2002 DODGE RAM suspension

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
6Clutch
7Cooling
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
11Exhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transmission and Transfer Case
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control
Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms (Rear of Manual)
NOTE: For New Vehicle Preparation
information, see the separate
publication, 81-170-00003.

HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOISTING
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.
NOTE: When a frame-contact type hoist is used,
verify that the lifting pads are positioned properly
(Fig. 10). The forward lifting pads should be posi-
tioned a minimum of 5 inches forward of the cross-
member bolt access holes (Fig. 11).
Fig. 9 Safety Stands
1 - SAFETY STANDS
Fig. 10 Vehicle Lifting Locations
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 9

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT......................1
FRONT - 2WD............................7FRONT - 4WD...........................14
REAR.................................25
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT . 2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURES - ALIGNMENT
I.F.S. ................................3STANDARD PROCEDURE - CASTER
CORRECTION MEASUREMENT...........3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALIGNMENT
LINK/COIL SUSPENSION.................5
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT..........................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.
Fig. 2 Alignment Angles - Link/Coil
1 - WHEEL CENTERLINE
2 - NEGATIVE CAMBER ANGLE
3 - PIVOT CENTERLINE
4 - SCRUB RADIUS5 - TRUE VERTICAL
6 - KING PIN
7 - VERTICAL
8 - POSITIVE CASTER
2 - 2 WHEEL ALIGNMENTBR/BE
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE
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
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 barinward (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 PROCEDURE - 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)

CORRECTED CASTER CHART-CAB CHASSIS
Caster
Correlation
Value
(inches)4x2 8800
lb. GVW
134.7 in.
wheel
base4x4 8800
lb. GVW
4x2 & 4x4
11000 lb.
GVW
134.7 &
138.7 in.
wheel
base4x2 & 4x4
11000 lb.
GVW 162.7
in. wheel
base
Caster   1
deg.Caster   1
deg.Caster   1
deg.
25.00 4.27É 3.77É 3.81É
24.75 4.39É 3.89É 3.91É
24.50 4.51É 4.01É 4.01É
24.25 4.64É 4.14É 4.11É
24.00 4.76É 4.26É 4.21É
23.75 4.88É 4.38É 4.31É
23.50 5.00É 4.50É 4.41É
23.25 5.12É 4.62É 4.51É
23.00 5.25É 4.75É 4.61É
22.75 5.37É 4.87É 4.71É
22.50 5.49É 4.99É 4.81É
22.25 5.61É 5.11É 4.91É
22.00 5.74É 5.24É 5.01É
21.75 5.86É 5.36É 5.11É
21.50 5.98É 5.48É 5.21É
21.25 6.10É 5.60É 5.31É
21.00 6.23É 5.73É 5.41É
20.75 6.33É 5.83É 5.51É
20.50 6.47É 5.97É 5.61É
20.25 6.59É 6.09É 5.71É
0.00 6.71É 6.21É 5.81É
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALIGNMENT
LINK/COIL SUSPENSION
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
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:The wheel camber angle is preset and
is not adjustable.
CASTER:Check the caster of the front axle for
correct angle. Be sure the axle is not bent or twisted.Road test the vehicle and make left and right turn.
Observe the steering wheel return-to-center position.
Low caster will cause poor steering wheel returnabil-
ity.
Caster can be adjusted by rotating the cams on the
lower suspension arm (Fig. 5). (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
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 adjustment sleeve clamp bolts.
(3) Adjust the right wheel toe position with the
drag link. Turn the sleeve until the right wheel is at
the correct TOE-IN position. Position clamp bolts to
their original position and tighten to specifications.
Make sure the toe setting does not change dur-
ing clamp tightening.
(4) Adjust left wheel toe position with tie rod at
left knuckle. Turn the sleeve until the left wheel is at
the correct TOE-IN position. Position clamp bolts to
their original position and tighten to specifications.
Make sure the toe setting does not change dur-
ing clamp tightening.
(5) Verify the right toe setting.
Fig. 5 Adjustment Cam
1 - ADJUSTMENT CAM
2 - AXLE BRACKET
3 - BRACKET REINFORCEMENT
4 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
BR/BEWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT
NOTE: *4x211,000 GVW has a solid front axle with
link/coil suspension system.
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
4x2&4x4GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT lbs.WHEEL BASE
inchesPREFERRED
CASTER   1.00ÉPREFERRED
CAMBER   0.50É
4 x 2 6,400 118.7 3.66É 0.50É
4 x 2 6,400 134.7 3.89É 0.50É
4 x 2 6,400 138.7 3.99É 0.50É
4 x 2 6,400 154.7 4.17É 0.50É
4 x 2 8,800 134.7 3.53É 0.50É
4 x 2 8,800 138.7 3.59É 0.50É
4 x 2 8,800 154.7 3.78É 0.50É
4 x 2 10,500 134.7 3.33É 0.50É
4 x 2 10,500 154.7 3.58É 0.50É
4 x 4 6,400 118.7 2.86É0.50É
Non Adjustable
4 x 4 6,400 134.7 3.04É0.50É
Non Adjustable
4 x 4 6,600 138.7 3.19É0.50É
Non Adjustable
4 x 4 6,600 154.7 3.37É0.50É
Non Adjustable
4 x 4 8,800 134.7 2.68É0.50É
Non Adjustable
4 x 4 8,800 138.7 2.74É0.50É
Non Adjustable
4 x 4 8,800 154.7 2.88É0.50É
Non Adjustable
4 x 4 10,500 134.7 2.48É0.50É
Non Adjustable
4 x 4 10,500 154.7 2.63É0.50É
Non Adjustable
CAB-CHASSIS VEHICLES
4x2/4x48,800 134.7
Caster Correction
Measurement0.50É
Non Adjustable
*4x2/4x4 11,000 138.70.50É
Non Adjustable
*4x2/4x4 11,000 162.70.50É
Non Adjustable
Preferred Total Toe-In 0.10É (  0.10É)
Preferred Cross Caster 0É (  0.5É)
Preferred Cross Camber 0É (  0.5É)
Thrust Angle 0É (  0.4É)
2 - 6 WHEEL ALIGNMENTBR/BE
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

FRONT - 2WD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT - 2WD
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................7
DESCRIPTION........................8
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................8
SPECIAL TOOLS
INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION......9
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
KNUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT..............................10
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL.............................10INSTALLATION.........................10
SHOCK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK........11
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11
SPRING
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT..............................12
UPPER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
FRONT - 2WD
DESCRIPTION
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
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