2003 DODGE RAM bumper

REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR
DESCRIPTION.........................38
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK.............................38
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................39
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS (3500)
REMOVAL.............................40INSTALLATION.........................40
SHOCK
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
SPRING
DESCRIPTION.........................41
OPERATION...........................41
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
SPRING TIP INSERTS
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
REAR
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension is comprised of:
²Shock Absorbers
²Jounce Bumpers
²Stabilizer Bar (optional)
²Leaf Springs
²Auxiliary Leaf Spring (3500 series)
²Auxiliary Spring Bumpers (3500 series)
²Drive Axle
CAUTION: A vehicle should always be loaded so
the vehicle weight center-line is located immedi-
ately forward of the rear axle. Correct vehicle load-
ing provides proper front tire-to-road contact. This
results in maximum vehicle handling stability and
safety. Incorrect vehicle weight distribution can
cause excessive tire tread wear, spring fatigue or
failure, and erratic steering.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be
tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is
important to have the springs supporting the weight
of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If
springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle
ride comfort could be affected and premature bush-
ing wear may occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
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 spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deterio-
rate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check
for broken and shifted leafs, loose and missing clips,
and broken center bolts. Refer to Spring and Shock
Absorber Diagnosis chart for additional information.
2 - 38 REARDR

SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SPRING SAGS 1. Broken leaf. 1. Replace spring.
2. Spring fatigue. 2. Replace spring.
SPRING NOISE 1. Loose spring clamp bolts. 1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings. 2. Replace bushings.
3. Worn or missing spring tip inserts. 3. Replace spring tip inserts.
SHOCK NOISE 1. Loose mounting fastener. 1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings. 2. Replace shock.
3. Leaking shock. 3. Replace shock.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber
Lower Nut135 100 Ð
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut135 100 Ð
Spring Clamp U-Bolts
Nuts149 110 Ð
Spring
Front & Rear Bolt & Nut163 120 Ð
Spring
Spring Rear Shackle Nuts163 120 Ð
Jounce Bumper
Bolts40 30 Ð
Auxialiary Spring Bumpers 41 30 Ð
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the spring from the vehicle.
(2) Make small relief cuts in the flared up end of
the bushing metal being careful not to cut the spring.
Use a punch to bend the flared bushing metal down
for push out.
(3) Position the spring eye in a press.
(4) Press the bushing out with an appropriate size
driver.
INSTALLATION
(1) Press new bushing into the spring eye with an
appropriate size driver. The bushing should be cen-
tered in the spring eye.
(2) Stake the outermetal of the bushing in a mini-
mum of six points to retain the bushing.
(3) Install the spring on the vehicle.
DRREAR 2 - 39
REAR (Continued)

JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the two bolts securing the jounce
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 1).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the jounce bumper.
(2) Install the two bolts securing the jounce
bumper to the bracket. Tighten the bolts to 40 N´m
(30 ft. lbs.).
AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS
(3500)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut securing the auxiliary spring
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 2).
(2) Remove the auxiliary spring bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the auxiliary spring bumper.
(2) Install the nut securing the auxiliary spring
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut to 61
N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
SHOCK
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and support the axle.
(2) Remove the upper shock bolt and nut (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
(4)
Remove the rear shock absorber from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the shock absorber in the brackets.
(2) Install the bolts through the brackets and the
shock. Install the flag nut on the top bolt and nut on
lower bolt.
(3) Tighten the upper and lower bolt/nuts Tighten
to 135 N.m (100 ft. lbs.)
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
Fig. 1 JOUNCE BUMPER
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - JOUNCE BUMPER
Fig. 2 AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPER (3500)
1 - NUTS
2 - AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS
Fig. 3 SHOCK ABSORBER
1 - NUT
2 - AXLE
3 - SHOCK ABSORBER
2 - 40 REARDR

HALF SHAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HALF SHAFT
CAUTION.............................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................11
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
SPECIFICATIONS.......................12
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................12CV JOINT-OUTER
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
CV JOINT-INNER
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
HALF SHAFT
CAUTION
CAUTION:: Never grasp half shaft assembly by the
boots. This may cause the boot to pucker or crease
and reduce the service life of the boot.
Avoid over angulating or stroking the C/V joints
when handling the half shaft.
Half shafts exposed to battery acid, transmission
fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid or gasoline may
cause the boots to deteriorate.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Check for grease at the inboard and outboard C/V
joint. This is a sign of boot or boot clamp damage.
NOISE/VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise or a vibration in turns could be
caused by a damaged outer C/V or inner tripod joint
seal boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the
loss/contamination of the joint grease, resulting in
inadequate lubrication of the joint. Noise could also
be caused by another component of the vehicle com-
ing in contact with the half shafts.
CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION
This noise may be a result of a damaged or worn
C/V joint. A torn boot or loose/missing clamp on the
inner/outer joint which has allowed the grease to be
lost will damage the C/V joint.
SHUDDER/VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION
This problem could be a result of a worn/damaged
inner tripod joint or a sticking tripod joint. Improper
wheel alignment may also cause a shudder or vibra-
tion.
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
This problem could be a result of out of balance
front tires or tire/wheel runout. Foreign material
(mud, etc.) packed on the backside of the wheel(s)
will also cause a vibration.
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen lug nuts and hub nut while the with
the vehicle brakes applied.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove wheel and tire assembly
(4) Remove half shaft hub nut.
(5) Remove brake caliper and rotor.
(6) Position hydraulic jack under lower suspension
arm and raise jack to unload rebound bumper.
(7) Remove lower shock absorber bolt.
(8) Remove upper ball joint nut and seperate ball
with Remover 8677 (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
1 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
2 - REMOVER
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
DRHALF SHAFT 3 - 11

FOG LAMP
REMOVAL
NOTE: The fog lamps are serviced from the rear-
ward side of the front bumper.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disengage fog lamp harness connector.
(3) Remove the bolts attaching the fog lamp to the
bumper (Fig. 6).
(4) Separate fog lamp from bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fog lamp in bumper.
(2) Install the bolts attaching the fog lamp to the
bumper.
(3) Connect fog lamp harness connector.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
(5) Check for proper operation and beam align-
ment.
FOG LAMP RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The front fog lamp relay is located in the Power
Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compart-
ment of the vehicle. The front fog lamp relay is a
conventional International Standards Organization
Fig. 5 CLEARANCE LAMP
1 - NUT
2 - CAB ROOF
3 - BULB SOCKET
4 - CLEARANCE LAMP
5 - SCREW
6 - BULB
Fig. 6 Fog Lamp
1 - SCREW
2 - FOG LAMP UNIT
3 - CONNECTOR
Fig. 7 ISO Micro Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 11
CAB CLEARANCE LAMP (Continued)

(4) Install the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel (Fig. 9).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
HEADLAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the push pins attaching the seal to the
fender.
(3) Remove the bolts attaching the headlamp unit
to the fender (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove the bulb sockets from the headlamp
unit
(5) Separate headlamp unit from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not touch the bulb glass with fingers
or other oily surfaces. Reduced bulb life will result.
(1) Install the bulb sockets for the front park/turn
signal and headlamp.
(2) Position headlamp unit in inner fender panel.
(3) Install the bolts attaching headlamp unit to the
fender (Fig. 10).
(4) Align the seal and install the push pins.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
ADJUSTMENTS
Headlamps can be aligned using the screen method
provided in this section. Alignment Tool C-4466-A or
equivalent can also be used. Refer to instructions
provided with the tool for proper procedures.
LAMP ALIGNMENT SCREEN PREPARATION
(1) Position vehicle on a level surface perpendicu-
lar to a flat wall 7.62 meters (25 ft) away from front
of headlamp lens (Fig. 11).
(2) If necessary, tape a line on the floor 7.62
meters (25 ft) away from and parallel to the wall.
(3) Up 1.27 meters (5 feet) from the floor, tape a
line on the wall at the centerline of the vehicle. Sight
along the centerline of the vehicle (from rear of vehi-
cle forward) to verify accuracy of the line placement.
(4) Rock vehicle side-to-side three times to allow
suspension to stabilize.
(5) Jounce front suspension three times by pushing
downward on front bumper and releasing.
(6) Measure the distance from the center of head-
lamp lens to the floor. Transfer measurement to the
alignment screen (with tape). Use this line for
up/down adjustment reference.
(7) Measure distance from the centerline of the
vehicle to the center of each headlamp being aligned.
Transfer measurements to screen (with tape) to each
side of vehicle centerline. Use these lines for left/
right adjustment reference.
VEHICLE PREPARATION FOR HEADLAMP
ALIGNMENT
(1) Verify headlamp dimmer switch and high beam
indicator operation.
(2) Correct defective components that could hinder
proper headlamp alignment.
(3) Verify proper tire inflation.
(4) Clean headlamp lenses.
(5) Verify that luggage area is not heavily loaded.
(6) Fuel tank should be FULL. Add 2.94 kg (6.5
lbs.) of weight over the fuel tank for each estimated
gallon of missing fuel.
HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT
A properly aimed low beam headlamp will project
top edge of high intensity pattern on screen from 50
mm (2 in.) above to 50 mm (2 in.) below headlamp
centerline. The side-to-side outboard edge of high
intensity pattern should be from 50 mm (2 in.) left to
50 mm (2 in.) right of headlamp centerline (Fig. 11).
The preferred headlamp alignment is 1(down
for the up/down adjustment and 0 for the left/
right adjustment.The high beam pattern should be
correct when the low beams are aligned properly.
To adjust low beam headlamp, rotate alignment
screws to achieve the specified aim.
Fig. 10 HEADLAMP Ð TYPICAL
1 - SEAL
2 - PUSH PIN
3 - SCREW
4 - HEADLAMP UNIT
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 15
HEADLAMP SWITCH (Continued)

LICENSE PLATE LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Grasp license plate bulb socket and 1/4 turn
left to release from the license plate lamp unit.
(3) Pull bulb from license plate lamp socket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the bulb in the socket.
(2) Install the socket in to the license plate lamp
unit and 1/4 turn to lock.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
LICENSE PLATE LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the harness connector.
(3) Remove the retaining clip. (Fig. 12).
(4) Separate license plate lamp from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position license plate lamp on the bumper.
(2) Install the clip.
(3) Reconnect the harness connector.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
MARKER LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL
(1) Grasp the lens assembly firmly and pushing
rearward, remove the lens assembly from the fender.
(2) Quarter turn the bulb socket counterclockwise
and remove it from lens assembly.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the lens mounting screws.
(2) Quarter twist counterclockwise the tailgate
marker lamp bulb sockets and remove lamp housing.
Fig. 11 Headlamp Alignment ScreenÐTypical
1 - CENTER OF VEHICLE
2 - CENTER OF HEADLAMP3 - 7.62 METERS (25 FT.)
4 - FRONT OF HEADLAMP
8L - 16 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
HEADLAMP UNIT (Continued)

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION
(1) Quarter twist the bulb socket into the lamp
assembly
(2) Position the lamp assembly against the fender,
using firm pressure insert the lens into the fender.
(Fig. 13)
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the tailgate marker bulb harness to
the lens and quarter twist each bulb assembly clock-
wise to seat bulb sockets.
(2) Position the tailgate marker lens to the tailgate
and install the retaining screws. (Fig. 14)
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The multi-function switch is a resistive MUX
switch that is monitored by the Instrument Cluster.
The turn signals are actuated with the lever on
Multi-Function Switch. The signals are automatically
turned off by a canceling cam (two lobes molded to
the back of the clock spring mechanism). The cam
comes in contact with the cancel actuator on the turn
signal (multi-function) switch assembly. Either cam
Fig. 12 License Plate Lamp Panel
1 - REAR BUMPER
2 - WIRING CONNECTOR
3 - CLIP
4 - LICENSE PLATE LAMP UNIT
Fig. 13 FENDER EXTENSION AND MARKER LAMP
ASSEMBLY
1 - WIRING HARNESS
2 - MARKER LAMP
Fig. 14 Tailgate Marker Lamp Housing
1 - Nut
2 - Tailgate
3 - Bulb Harness
4 - Screw
5 - Lens
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 17
MARKER LAMP UNIT (Continued)