating. Steering knuckles are attached to axle
housing by ball joints.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
REMOVAL
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels. Remove brake
caliper, and support aside. DO NOT allow caliper to hang by brake
hose. On one ton models, remove adapter hub bolts and hub from rotor
and hub assembly. On all models, remove cotter pin from rotor and hub
nut.
2) Remove rotor and hub nut. Remove bolts securing rotor and
hub assembly to steering knuckle. Bolts are accessible from inboard
side of steering knuckle. Remove rotor and hub assembly. Remove hub
spacer from steering knuckle. Note spacer position for installation
reference.
3) Disconnect tie rod end and drag link studs. Remove anti-
lock brake sensor from steering knuckle. Remove ball joint cotter pins
and nuts. Discard lower nut. Using a soft-face hammer, tap steering
knuckle to free it from ball joints.
4) Clean all components with solvent, and dry with compressed
air. Inspect all parts for burrs, chips, wear, flat spots or cracks.
Replace all damaged or worn parts.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: When aligning upper ball joint nut to install cotter pin,
always tighten nut to align holes. Never loosen nut to align
holes.
1) Position steering knuckle on ball joints, and install NEW
lower ball joint nut. Tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. Install upper ball joint nut, and tighten to
specification. Tighten, DO NOT loosen, nut to install NEW cotter pin.
2) Install hub bearing and axle shaft. Connect drag link stud
to steering knuckle arm. Install retaining nut, and tighten to
specification. Install NEW cotter pin. Connect tie rod end stud to
steering knuckle arm. Install retaining nut and tighten to
specification. Install NEW cotter pin. Install anti-lock brake sensor
to steering knuckle.
3) Apply anti-seize compound to splines of front drive axle.
Inspect hub grease seal and wheel bearing. Replace as necessary. From
rear of steering knuckle, install 2 rearward rotor and hub assembly
bolts in steering knuckle.
4) Apply chassis grease to hub spacer to secure on steering
knuckle. Position spacer on rotor and hub assembly bolts. Ensure
spacer is installed with flat edge toward rear of vehicle. Apply
Loctite to rotor and hub assembly bolt threads. Install rotor and hub


STE ER IN G S YSTE M - P O W ER R EC IR CULA TIN G B ALL

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 STEERING
CHRY - Power Recirculating Ball - RWD Trucks
Dakota 4WD, Ram Pickup, Ram Van/Wagon
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
The recirculating ball power steering system consists of
steering gear, steering linkage, pressure and return fluid hoses and
fittings, and a hydraulic steering pump with fluid reservoir.
The steering gear is a power assisted recirculating-ball type
that acts as a rolling thread between worm shaft and rack piston. See
Fig. 1 . When worm shaft is turned, the rack piston moves and piston
teeth mesh with sector shaft teeth, turning pitman arm, which turns
steering linkage.
The steering linkage consists of pitman arm, idler arm(s),
tie rods, center link and drag link (if equipped).
The power steering pump is a constant flow rate and
displacement, vane-type pump. Pump is connected to steering gear by
pressure and return hoses. On gasoline models, pump shaft has pressed
on belt-driven pulley.
On diesel models, power steering pump is bolted onto rear of
vacuum pump and is driven by a common shaft.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Saginaw Rotary Valve Power Steering Gear
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
TESTING

NOTE: Before testing, check fluid level, belt tension, pump pulley,
tire pressure and engine idle speed.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST
NOTE: Replacement fittings are required on Pressure Test Gauge(C
-3309E) for adapting to "O" ring type hose tube ends.
Idle Pressure Test
1) Remove high pressure hose at steering pump and connect a
spare hose to pump fitting. Connect opposite end of spare hose to
Pressure Test Gauge (C-3309E). Connect pressure hose from valve side
of steering gear to valve side of gauge. Valve must be installed on
outlet side of gauge. See Fig. 2.
2) Fully open shutoff valve on test gauge. With a thermometer
in fluid reservoir, start engine and warm fluid to 150-170
F (66-
77C). Turning wheels from stop-to-stop will aid in warming fluid. DO
NOT hold wheels against stop.
3) With engine at idle and gauge valve open, check initial
pressure. See POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS table.
If pressure is greater than 125 psi (8.8 kg/cm

), check for restricted
hoses or crimped lines.
Fig. 2: Installing Pressure Gauge
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS
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Application psi (kg/cm
FD)
Idle Pressure ...................................... 50-80 (3.5-5.6)\
Relief Pressure
Dakota (4WD) ........................................ 1450 (101.9\
)
Ram Pickup .......................................... 1450 (101.9)\
Ram Van/Wagon ........................................ 1400 (98.4)\
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CAUTION: DO NOT leave shutoff valve closed more than 5 seconds, or
pump damage could result.

Relief Pressure Test
1) Close gauge shutoff valve completely 3 times. Record
highest pressure attained each time. All 3 readings must be greater
than specifications and within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm

) of each other. See
POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS table. If pressures
are not as specified, replace pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP (GASOLINE)\
or VACUUM/POWER STEERING PUMP (DIESEL) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
CAUTION: DO NOT hold steering wheel against stops more than 4 seconds,
or pump damage may result.
2) Open test valve and turn steering wheel to left and right
stops. Record highest pressure attained at each stop. If output
pressures are not equal against each stop, gear is leaking internally
and must be replaced. See STEERING GEAR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
Shut off engine, remove test gauge, and connect pressure hose.
LUBRICATION
CAPACITY
CAPACITY\
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Models Pts. (L)\
Dakota (4WD) ............................................. 2.5 (1.2\
)
Ram Pickup & Ram Van/Wagon ............................... 2.7 (1.3)\
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FLUID TYPE
CAUTION: DO NOT use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Use Mopar Power Steering Fluid (4318055).
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Check fluid level with engine cold and not running. Remove
fluid level dipstick on pump reservoir. Dipstick should indicate FULL
COLD with fluid temperature of 70-80
F (21-27C). If needed, add fluid
through dipstick opening, and recheck. DO NOT overfill.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING
Fill power steering pump reservoir to specified level. Start
engine and slowly turn steering wheel to left and right, but DO NOT
contact steering stops in either direction. Stop engine. Inspect
reservoir fluid level and add fluid if necessary. Bleeding process may
have to be repeated several times to completely purge all air from
system.
ADJUSTMENTS
POWER STEERING PUMP BELT
Vehicles are equipped with dynamic tensioner. No adjustment
is required.
POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY

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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SU SPEN SIO N - F R O NT - L IN K/C O IL S PR IN G

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 SUSPENSION
CHRY - Front - Link/Coil Spring
Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION
Link/coil front suspension uses upper and lower suspension
arms attached to frame and drive axle (4WD) or tube axle (2WD). Shoc\
k
absorbers are mounted inside the coil springs, and attached at top to
a bracket with grommets. These brackets are bolted onto the frame with
3 studs on a ring. The shock is mounted at bottom of axle below the
spring seat. See Fig. 1.
A track bar is used, and is attached to a frame rail bracket
with a ball stud. The track bar is isolated with a bushing at the axle
bracket. Other components of the link/coil spring suspension system
are a stabilizer bar, links, upper and lower suspension arms, bushings
and ball joints.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Front Suspension Assembly
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT.