2001 DODGE RAM Ac control

99,000 Miles (156 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Lubricate tie rod ends every 3,000 miles (5 000
km).
²Inspect front wheel bearings (4x2).
102,000 Miles (163 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Lubricate tie rod ends every 3,000 miles (5 000
km).
²Inspect front wheel bearings (4x4).
105,000 Miles (168 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Lubricate tie rod ends every 3,000 miles (5 000
km).
108,000 Miles (173 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine air cleaner element and air
pump filter, replace as necessary.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.³
²Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4x4).
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect brake linings.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) since last change.
²Lubricate tie rod ends every 3,000 miles (5 000
km).
²Inspect front wheel bearings (4x4).
²Inspect front wheel bearings (4x2).
*Requires Service Reminder Indicator Light. If so
equipped, these parts are to be replaced at the indi-
cated mileage or when the service reminder indicator
light remains on continuously with the key in the
ªONº position, whichever occurs first.
³Off-the-highway operation, trailer towing, snow
plowing, prolonged operation with heavy loading,
especially in hot weather require the more frequent
transmission service indicated witha³inSchedule
ªBº. Perform these services if you usually operate
your Ram Truck under these conditions.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
DESCRIPTION - MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Ð 24±VALVE CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service for the vehicle.First is ScheduleªA.ºIt lists all the scheduled
maintenance to be performed under ªnormalº operat-
ing conditions.
Second is ScheduleªB.ºIt is a schedule for vehicles
that are operated under the conditions listed at the
beginning of that schedule.
Use the schedule that best describes the driving
conditions.
Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level and add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
²Clean windshield and wiper blades as required.
²Drain water from fuel filter.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals
as required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission.
Add fluid as required.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²Check Filter Mindery. Replace air cleaner
element if necessary.
²Inspect and clean wiper blades. Replace if
required.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Adjust rear brakes.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown at 7, 5000 miles (12 000 km) on schedule ªAº
or every other interval shown at 7,500 miles (12 000
km) on schedule ªBº.
²Check engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate steering linkage.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The scheduled emission maintenance listed inbold
typeon the Maintenance Schedules, must be done at
the mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte-
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
0 - 22 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

FRONT - 2WD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT - 2WD
DESCRIPTION............................7
SPECIFICATIONS.........................8
SPECIAL TOOLS..........................9
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION............................9
JOUNCE BUMPER
DESCRIPTION............................9
OPERATION.............................9
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION............................9
OPERATION.............................10
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................10
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................10
LOWER BALL JOINT....................10
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................10
SHOCK
DESCRIPTION...........................11OPERATION.............................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................11
SHOCK...............................11
REMOVAL..............................11
INSTALLATION...........................11
SPRING
DESCRIPTION...........................11
OPERATION.............................11
REMOVAL..............................11
INSTALLATION...........................12
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION...........................12
OPERATION.............................12
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................12
UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................12
UPPER BALL JOINT.....................12
UPPER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................13
FRONT - 2WD
DESCRIPTION
The independent front suspension (IFS) is com-
prised of (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2):
²Shock absorbers
²Coil springs
²Upper and lower suspension arms
²Stabilizer bar
²Steering Knuckles
²Hub/Bearing
²Ball Joints
²Jounce Bumpers
CAUTION: Components attached with a nut and cot-
ter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if the
slot in the nut does not line up with the cotter pin
hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen the
nut to align the cotter pin hole.
Fig. 1 Independent Front Suspension
1 - KNUCKLE
2 - SUSPENSION ARM
3 - COIL SPRING
4 - STABILIZER BAR
5 - SUSPENSION ARM
6 - LINK
BR/BEFRONT - 2WD 2 - 7

OPERATION
The steering knuckles pivots between the upper
and lower ball joints. The steering linkage is
attached to the knuckles controls vehicle steering.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper and rotor, (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie-rod
end. Remove the tie rod end from the knuckle with
Puller C-3894-A.
(5) Remove the cotter pins and nuts from the
upper and lower ball joints. Separate upper ball joint
from knuckle with remover MD-990635. Separate
lower ball joint with remover C-4150A and remove
knuckle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the knuckle on the ball joints and
install the ball joint nuts.
(2) Tighten the upper ball joint nut to 81 N´m (60
ft. lbs.) and install cotter pin.
(3) Tighten the lower ball joint nut to:
²LD: 129 N´m (95 ft. lbs.)
²HD: 149 N´m (110 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install the cotter pin.
(4) Install the tie rod end on the steering knuckle
and tighten the nut to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.). Install
cotter pin.
(5) Install the brake rotor and caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(7) Remove support and lower vehicle.
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower suspension arms as far out-
board as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the
stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
NOTE: The upper suspension arms must not be in
maximum rebound position.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly under the lower
suspension arm.(4) Position indicator plunger against the bottom
of the steering knuckle lower ball joint boss.
NOTE: The dial Indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the steering
knuckle lower ball joint boss.
(5) Position a pry bar over the top of the upper
suspension arm and under the pivot bar of the upper
suspension arm. Pry down on the upper suspension
arm and then zero the dial indicator.
(6) Reposition the pry bar under the upper suspen-
sion arm and on top of the frame rail. Pry up on the
upper suspension arm and record the dial indicator
reading.
(7) If the travel exceeds 0.8 mm (0.030 in.) replace
the suspension arm.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper assembly and rotor,
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
ROTORS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie rod.
Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle
with Puller C-3894-A.
(5) Remove the stabilizer bar link from lower sus-
pension arm.
(6) Support the lower suspension arm outboard
end with jack. Place a jack under the arm in the
front of the shock mount.
(7) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the lower
ball joint. Separate the ball joint with Remover
C-4150A.
(8) Remove the lower shock bolt from the suspen-
sion arm.
(9) Lower the jack and suspension arm until
spring tension is relieved. Remove spring and rubber
isolator (Fig. 5).
(10) Remove bolts mounting suspension arm to
crossmember and remove arm.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the suspension arm on the crossmem-
ber and install the bolts and nuts snug.
(2) Install the rubber isolator on top of the spring.
Position the spring into upper spring seat.
(3) Raise the lower suspension arm with a jack
and position the spring into the lower suspension
arm mount.
(4) Install the lower shock bolt and tighten to 142
N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
2 - 10 FRONT - 2WDBR/BE
KNUCKLE (Continued)

(5) Install the steering knuckle on the lower ball
joint. Install the lower ball joint nut and tighten to:
²LD: 129 N´m (95 ft. lbs.)
²HD: 136 N´m (110 ft. lbs.)
(5) Install the lower ball joint cotter pin.
(6) Install the stabilizer bar link on the lower sus-
pension arm. Install the grommet, retainer and nut
and tighten to 37 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install the tie rod end on the steering knuckle
and tighten nut to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.). Install cotter
pin.
(8) Install the brake rotor and caliper assembly,
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
ROTORS - INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the tire and wheel assembly, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(10) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(11) Tighten the suspension arm crossmember
nuts to 169 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
SHOCK
DESCRIPTION
The top of the shocks mounts on frame brackets
using grommets. The bottom of the shock is bolted to
the lower suspension arms.
OPERATION
The shock absorbers dampen jounce and rebound
of the vehicle over various road conditions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing
noise by lubricating them. Grease and mineral oil-
base lubricants will deteriorate the bushing.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove shock upper nut and remove retainer
and grommet.
(3) Remove lower mounting bolt from suspension
arm and remove shock (Fig. 4).
INSTALLATION
(1) Extend shock fully, install retainer and grom-
met on top of shock absorber. Check grommets and
retainer for wear.
(2) Guide shock up through upper suspension arm
bracket. Install top grommet, retainer and nut.
Tighten nut to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(3) Align bottom end of shock into lower suspen-
sion arm and install mounting bolt. Tighten bolt to
142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove support and lower vehicle.
SPRING
DESCRIPTION
The springs mount between the lower suspension
arms and the front cross member spring seats. A rub-
ber isolator seats on top off the spring to help pre-
vent noise.
OPERATION
The coil springs control ride quality and maintain
proper ride height.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Fig. 4 Shock
1 - SHOCK
2 - JOUNCE BUMPER
BR/BEFRONT - 2WD 2 - 11
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)

(3) Position the indicator plunger against the
upper ball stud boss of the steering knuckle.
(4) Grasp the top of the tire and apply force in and
out. Look for movement at the ball joint between the
upper suspension arm and steering knuckle.
(5) If lateral movement is greater than 0.8 mm
(0.030 in.), replace the suspension arm.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Support lower suspension arm at outboard end
with jack stand.(4) Remove upper ball joint cotter pin and nut.
(5) Separate ball joint from knuckle with remover
MB-990635.
(6) Remove pivot bar bolts from upper suspension
arm bracket and remove arm from vehicle (Fig. 7).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the upper suspension arm on the
bracket and install the pivot bar bolts. Tighten to
169 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the ball joint in the knuckle. Install the
nut and tighten to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.) and replace-
ment the cotter pin.
(3) Remove the jack from the lower suspension
arm.
(4) Install the tire and wheel assembly, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(5) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(6) Align the front suspension, (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 6 STABILIZER BAR
1 - STABILIZER BAR
2 - GROMMET
3 - GROMMET
4 - LINK
Fig. 7 Upper Suspension Arm
1 - PIVOT BAR
2 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
3 - SUSPENSION ARM FRAME MOUNT
4 - ADJUSTMENT SLOTS
BR/BEFRONT - 2WD 2 - 13
UPPER BALL JOINT (Continued)

FRONT - 4WD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT - 4WD
DESCRIPTION...........................14
SPECIFICATIONS........................15
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................16
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL..............................16
INSTALLATION...........................18
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION...........................20
OPERATION.............................20
REMOVAL..............................20
INSTALLATION...........................20
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL..............................20
INSTALLATION...........................20
SHOCK
DESCRIPTION...........................21
OPERATION.............................21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................21
SHOCK..............................21
REMOVAL..............................21
INSTALLATION...........................21
SPRING
DESCRIPTION...........................22OPERATION.............................22
REMOVAL..............................22
INSTALLATION...........................22
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION...........................22
OPERATION.............................22
REMOVAL..............................22
INSTALLATION...........................23
TRACK BAR
DESCRIPTION...........................23
OPERATION.............................23
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................23
TRACK BAR...........................23
REMOVAL..............................23
INSTALLATION...........................23
UPPER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL..............................23
INSTALLATION...........................24
LOWER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL..............................24
INSTALLATION...........................25
UPPER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL..............................25
INSTALLATION...........................25
FRONT - 4WD
DESCRIPTION
The link/coil suspension allows each wheel to adapt
to different road surfaces. The suspension is com-
prised of (Fig. 1) :
²Shock absorbers
²Coil springs
²Upper and lower suspension arms
²Stabilizer bar
²Track bar
²Steering Knuckles
²Hub/Bearing
²Ball Joints
²Jounce Bumpers
CAUTION: Components attached with a nut and cot-
ter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if the
slot in the nut does not line up with the cotter pin
hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen the
nut to align the cotter pin hole.CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be tightened
with the vehicle at normal height. It is important to
have the springs supporting the weight of the vehi-
cle when the fasteners are torqued. If springs are
not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride com-
fort could be affected and premature bushing wear
may occur.
DESCRIPTION
The upper and lower suspension arms use bush-
ings to isolate road noise. The suspension arms are
bolted to the frame and axle through the rubber
bushings. The lower suspension arm uses cam bolts
at the axle to allow for caster and pinion angle
adjustment.
2 - 14 FRONT - 4WDBR/BE

(8) Install a new cotter pin in hub nut. Tighten the
nut as needed to align cotter pin hole in shaft with
the opening in the nut.
(9) Install the rotor, brake caliper with adapter,
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if
equipped, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(11) Install the wheel and tire assemblies, (Refer
to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(12) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(13) Apply the brakes several times to seat the
brake shoes and the caliper piston. Do not move the
vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained.
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION
The knuckles are a single casting with legs
machined for the upper and lower ball joints. The
knuckles also has machined mounting locations for
the front brake calipers adapters and hub bearing
assembly.
OPERATION
The steering knuckles pivots between the upper
and lower ball joints. The steering linkage is
attached to the knuckles controls vehicle steering.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove hub bearing and axle shaft.
(2) Remove tie-rod or drag link end from the steer-
ing knuckle arm.
(3) Remove the ABS sensor wire and bracket from
knuckle.
(4) Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball stud
nut. Remove the upper and lower ball stud nuts.
(5) Strike the steering knuckle with a brass ham-
mer to loosen. Remove knuckle from axle tube yokes.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove hub bearing and axle shaft.
(2) Remove tie-rod or drag link end from the steer-
ing knuckle arm.
(3) Remove the ABS sensor wire and bracket from
knuckle. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedures.
(4) Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball stud
nut. Remove the upper and lower ball stud nuts.
(5) Strike the steering knuckle with a brass ham-
mer to loosen.
(6) Remove knuckle from axle tube yokes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering knuckle on the ball studs.
(2) Install and tighten lower ball stud nut to 108
N´m (80 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to
line up hole and install new cotter pin.
(3) Install and tighten upper ball stud nut to 101
N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to
line up hole and install new cotter pin.
(4) Install the hub bearing and axle shaft.
(5) Install tie-rod or drag link end onto the steer-
ing knuckle arm.
(6) Install the ABS sensor wire and bracket to the
knuckle. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedures.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering knuckle on the ball studs.
(2) Install and tighten lower ball stud nut to 47
N´m (35 ft. lbs.) torque. Do not install cotter pin at
this time.
(3) Install and tighten upper ball stud nut to 94
N´m (70 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to
line up hole and install new cotter pin.
(4) Retorque lower ball stud nut to 190±217 N´m
(140±160 ft. lbs.) torque. Advance nut to next slot to
line up hole and install new cotter pin.
(5) Install the hub bearing and axle shaft.
(6) Install tie-rod or drag link end onto the steer-
ing knuckle arm.
(7) Install the ABS sensor wire and bracket to the
knuckle. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedure.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Paint or scribe alignment marks on the cam
adjusters and suspension arm for installation refer-
ence (Fig. 15).
(3) Remove the lower suspension arm nut, cam
and cam bolt from the axle.
(4) Remove the nut and bolt from the frame rail
bracket and remove the lower suspension arm (Fig.
22).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower suspension arm at the axle
bracket and frame rail bracket.
(2) Install the rear bolt and finger tighten the nut.
(3) Install the cam bolt, cam and nut in the axle
and align the reference marks.
(4) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(5) Tighten cam nut at the axle bracket to 190
N´m (140 ft. lbs.). Tighten rear nut at the frame
bracket to 190 N´m (140 ft. lbs.).
2 - 20 FRONT - 4WDBR/BE
HUB / BEARING (Continued)

SHOCK
DESCRIPTION
The shocks are mounted inside the springs and
attached at the top to brackets with grommets. These
brackets are bolted on the frame with three studs on
a ring. The shock is mounted at the bottom of the
axle below the spring seat.
OPERATION
The shock absorbers dampen the jounce and
rebound of the vehicle over various road conditions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorbermust be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing
noise by lubricating them. Grease and mineral oil-
base lubricants will deteriorate the bushing.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut, retainer and grommet from
the upper stud in the engine compartment.
(2) Remove three nuts from the upper shock
bracket (Fig. 16) .
(3) Remove the lower bolt from the axle bracket
(Fig. 17) . Remove the shock absorber from engine
compartment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower retainer and grommet on the
upper stud. Insert the shock absorber through the
spring from engine compartment.
(2) Install the lower bolt and tighten to 135 N´m
(100 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the upper shock bracket and three nuts.
Tighten nuts to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 15 Cam Adjuster
1 - ADJUSTMENT CAM
2 - AXLE BRACKET
3 - BRACKET REINFORCEMENT
4 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
Fig. 16 Shock Absorber and Bracket
1 - GROMMET
2 - RETAINER
3 - BRACKET
4 - RETAINER
5 - SHOCK
6 - GROMMET
BR/BEFRONT - 4WD 2 - 21
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)