2001 DODGE RAM steering

²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect exhaust system.
111,000 Miles (178 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Flush and replace engine coolant.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
114,000 Miles (182 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
117,000 Miles (187 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
120,000 Miles (192 000 km)
²Replace engine air cleaner element.
²Replace ignition cables.
²
Inspect PCV valve and replace as necessary.*
²Replace spark plugs.
²Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required.**
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect brake linings.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Change automatic transmission fluid, filter and
adjust the bands.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect exhaust system.
*This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler to the customer but it is not required to
maintain warranty on the PCV valve.
**This maintenance is not required if the belt was
previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
DESCRIPTION - MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (8.0L 2500 & 3500
MODELS Ð CALIFORNIA ONLY)
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service based on the conditions that the vehi-
cle is subjected to. Use the schedule that best
describes these conditions.
ScheduleªAº, lists all the scheduled maintenance
to be performed under normal operating conditions
for Medium Duty vehicles.
ScheduleªBº, lists maintenance recommended for
Medium Duty vehicles operated under the conditions
listed at the beginning of that schedule.
²Where the 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 as
required.
²Clean windshield and wiper blades as required.
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
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²
Inspect 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 on schedule ªAº (6,000 Miles) or every other
interval shown on schedule ªBº (6,000 Miles)
²Check engine coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Lubricate steering linkage.
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.
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²Inspect brake linings.
³Off-the-highway operation, trailer towing snow
plowing, prolonged operation with heavy loading,
especially in hot weather require the more frequent
transmission service indicated with an ³ in Schedule
ªBº. Perform these services if the vehicle is usually
operated under these conditions.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
DESCRIPTION - HEAVY DUTY ENGINE
(FEDERAL ONLY ± 2500 8.0L HD AND 3500
5.9L& 8.0L MODELS) MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service based on the conditions that the vehi-
cle is subjected to. Use the schedule that best
describes these conditions.
ScheduleªAº, lists all the scheduled maintenance
to be performed under normal operating conditions
for Heavy Duty vehicles.
ScheduleªBº, lists maintenance recommended for
Heavy Duty vehicles operated under the conditions
listed at the beginning of that schedule.
²Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level, add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
²Clean windshield and wiper blades as required.
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, power
steering and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
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 on schedule ªAº (6,000 Miles) or every other
interval shown on schedule ªBº (6,000 Miles).
²Check engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate steering linkage.
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.
FLUID FILL LOCATIONS AND LUBRICATION
POINTS
The fluid fill/check locations and lubrication points
are located in each applicable group.
HEAVY DUTY SCHEDULE ªAº
6,000 miles (10 000 km) or at 6 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
12,000 Miles (19 000 km) or at 12 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace
as necessary (8.0L only).
18,000 Miles (29 000 km) or at 18 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect brake linings
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x4).
24,000 Miles (38 000 km) or at 24 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace engine air cleaner element and air
pump filter.
²Clean and lubricate crankcase inlet air filter
(5.9L).
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x2).
30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace spark plugs.
36,000 Miles (58 000 km) or at 36 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

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)

DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE
Refer to the Owner's Manual for emergency vehicle
lifting procedures.
WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN A CHASSIS OR DRIVETRAIN COMPO-
NENT IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE
CENTER OF GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME
HOISTING CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY
SUPPORT (Fig. 9) OR SECURE VEHICLE TO HOIST-
ING DEVICE WHEN THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
FLOOR JACK
When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used
to lift a vehicle (Fig. 10). Support the vehicle in the
raised position with jack stands at the front and rear
ends of the frame rails (Fig. 9).CAUTION: Do not lift vehicle with a floor jack posi-
tioned under:
²An axle tube.
²A body side sill.
²A steering linkage component.
²A drive shaft.
²The engine or transmission oil pan.
²The fuel tank.
²A front suspension arm.
NOTE: Use the correct frame rail lifting locations
only (Fig. 11).
HOIST
A vehicle can be lifted with:
²A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
²A twin-post, chassis hoist.
²A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.
Fig. 8 Jumper Cable Clamp ConnectionsÐDiesel
Engine
1 - POSITIVE CABLE CONNECTION
2 - BATTERY
3 - NEGATIVE OR GROUND CABLE CONNECTION
Fig. 9 Safety Stands
1 - SAFETY STANDS
0 - 28 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE
JUMP STARTING (Continued)

²Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could
jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or
other motorists.
²Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, J-hooks, or a
tow sling to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts
or a non-reinforced frame hole.
²Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Damage to
the cab, cargo box or frame may result. Use a flatbed
device to transport a loaded vehicle.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed,
install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels
are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be
sure there is adequate ground clearance at the oppo-
site end of the vehicle, especially when towing over
rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary,
remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle
and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to
increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of
the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs
to retain brake drums or rotors.
RAMP ANGLE
If a vehicle with flat-bed towing equipment is used,
the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15
degrees.
TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not avail-
able, use a flat bed hauler. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type
device can be used on 4WD vehicles providedall the
wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dol-
lies.
FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be
transported on a flat-bed device. A Wheel-lift or
Sling-type device can be used providedall the
wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dol-
lies.
WARNING: WHEN TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
AND THE DRIVE WHEELS ARE SECURED IN A
WHEEL LIFT OR TOW DOLLIES, ENSURE THE
TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION (AUTO-
MATIC TRANSMISSION) OR A FORWARD DRIVE
GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION).
CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air
dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To
avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehi-
cle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended.
0 - 30 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE
TOWING (Continued)

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT.......................1
FRONT - 2WD............................7FRONT - 4WD...........................14
REAR..................................26
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
PRE-ALIGNMENT........................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................2ALIGNMENT INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION...........................2
CASTER CORRECTION MEASUREMENT.....3
ALIGNMENT LINK/COIL SUSPENSION........5
SPECIFICATIONS.........................6
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment is the positioning of the wheels in
relation to the vehicle. This is accomplished through
suspension and steering linkage adjustments. An
alignment is essential for efficient steering, good
directional stability and to minimize tire wear. The
most important measurements of an alignment are
caster, camber and toe position (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2).
CAUTION: Do not attempt to modify any suspen-
sion or steering components by heating and bend-
ing.
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/
steering system components may be required. Rub-
ber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to
Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended
maintenance schedule.
Fig. 1 Alignment Angles - Independent Front
Suspension
1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - TOE-IN
BR/BESUSPENSION 2 - 1

OPERATION
²CASTERis the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle rearward provides positive caster. Tilting the
top of the knuckle forward provides negative caster.
Caster is a directional stability angle which enables
the front wheels to return to a straight ahead posi-
tion after turns.
²CAMBERis the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire.
²WHEEL TOE POSITIONis the difference
between the leading inside edges and trailing inside
edges of the front tires. Incorrect wheel toe position
is the most common cause of unstable steering and
uneven tire wear. The wheel toe position is thefinal
front wheel alignment adjustment.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
Before starting wheel alignment, the following
inspection and necessary corrections must be com-
pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size and tread wear.
(2) Set tire air pressure.
(3) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(4) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lat-
eral runout and balance.
(5) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(6) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(7) Road test the vehicle.
STANDARD PROCEDURES - ALIGNMENT I.F.S.
Before each alignment reading the vehicle should
be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each
bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and
Fig. 2 Alignment Angles - Link/Coil
1 - WHEEL CENTERLINE
2 - NEGATIVE CAMBER ANGLE
3 - PIVOT CENTERLINE
4 - SCRUB RADIUS
5 - TRUE VERTICAL6 - KING PIN
7 - VERTICAL
8 - POSITIVE CASTER
2 - 2 WHEEL ALIGNMENTBR/BE
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

down several times. Always release the bumper in
the down position.Set the front end alignment to
specifications while the vehicle is in its NOR-
MALLY LOADED CONDITION.
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the upper suspension arm
pivot bar (Fig. 3). Refer to the Alignment Specifica-
tion Chart for the correct setting.
CASTER:Move the rear position of the pivot bar
in or out. This will change the caster angle signifi-
cantly and camber angle only slightly. To retain cam-
ber move the forward pivot very slightly in the
opposite direction.
NOTE: For example, to increase a positive caster
angle, move the rear position of the pivot bar
inward (toward the engine). Move the front of pivot
bar outward (away from the engine) slightly until
the original camber angle is obtained.CAMBER:Move the forward position of the pivot
bar in or out. This will change the camber angle sig-
nificantly and caster angle only slightly. The camber
angle should be adjusted as close as possible to the
preferred service specification. After adjustment
is made tighten pivot bar nuts to specifications.
TOE POSITION:The wheel toe position adjust-
ment should be the final adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Center and secure
the steering wheel and turn off engine.
(2) Loosen the tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp
bolts/nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the tie
rod adjustment sleeves as necessary.
STANDARD PROCEDURES - CASTER
CORRECTION MEASUREMENT
NOTE: To determine the correct caster alignment
angle for Cab-Chassis vehicles the following proce-
dure must be performed.
NOTE: 4x2 11000 GVW has a solid front axle and
uses a 4x4 frame.
(1) Take a height measurement to the center of the
front gauge hole in the frame. Take another measure-
ment to the center of the rear spring hanger bolt
(Fig. 4). Take these measurements on both sides of
the vehicle.
(2) Subtract the front measurement from the rear
measurement and use the average between the right
and left side. Use this number (caster correlation
valve) with the Corrected Caster Chart to obtain the
preferred caster angle.
Fig. 3 Caster Camber Adjustment Location
1 - PIVOT BAR
2 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
3 - SUSPENSION ARM FRAME MOUNT
4 - ADJUSTMENT SLOTS
BR/BEWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 3
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)