2003 DODGE RAM engine

Late Diesel Engine
The Throttle Control Cable on the late diesel
engine connects the accelerator pedal to the Acceler-
ator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS). A separate
mechanical cable is not routed to the throttle body.
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage or kink cable
core wire (within cable sheathing) while servicing
accelerator pedal, cables or APPS.
(1) Disconnect both negative battery cables at both
batteries.
(2) From inside vehicle, hold up accelerator pedal.
Remove plastic cable retainer and throttle cable core
wire from upper end of pedal arm (Fig. 36). The plas-
tic cable retainer snaps into pedal arm.
(3) Remove cable core wire at pedal arm.
(4) Remove APPS. Refer to (Diesel) Accelerator
Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) Removal / Installation.
(5) From inside vehicle, remove cable clip (Fig. 36).
(6) Remove cable housing from dash panel and
pull cable into engine compartment.
(7) Remove cable housing at APPS bracket by
pressing on release tab with a small screwdriver.To
prevent cable housing breakage, press on tab
only enough to release cable from APPS
bracket.
Fig. 33 ACCELERATOR PEDAL MOUNTING
1 - ACCELERATOR CABLE
2 - PLASTIC RETAINER (CLIP)
3 - THROTTLE PEDAL ARM
4 - PEDAL / BRACKET ASSEMBLY
5 - CABLE CLIP
Fig. 34 CABLE/LEVER/THROTTLE LINKAGE COVER
1 - CABLE/LEVER/LINKAGE COVER
2 - PUSH UP LOWER TAB
3 - SCREWS/CLIPS (2)
4 - TAB PUSH HERE
Fig. 35 SERVO CABLE AT THROTTLE LEVER
1 - PINCH (2) TABS
2 - CABLE MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - PINCH TABS (2)
4 - OFF
5 - THROTTLE CABLE
6 - THROTTLE LEVER
7 - THROTTLE LEVER PIN
8 - OFF
9 - CONNECTOR
10 - SPEED CONTROL CABLE
DRFUEL INJECTION - DIESEL 14 - 95
THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE (Continued)

INSTALLATION
Early Diesel Engine
(1) Install cable through mounting hole on cable
mounting bracket (Fig. 35). Cable snaps into bracket.
Be sure 2 pinch tabs are secure.
(2) Using large pliers, connect cable end socket to
throttle lever ball (snaps on).(3) Install remaining cable housing end into and
through dash panel opening (snaps into position).
The two plastic pinch tabs should lock cable to dash
panel.
(4) From inside vehicle, hold up accelerator pedal.
Install throttle cable core wire and plastic cable
retainer into and through upper end of pedal arm
(the plastic retainer is snapped into pedal arm).
When installing plastic retainer to accelerator pedal
arm, note index tab on pedal arm (Fig. 33). Align
index slot on plastic cable retainer to this index tab.
(5) Connect negative battery cables to both batter-
ies.
(6) Before starting engine, operate accelerator
pedal to check for any binding.
(7) Install cable/lever cover.
Late Diesel Engine
(1) Attach cable to Accelerator Pedal Position Sen-
sor (APPS). Refer to APPS (Diesel) Removal / Instal-
lation.
(2) Push cable housing into rubber grommet and
through opening in dash panel.
(3) From inside vehicle, install clip holding cable
to dashpanel (Fig. 36).
(4) From inside vehicle, slide throttle cable core
wire into opening in top of pedal arm.
(5) Push cable retainer (clip) into pedal arm open-
ing until it snaps in place.
(6) Before starting engine, operate accelerator
pedal to check for any binding.
(7) If necessary, use DRB IIItScan Tool to erase
any APPS Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) from
PCM.
Fig. 36 ACCELERATOR PEDAL MOUNTING
1 - ACCELERATOR CABLE
2 - PLASTIC RETAINER (CLIP)
3 - THROTTLE PEDAL ARM
4 - PEDAL / BRACKET ASSEMBLY
5 - CABLE CLIP
14 - 96 FUEL INJECTION - DIESELDR
THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE (Continued)

STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING SYSTEM....................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE........4
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING...........................5COLUMN...............................6
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION..16
GEAR - LINK/COIL.......................19
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION...........................31
LINKAGE - LINK/COIL....................33
PUMP.................................38
STEERING
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
Power steering systems consist of:
²Steering column
²Rack and pinion steering gear
²Belt driven hydraulic steering pump
²Pump pressure and return hoses
²Oil Cooler
OPERATION
The steering column shaft is attached to the gear
pinion. The rotation of the pinion moves the gear
rack from side-to-side. This lateral action of the rack
pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the direction
of the front wheels (Fig. 1).
Power assist is provided by an engine mounted
hydraulic pump which supplies hydraulic fluid pres-
sure to the steering gear.
Fig. 1 STEERING COMPONENTS
1 - POWER STEERING PUMP ASSEMBLY
2 - RESERVOIR
3 - HOSES
4 - TIE ROD ENDS
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS
6 - RACK & PINION
DRSTEERING 19 - 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
FLOW AND PRESSURE
The following procedure is used to test the opera-
tion of the power steering system on the vehicle. This
test will provide the gallons per minute (GPM) or
flow rate of the power steering pump along with the
maximum relief pressure. Perform test any time a
power steering system problem is present. This test
will determine if the power steering pump or power
steering gear is not functioning properly. The follow-
ing pressure and flow test is performed using Power
Steering Analyzer Tool kit 6815 and (Fig. 2) Adapter
Kit 6893.
FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
(1) Check the power steering belt to ensure it is in
good condition and adjusted properly.
(2) Connect pressure gauge hose from the Power
Steering Analyzer to adapter 6826.
(3) Connect tube 6825A to Power Steering Ana-
lyzer test valve end.
(4) Disconnect the high pressure hose from the
power steering pump.
(5) Connect the tube 6825A to the pump fitting.
(6) Connect the power steering hose from the
steering gear to the adapter 6826.
(7) Open the test valve completely.
(8) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through flow/pressure test
gauge and to get air out of the fluid. Then shut off
engine.(9) Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start
engine again and let idle.
(10) Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi), if
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure reading should be in
the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
(11) Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and
read the flow meter. If the flow rate (GPM) is below
specification, (refer to pump specification chart for
GPM) the pump should be replaced.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing maximum pump pressure output and flow
control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed
for more than three seconds as the pump could be
damaged.
(12) Close valve fully three times and record high-
est pressure indicated each time.All three read-
ings must be above specifications and within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
²Pressures above specifications but not within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
²Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other
but below specifications, replace pump.
(13) Open the test valve and turn the steering
wheel to the extreme left and right positions three
times against the stops. Record the highest pressure
reading at each position. Compare readings to the
pump specifications chart. If pressures readings are
not within 50 psi of each other, the gear is leaking
internally and must be replaced.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against
the stops for more than 2 to 3 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.PUMP SPECIFICATION
ENGINERELIEF
PRESSURE  
65FLOW RATE
(GPM) AT 1500
RPM
1500 series11032 kPa
(1615   65 psi)3.1 - 3.5
2500 & 3500
series12400 kPa
(1800   50 psi)3.5 - 4.0
Fig. 2 Analyzer With Tube and Adapter
1 - TUBE
2 - ADAPTER FITTINGS
3 - ANALYZER
4 - GAUGE HOSE
19 - 4 STEERINGDR
STEERING (Continued)

GEAR - LINK/COIL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................20
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................20
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............21
TORQUE CHART......................22
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............22
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS ENGINE...............23REMOVAL - DIESEL...................24
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS ENGINE...........24
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................25
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................28
PITMAN SHAFT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS......................29
REMOVAL - DIESEL...................30
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS..................30
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................30
GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION
The power steering gear is a recirculating ball type
gear (Fig. 1). The gear ratio's used are 12.5:1.
OPERATION
The gear acts as a rolling thread between the
worm shaft and rack piston. The worm shaft is sup-
ported by a thrust bearing at the lower end and a
bearing assembly at the upper end. When the worm
shaft is turned from input from the steering column
the rack piston moves. The rack piston teeth mesh
with the pitman shaft. Turning the worm shaft, turns
the pitman shaft, which turns the steering linkage.
REMOVAL
(1) Place the front wheels in a straight-ahead posi-
tion.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(2) Lock the steering wheel.
(3) Siphon out as much power steering fluid as
possible.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OUTLET
3 - INLET
4 - VALVE ASSEMBLY HOUSING
5 - PITMAN SHAFT COVER BOLTS
6 - STEERING GEAR
7 - MESHLOAD ADJUSTER NUT
8 - PITMAN SHAFT
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 19

PITMAN SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS ENGINE
(1) Seperate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(3) Rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop and
count the number of turns.
(4) Center the steering wheel by rotating it from
the stop back 1 1/2 turns to achieve center position.
(5) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(6) Remove the pitman shaft from the gear.
(7) Remove dust seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: Use care not to score the housing bore
when prying out seals and washer.
(8) Remove retaining ring with snap ring pliers.
PULLER, SLIDE HAMMER - C-3752
SEAL REMOVER ADAPTER - 8990
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL INSTALLER - 8989
RETAINER RING WRENCH - 8988
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR - 8993
INPUT SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR - 8986
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 23
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)

(9) Remove washer from the housing.
NOTE: Tighten the slide hammer adapter 8990 into
the seal using wrenches, in order to make a tight fit
to pull the seal out. If this is not performed the seal
may tear on the removal making it difficult to
remove.
(10) Remove oil seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool 8990 with slide hammer C-3752.
REMOVAL - DIESEL
(1) Seperate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the steering gear box (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
(3) Install the steering gear in a soft jawed bench
vise.
(4) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(5) Rotate the input shaft with a 12 point socket
from stop to stop and count the number of turns (Fig.
6).
(6) Center the input shaft by rotating it from the
stop 1/2 of the total amount of turns (Fig. 6).
(7) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(8) Remove the pitman shaft from the gear.
(9) Remove dust seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool 8990 (Fig. 5).CAUTION: Use care not to score the housing bore
when prying out seals.
(10) Remove retaining ring with snap ring pliers.
(11) Remove washer from the housing.
NOTE: Tighten the slide hammer adapter 8990 into
the seal using wrenches, in order to make a tight fit
to pull the seal out. If this is not performed the seal
may tear on the removal making it difficult to
remove.
(12) Remove oil seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool 8990 with slide hammer C-3752. (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS ENGINE
NOTE: Generous amounts of the high temperature
grease from the seal kit should be applied to areas
between the pitman shaft bearing and oil seals and
also between the dust seals and snap ring.
(1) Coat the oil seal and washer withhigh temp
grease.
NOTE: Install the oil seal with the lip facing inward.
Flat side of the oil seal should be against the
washer.
(2) Install the oil seal with special tool 8989 driver
and C-4171 handle (Fig. 7).
(3) Install backup washer.
(4) Install the retainer ring with snap ring pliers.
Fig. 5 SLIDE HAMMER
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - SLIDE HAMMER C-3752 USED WITH SPECIAL TOOL
ADAPTER
8990
Fig. 6 CENTERING STEERING GEAR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - 12 POINT SOCKET
3 - RATCHET
4 - INPUT SHAFT
19 - 24 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PUMP LEAKAGE
The pump is serviced as an assembly and should
not be disassembled. The plastic pump reservoir and
the reservoir o-rings can be replaced.
Check for leaks in the following areas:
²Pump shaft seal behind the pulley
²Pump to reservoir O-ring
²Reservoir cap
²Pressure and return lines
²Flow control valve fitting
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
PUMP - INITIAL OPERATION
WARNING: THE FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE
CHECKED WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY
FROM MOVING COMPONENTS.
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicateCOLDwhen the fluid is
at normal temperature.(1) Turn steering wheel all the way to the left
(2) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(3) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(4) Slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 20
times with the engine off while checking the fluid
level.
NOTE: For vehicles with long return lines or oil
coolers turn wheel 40 times.
(5) Start the engine. With the engine idling main-
tain the fluid level.
(6) Lower the front wheels and let the engine idle
for two minutes.
(7) Turn the steering wheel in both direction and
verify power assist and quiet operation of the pump.
If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky looking,
allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and repeat
the procedure.
CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for
an extended period. This may cause pump damage.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUSHING POWER
STEERING SYSTEM
Flushing is required when the power steering/hy-
draulic booster system fluid has become contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid in the steering/booster
system can cause seal deterioration and affect steer-
ing gear/booster spool valve operation.
(1) Raise the front end of the vehicle off the
ground until the wheels are free to turn.
(2) Remove the return line from the pump.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic
booster remove both return lines from the pump.
(3) Plug the return line port/ports at the pump.
(4) Position the return line/lines into a large con-
tainer to catch the fluid.
(5) While an assistant is filling the pump reservoir
start the engine.
(6) With the engine running at idle turn the wheel
back and forth.
NOTE: Do not contact or hold the wheel against the
steering stops.
(7) Run a quart of fluid through the system then
stop the engine and install the return line/lines.
(8) Fill the system with fluid and perform Steering
Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Start the engine and run it for fifteen minutes
then stop the engine.
Fig. 1 POWER STEERING PUMP
1 - 3.7L & 4.7L (6 GROOVE)
PHENOLIC (PLASTIC TYPE) PULLEY
1 - 5.7L,5.9L & 8.0L (7 GROOVE)
PHENOLIC (PLASTIC TYPE) PULLEY
1 - 5.9L DIESEL (8 GROOVE)
STEEL PULLEY
2 - PUMP ASSEMBLY
3 - RESERVOIR
4 - CAP
DRPUMP 19 - 39
PUMP (Continued)