1999 DODGE RAM trunk

terminals. See Fig. 1. Select 10-amp scale.
3) Turn off all electrical accessories. Turn off interior
lights, underhood lamp, trunk light, illuminated entry, etc. To avoid
damaging ammeter or obtaining a false meter reading, all accessories
must be off before turning test switch knob to OFF position.
4) Turn test switch knob to OFF position to allow current to
flow through ammeter. If meter reads wrong polarity, turn test switch
to ON position and reverse leads. Turn test switch to OFF position.
Observe current reading. If reading is less than 2 amps, turn test
switch to ON position to keep electrical circuits powered-up.
5) Select low amp scale. Switch lead to the correct meter
position. Turn test switch to OFF position and compare results to
normal current draw. See the GENERAL MOTORS PARASITIC LOAD TABLE . If
current draw is unusually high for the vehicle's overall electrical
system, remove system fuses one at a time until current draw returns
to normal.
6) Turn test switch to ON position each time door is opened
or fuse is removed. Turn switch to OFF position to read current draw
value through meter. When the cause of excessive current drain has
been located and repaired, remove test switch and reconnect negative
battery cable to the negative battery terminal.
Fig. 1: Connecting Kent-Moore Disconnect Tool (J-38758)
Courtesy of General Motors Corp.
GENERAL MOTORS PARASITIC LOAD TABLE (MILLIAMPS)









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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

(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


WHEEL A LIG NM EN T T H EO RY/O PER ATIO N

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wheel Alignment Theory & Operation
ALL MODELS
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: This article is intended for general information purposes
only. This information may not apply to all makes and models.
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL ALIGNMENT CHECKS
Before adjusting wheel alignment, check the following:
* Each axle uses tires of same construction and tread style,
equal in tread wear and overall diameter. Verify that radial
and axial runout is not excessive. Inflation should be at
manufacturer's specifications.
* Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive play.
Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints. Springs must
not be sagging. Control arm and strut rod bushings must not
have excessive play. See Fig. 1.
Fig. 1: Checking Steering Linkage
* Vehicle must be on level floor with full fuel tank, no
passenger load, spare tire in place and no load in trunk.
Bounce front and rear end of vehicle several times. Confirm