2003 DODGE RAM ABS

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL
Filter Element Only
Housing removal is not necessary for element (fil-
ter) replacement.
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 4) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Pry over 4 spring clips (Fig. 4) from housing
cover (spring clips retain cover to housing).
(3) Release housing cover from locating tabs on
housing (Fig. 4) and remove cover.
(4) Remove air cleaner element (filter) from hous-
ing.
(5) Clean inside of housing before replacing ele-
ment.
Housing Assembly
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 4) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Lift entire housing assembly from 4 locating
pins (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install filter element into housing.
(2) Position housing cover into housing locating
tabs (Fig. 4).(3) Pry up 4 spring clips (Fig. 4) and lock cover to
housing.
(4) Install air duct to air cleaner cover and tighten
hose clamp to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) If any other hose clamps were removed from
air intake system, tighten them to 3.4 N´m (30 in.
lbs.) torque.
(6) If any bolts were removed from air resonator
housing or air intake tubing, tighten them to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.) torque.
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION
The alloy cast iron cylinder heads (Fig. 6) are held
in place by 12 bolts. The spark plugs are located in
the peak of the wedge between the valves.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
GASKET FAILURE
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
²Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
þ Loss of engine power
þ Engine misfiring
þ Poor fuel economy
Fig. 4 AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER
1 - CLAMP
2 - AIR DUCT
3 - AIR CLEANER COVER
4 - LOCATING TABS
5 - CLIPS (4)
Fig. 5 AIR CLEANER HOUSING
1 - AIR CLEANER HOUSING ASSEMBLY
2 - LOCATING PINS (4)
9 - 370 ENGINE 8.0LDR

(4) Install push rods and rocker arm assemblies in
their original position (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLIN-
DER HEAD/ROCKER ARM / ADJUSTER ASSY -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Install lower intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the upper intake manifold onto the
lower intake manifold (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANI-
FOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the exhaust manifolds and new gaskets
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST
MANIFOLD - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifold.
Tighten the bolts to 34 n´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Using a new gasket, position the EGR tube to
the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold.
Tighten the EGR tube nut to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.)
torque. Tighten the bolts to 20 N´m (174 in. lbs.)
torque.
(10) Install the heat shields and the washers.
Make sure that heat shields tabs hook over the
exhaust gasket.Tighten the nuts to 15 N´m (132 in.
lbs.) torque.
(11) Adjust and Install the spark plugs (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK
PLUG - INSTALLATION).
(12) Install coil packs and bracket. Tighten the
bracket bolts to 21 N´m (190 in. lbs.) torque. Connect
the coil wires.
(13) Connect heat indicator sending unit wire.
(14) Connect the heater hoses and bypass hose.
(15) Connect the accelerator linkage and if so
equipped, the speed control and transmission kick-
down cables.
(16) Install the fuel line (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(17) Install the generator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/CHARGING/GENERATOR - INSTALLATION)
and drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY
DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the intake manifold-to-generator
bracket support rod. Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30
ft. lbs.) torque.
(19) The cylinder head cover gasket can be used
again. Install the gasket onto the head rail.For the
left side the number tab is at the front of
engine with the number up. For the right side
the number tab is at the rear of engine with the
number up.
CAUTION: The cylinder head cover fasteners have a
special plating. DO NOT use alternative fasteners.(20) Install cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(21) Install closed crankcase ventilation system.
(22) Connect the evaporation control system.
(23) Install the air cleaner.
(24) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(25) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(26) Check for leaks (fuel, oil, antifreeze, etc.).
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
DESCRIPTION
Die-cast magnesium cylinder head covers (Fig. 10)
reduce noise and provide a good sealing surface. A
steel backed silicon gasket is used with the cylinder
head cover. This gasket can be used again.
REMOVAL
Die-cast magnesium cylinder head covers (Fig. 12)
reduce noise and provide a good sealing surface. A
steel backed silicon gasket is used with the cylinder
head cover (Fig. 11).
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Disconnect closed ventilation system and evap-
oration control system from cylinder head cover.
Identify each system for installation.
(3) Remove the upper intake manifold to remove
the right side head cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - REMOVAL).
Fig. 10 Cylinder Head Cover
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 373
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the bolts and nuts attaching the
exhaust pipe to the engine exhaust manifold..
(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Remove the exhaust heat shields (Fig. 73).
(6) Remove the dipstick bracket from the exhaust
manifold (right side only).
(7)
Remove bolts attaching manifold to cylinder head.
(8) Remove manifold from the cylinder head. Dis-
card the gasket.
CLEANING
Clean mating surfaces on cylinder head and mani-
fold. Wash with solvent and blow dry with com-
pressed air.
INSPECTION
Inspect manifold for cracks.
Inspect mating surfaces of manifold for flatness
with a straight edge. Gasket surfaces must be flat
within 0.2 mm per 300 mm (0.008 inch per foot).
INSTALLATION
(1) Using a new gasket position the engine
exhaust manifold onto the cylinder head. Install bolts
and stud bolts in the proper position. (Fig. 73)
Tighten the bolts to 22 N´m (16 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install the dipstick bracket on to the exhaust
manifold (right side only).(3) Position washers and exhaust heat shields onto
the manifold stud bolts (Fig. 73). Be sure the tabs on
the heat shields are hooked over the top of the
exhaust gasket. Install the nuts and tighten to 20
N´m (175 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Raise and support the vehicle.
(5) Assemble exhaust pipe to manifold.
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(8) Start engine check for leaks.
TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOV-
AL).
(4) Remove fan and fan shroud (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(5) Unbolt A/C compressor and set on top of
engine.
(6) Remove generator, air pump, and bracket
assembly.
(7) Remove water pump (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/WATER PUMP - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove damper bolt and washer.
(9) Using Special Tool 1026 3-Jaw Puller remove
pulley/damper from the crankshaft. (Fig. 74)
(10)
Loosen oil pan bolts and remove the front oil
pan bolts that mount the pan to the timing chain cover.
(11) Remove the cover bolts.
(12) Remove timing chain cover and gasket using
extreme caution to avoid damaging oil pan gasket.
(13) Inspect surface of cover. Remove any burrs or
high spots.
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure mating surfaces of timing chain cover
and cylinder block are clean and free from burrs.
(2) Lubricate the pump rotors using petroleum
jelly or lubriplate (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICA-
TION/OIL PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(3) Using a new cover gasket, carefully install tim-
ing chain cover to avoid damaging oil pan gasket.
Use a small amount of MopartSilicone Rubber Adhe-
sive Sealant, or equivalent, at the joint between tim-
ing chain cover gasket and the oil pan gasket. Finger
tighten the timing chain cover bolts at this time.
(4) Tighten timing chain cover bolts to 47 N´m (35
ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten oil pan bolts to 24 N´m (215
in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 73 8.0L Engine Exhaust ManifoldÐTypical
1 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD
2 - HEAT SHIELD
9 - 404 ENGINE 8.0LDR
EXHAUST MANIFOLD (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REAR FRAME
H-SECTION REPLACEMENT
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN GRIND-
ING OR WELDING METAL, SERIOUS EYE INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FRAME REPAIR
INVOLVING GRINDING OR WELDING, VERIFY THAT
VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT LEAKING OR IN
CONTACT WITH REPAIR AREA, PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT ALLOW OPEN FLAME OR HEAT AND
METAL SPATTER FROM ARC WELDING, TO CON-
TACT PLASTIC BODY PANELS. FIRE OR EXPLO-
SION CAN RESULT.
²WHEN WELDED FRAME COMPONENTS ARE
REPLACED, ENSURE COMPLETE PENETRATION
WELD IS ACHIEVED DURING INSTALLATION. IF
NOT, DANGEROUS OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN
RESULT.
²STAND CLEAR OF CABLES OR CHAINS ON
PULLING EQUIPMENT DURING FRAME STRAIGHT-
ENING OPERATIONS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
²DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHI-
CLE THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not reuse damaged fasteners, quality
of repair would be suspect. Failure to use only pro-
duction fasteners or fasteners of equivalent hard-
ness can result in loosening or failure. Do not drill
holes in top or bottom frame rail flanges, frame rail
failure can result. When using heat to straighten
frame components do not exceed 566ÉC (1050ÉF),
metal fatigue can result.
CAUTION: This procedure is designed to replace
the H-section/spare tire support located at the rear
of the frame assembly. Prior to any cutting, the
vehicle must be mounted on the appropriate frame
repair equipment (ªframe rackº), checked with three
dimensional measuring equipment, and the neces-
sary pull corrections made. If damage remains in
the frame beyond the area covered by this service
part after the pull, the frame must be replaced in its
entirety.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cargo box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/CARGO BOX - REMOVAL)(3) Remove the trailer hitch. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/TRAILER HITCH -
REMOVAL)
(4) Raise and support the frame so the tires are off
floor.
(5) Remove the shock absorbers. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/REAR/SHOCK - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the rear leaf spring shackle bolts and
let the axle rest on the ground. (Fig. 21)
(7) Remove the spare wheel.
(8) Remove the clip and remove the spare tire
winch tube. (Fig. 22)
Fig. 21 REAR SPRING
1 - SPRING SHACKLE
2 - LEAF SPRING EYE BOLT/NUT
3 - REAR LEAF SPRING
Fig. 22 SPARE TIRE WINCH TUBE
1 - SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
2 - HAIR PIN CLIP
3 - WINCH TUBE
4 - H-SECTION/SPARE WHEEL SUPPORT
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 15
FRAME (Continued)

(9) Remove the bolts and remove the spare tire
winch. (Fig. 23)
(10) Position the wire harness forward of the work
area.
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. The
inaccurate and high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.
(11) Carefully remove the H-section welds using a
grinder or equivalent tool.
(12) Remove the H-section and clean any remain-
ing welds from the frame.
(13) Trial fit the replacement part.
(14) Remove all e-coat from within 25 mm (1.0 in.)
of the weld area.
(15) Using the appropriate measuring equipment,
position the replacement part and verify correct posi-
tioning in all three (X,Y, and Z) planes of space.(Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME - SPEC-
IFICATIONS - FRAME DIMENSIONS)
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(16) Weld the replacement H-section into position.
The welding should be performed in a skip (stitch)
type method to minimize the heat buildup following
I-CAR or the American Welding Society welding pro-
cedures and utilizing the process specifications at the
end of this section. Refer to the Weld Process Speci-
fications welding schedule below.
(17) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound through the existing holes
in the frame ensuring 100% coverage including the
mating face between the frame and replacement
H-section.
(b) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(18) Position the wiring harness back.
(19) Install the spare tire winch and install the
bolts. (Fig. 23)
(20) Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(21) Install the spare tire winch tube and install
the clip. (Fig. 22)
(22) Install the spare tire.
(23) Lift the axle into position and install the rear
shackle bolts. (Fig. 21)
(24) Tighten the bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(25) Install the lower shock absorber bolts. (Refer
to 2 - SUSPENSION/REAR/SHOCK - INSTALLA-
TION)
(26) Install the trailer hitch. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/TRAILER HITCH - INSTAL-
LATION)
(27) Install the cargo box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/CARGO BOX - INSTALLATION)
(28) Reconnect the battery ground.
Fig. 23 SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
1 - SPARE TIRE WINCH ASSEMBLY
2 - BOLTS
3 - RETAINER BRACKET
4 - H-SECTION/SPARE WHEEL SUPPORT
13 - 16 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

(3) Install the front skid plate, if equipped. (Refer
to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID
PLATE - INSTALLATION)
FRONT SKID PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the bolts. (Fig. 31)
(3) Slide skid plate back off of the crossmember
and remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Snap the rear tabs over the front crossmember
and install the skid plate.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 34 N´m (25 ft.
lbs.).
TRANSMISSION
CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the transfercase skid plate, if
equipped. (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/
FRAME/TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE -
REMOVAL)
(3) Support the transmission with a suitable lifting
device.
(4) Remove the transmission mount nuts. (Fig. 32)
or (Fig. 33)
(5) Remove the bolts and remove the crossmember.
Fig. 30 FRONT CROSSMEMBER - 4WD
1 - BOLTS (2 PER SIDE)
2 - CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 31 FRONT SKID PLATE
1 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
2 - FRONT SKID PLATE
3 - BOLTS (2)
Fig. 32 REAR CROSSMEMBER - 2WD
1 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT
2 - REAR CROSSMEMBER
3 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT NUTS (2)
4 - CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (2 PER SIDE)
13 - 24 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRONT CROSSMEMBER (Continued)

(2) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(3) Clean fitting of any foreign material before dis-
assembly.
(4)2±Button Type Fitting:This type of fitting is
equipped with a push-button located on each side of
quick-connect fitting (Fig. 5). Press on both buttons
simultaneously for removal. Special tools are not
required for disconnection.
(5)Pinch-Type Fitting:This fitting is equipped
with two finger tabs. Pinch both tabs together while
removing fitting (Fig. 6). Special tools are not
required for disconnection.
(6)Single-Tab Type Fitting:This type of fitting
is equipped with a single pull tab (Fig. 7). The tab is
removable. After tab is removed, quick-connect fitting
can be separated from fuel system component. Spe-
cial tools are not required for disconnection.
(a) Press release tab on side of fitting to release
pull tab (Fig. 8).If release tab is not pressed
prior to releasing pull tab, pull tab will be
damaged.
(b) While pressing release tab on side of fitting,
use screwdriver to pry up pull tab (Fig. 8).
(c) Raise pull tab until it separates from quick-
connect fitting (Fig. 9).
(7)Two-Tab Type Fitting:This type of fitting is
equipped with tabs located on both sides of fitting
(Fig. 10). The tabs are supplied for disconnecting
quick-connect fitting from component being serviced.
(a) To disconnect quick-connect fitting, squeeze
plastic retainer tabs (Fig. 10) against sides of
quick-connect fitting with your fingers. Tool use isnot required for removal and may damage plastic
retainer.
(b) Pull fitting from fuel system component
being serviced.
(c) The plastic retainer will remain on compo-
nent being serviced after fitting is disconnected.
The o-rings and spacer will remain in quick-con-
nect fitting connector body.
Fig. 5 2-BUTTON TYPE FITTING
1 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
2 - PUSH-BUTTONS (2)
Fig. 6 PINCH TYPE QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
1 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
2 - PINCH TABS
Fig. 7 SINGLE-TAB TYPE FITTING
1 - PULL TAB
2 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTING
3 - PRESS HERE TO REMOVE PULL TAB
4 - INSERTED TUBE END
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 9
QUICK CONNECT FITTING (Continued)

Tank Removal
(1) Loosen clamp and disconnect rubber fuel vent
hose (Fig. 28) at tank fitting.
(2) Support tank with a hydraulic jack.
(3) Remove 2 fuel tank strap nuts (Fig. 29) and
remove both tank support straps.
(4) Carefully lower tank a few inches and discon-
nect fuel pump module electrical connector (Fig. 30)
at top of tank. To disconnect electrical connector:
Push upward on red colored tab to unlock. Push on
black colored tab while removing connector.(5) Disconnect fuel line at fuel filter / fuel pressure
regulator (Fig. 30) by pressing on tabs at side of
quick-connect fitting.
(6) Disconnect EVAP line at top of tank (Fig. 1).
(7) Continue to lower tank for removal.
(8) If fuel tank is to be replaced, remove fuel pump
module from tank. Refer to Fuel Pump Module
Removal/Installation procedures.
Fig. 28 FUEL TANK FILL / VENT HOSES
1 - BEZEL SCREWS
2 - FUEL FILL BEZEL
3 - HOSE CLAMPS4 - VENT HOSE
5 - FUEL TANK
6 - FILL HOSE
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 21
FUEL TANK (Continued)