2003 DODGE RAM steering

INSTALLATION
(1) Install a new front crankshaft oil seal.
(2) Obtain a seal pilot/installation tool from a
crankshaft front seal service kit and install the pilot
into the seal.
(3) Apply a bead of MopartSilicone Rubber Adhe-
sive Sealant or equivalent to the gear housing cover.
Be sure to surround all through holes.
(4) Using the seal pilot to align the cover (Fig.
127), install the cover to the housing and install the
bolts. Tighten the bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.(5) Remove the seal pilot. Install front seal dust
shield.
(6) Raise the vehicle.
(7) Install the speed indicator ring and the crank-
shaft damper (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE
BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER - INSTALLATION).
(8) Lower vehicle.
(9) Install the fan support/hub assy, and tighten
bolts to 32 N´m (24 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Install power steering pump.
(11) Install accessory drive belt tensioner. Torque
bolt to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.) torque.
(12) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Install the cooling fan and shroud together
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
INSTALLATION).
(14) Install the windshield washer reservoir to the
fan shroud and connect the washer pump supply
hose and electrical connection.
(15) Install the coolant recovery bottle to the fan
shroud and connect the hose to the radiator filler
neck.
(16) Install the radiator upper hose and clamps.
(17) Add coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(18) Connect the battery cables.
(19) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
Fig. 127 Installing Cover with Seal Pilot
1 - SEAL PILOT
9 - 350 ENGINE 5.9L DIESELDR
GEAR HOUSING COVER (Continued)

(3) Discharge the air conditioning system, if
equipped (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Remove the upper crossmember.
(5) Remove the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOV-
AL).
(7) Remove the A/C compressor with the lines
attached (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR -
REMOVAL). Set aside.
(8) If equipped, remove the condenser (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
A/C CONDENSER - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the washer fluid reservoir bottle (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS -
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION).
(10) Disconnect the top radiator hose.
(11) Remove the fan (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(12) Remove the fan shroud.
(13) Disconnect the lower radiator hose.
(14) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines.
(15) Remove radiator (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL).
(16) Remove the generator with the wire connec-
tions (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/GEN-
ERATOR - REMOVAL).
(17) Remove the air cleaner.
(18) Disconnect the throttle linkage.
(19) Remove throttle body (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/THROTTLE BODY -
REMOVAL).
(20) Remove the upper intake manifold (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(21) Remove the coil assemblies with the ignition
cables.
(22) Disconnect the heater hoses.
(23) Disconnect the power steering hoses, if
equipped.
(24) Perform the Fuel System Pressure release
procedure (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE). Disconnect
the fuel line (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(25) On Manual Transmission vehicles, remove the
shift lever.
(26) Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist.
(27) Remove the drain plug and drain the engine
oil.
(28) Loosen front engine mount thru-bolt nuts.(29) Remove the transmission cooler line brackets
from oil pan.
(30) Disconnect exhaust pipe at manifold.
(31) Disconnect the starter wires. Remove starter
motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING/
STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(32) Remove transmission.
(33) Lower vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT lift the engine by the intake
manifold.
(34) Install an engine lifting fixture.
(35) Remove engine from vehicle and install
engine assembly on a repair stand.
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove engine from the repair stand and posi-
tion in the engine compartment. Position the thru-
bolt into the support cushion brackets.
(2) Install an engine support fixture.
(3) Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist.
(4) Install Transmission.
(5) Install the starter and connect the starter
wires (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING/
STARTER MOTOR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install exhaust pipe to manifold.
(7) Install the transmission cooler line brackets
from oil pan.
(8) Tighten the Front mount thru-bolts and nuts to
102N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the drain plug and tighten to 34 N´m
(25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Prime oil pump by squirting oil in the oil fil-
ter mounting hole and filling the J-trap of the front
timing cover. When oil is running out, install oil filter
that has been filled with oil.
(11) Lower the vehicle.
(12) Remove engine lifting fixture.
(13) On Manual Transmission vehicles, install the
shift lever.
(14) Connect the fuel lines (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Connect the heater hoses.
(16) Install the upper intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).
(17) Install the coil assemblies with the ignition
cables.
(18) Using a new gasket, install throttle body
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/
THROTTLE BODY - INSTALLATION).
(19) Connect the throttle linkage.
(20) Install the air cleaner box.
9 - 362 ENGINE 8.0LDR
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

(21) Install the generator and wire connections
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/GENERA-
TOR - INSTALLATION).
(22) Install the upper crossmember.
(23) Install radiator (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION).
(24) Connect the lower radiator hose.
(25) Install the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
INSTALLATION).
(26) Connect the transmission cooler lines.
(27) Connect the power steering hoses, if equipped.
(28) Install the fan shroud.
(29) Install the fan (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION).
(30) Connect the top radiator hose.
(31) Install the washer fluid reservoir bottle (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(32) If equipped, install the condenser (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
A/C CONDENSER - INSTALLATION).
(33) Install the A/C compressor with the lines
attached (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR -
INSTALLATION).
(34) Install the serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(35) Evacuate (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE) and charge the air conditioning system, if
equipped (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(36) Add coolant to the cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(37) Install the battery.
(38) Warm engine and adjust as required.
(39) Road test vehicle.SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
TORQUE CHART 8.0L ENGINE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. In.
Lbs. Lbs.
Camshaft SprocketÐBolt 75 55 Ð
Camshaft Thrust PlateÐ
Bolts22 16 Ð
Coil Pack BracketÐBolts 21 Ð 190
Connecting Rod CapÐBolts 61 45 Ð
Main BearingÐBolts
Step 1 27 20 Ð
Step 2 115 85 Ð
Crankshaft Pulley/DamperÐ
Bolt312 230 Ð
Crankshaft Rear Seal
RetainerÐ22 16 Ð
Bolts
Cylinder HeadÐBolts
Step 1 58 43 Ð
Step 2 143 105 Ð
Cylinder Head CoverÐBolts 16 Ð 144
Drive Plate to CrankshaftÐ
Bolts75 55 Ð
Drive Plate to Torque
ConverterÐ47 35 Ð
Bolts
EGR TubeÐNut 34 25 Ð
EGR ValveÐBolts 20 Ð 174
Engine Support Bracket/
InsulatorÐ68 50 Ð
Through Bolt
Engine Support Bracket/
Insulator to47 35 Ð
BlockÐBolts
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder
HeadÐ22 16 Ð
Bolt
Generator MountingÐBolt 41 30 Ð
Generator to Intake Manifold
Bracket41 30 Ð
ÐBolts
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 363
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Map Sensor Mounting
Screws - 4.7L3-25
Map Sensor Mounting
Screws - 5.9L3-25
Map Sensor Mounting
Screws - 8.0L2-20
PCM-to-Mounting Bracket
Mounting Screws4-35
Power Steering Pressure
Switch - 3.7L14-22 - 124-195
Power Steering Pressure
Switch - 4.7L14-22 - 124-195
TPS Mounting Screws -
3.7L7-60
TPS Mounting Screws -
4.7L7-60
TPS Mounting Screws -
5.9L7-60
TPS Mounting Screws -
8.0L7-60
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolts - 3.7L11 - 100
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolts - 4.7L12 - 105
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolts - 5.7L12 - 105
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolts - 5.9L23 - 200
Throttle Body Mounting
Bolts - 8.0L22 - 192
Oxygen Sensors 30 22 -
SPECIAL TOOLS
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL PRESSURE TESTER - #8978
TEST KIT, FUEL PRESSURE, 8.0L ENGINE - #5069
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 5
FUEL DELIVERY - GAS (Continued)

The IAC motor has 4 wires with 4 circuits. Two of
the wires are for 12 volts and ground to supply elec-
trical current to the motor windings to operate the
stepper motor in one direction. The other 2 wires are
also for 12 volts and ground to supply electrical cur-
rent to operate the stepper motor in the opposite
direction.
To make the IAC go in the opposite direction, the
PCM just reverses polarity on both windings. If only
1 wire is open, the IAC can only be moved 1 step
(increment) in either direction. To keep the IAC
motor in position when no movement is needed, the
PCM will energize both windings at the same time.
This locks the IAC motor in place.
In the IAC motor system, the PCM will count
every step that the motor is moved. This allows the
PCM to determine the motor pintle position. If the
memory is cleared, the PCM no longer knows the
position of the pintle. So at the first key ON, the
PCM drives the IAC motor closed, regardless of
where it was before. This zeros the counter. From
this point the PCM will back out the IAC motor and
keep track of its position again.
When engine rpm is above idle speed, the IAC is
used for the following:
²Off-idle dashpot (throttle blade will close quickly
but idle speed will not stop quickly)
²Deceleration air flow control
²A/C compressor load control (also opens the pas-
sage slightly before the compressor is engaged so
that the engine rpm does not dip down when the
compressor engages)
²Power steering load control
The PCM can control polarity of the circuit to con-
trol direction of the stepper motor.
IAC Stepper Motor Program:The PCM is also
equipped with a memory program that records the
number of steps the IAC stepper motor most recently
advanced to during a certain set of parameters. For
example: The PCM was attempting to maintain a
1000 rpm target during a cold start-up cycle. The last
recorded number of steps for that may have been
125. That value would be recorded in the memory
cell so that the next time the PCM recognizes the
identical conditions, the PCM recalls that 125 steps
were required to maintain the target. This program
allows for greater customer satisfaction due to
greater control of engine idle.
Another function of the memory program, which
occurs when the power steering switch (if equipped),
or the A/C request circuit, requires that the IAC step-
per motor control engine rpm, is the recording of the
last targeted steps into the memory cell. The PCM
can anticipate A/C compressor loads. This is accom-
plished by delaying compressor operation for approx-
imately 0.5 seconds until the PCM moves the IACstepper motor to the recorded steps that were loaded
into the memory cell. Using this program helps elim-
inate idle-quality changes as loads change. Finally,
the PCM incorporates a9No-Load9engine speed lim-
iter of approximately 1800 - 2000 rpm, when it rec-
ognizes that the TPS is indicating an idle signal and
IAC motor cannot maintain engine idle.
A (factory adjusted) set screw is used to mechani-
cally limit the position of the throttle body throttle
plate.Never attempt to adjust the engine idle
speed using this screw.All idle speed functions are
controlled by the IAC motor through the PCM.
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
The Idle Air Control (IAC) motor is located on the
side of the throttle body (Fig. 20).
(1) Remove air resonator box at throttle body.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from IAC motor.
(3) Remove two mounting bolts (screws).
(4) Remove IAC motor from throttle body.
4.7L V-8
The Idle Air Control (IAC) motor is located on the
side of the throttle body (Fig. 21).
(1) Remove air resonator box at throttle body.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from IAC motor.
(3) Remove two mounting bolts (screws).
(4) Remove IAC motor from throttle body.
Fig. 20 IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR - 3.7L V-6
1 - THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)
2 - MOUNTING SCREWS
3 - IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR (IAC)
4 - MOUNTING SCREWS
14 - 34 FUEL INJECTION - GASDR
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR (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
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound evident at a
standstill parking. Or when the steering wheel is at the end of it's travel. Hiss is a high frequency noise similar
to that of a water tap being closed slowly. The noise is present in all valves that have a high velocity fluid passing
through an orifice. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance.
STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONAL HISS OR
WHISTLE1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash panel
seal.1. Check and repair seal at dash
panel.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear. 2. Replace steering gear.
RATTLE OR CLUNK 1. Gear mounting bolts loose. 1. Tighten bolts to specification.
2. Loose or damaged suspension
components.2. Inspect and repair suspension.
3. Internal gear noise. 3. Replace steering gear.
4. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.4. Reposition hose.
5. Loose or damaged intermediate shaft or
column.5. Inspect and repair or replace.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL 1. Loose belt. 1. Adjust or replace.
WHINE OR GROWL 1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. 3. Replace pump.
4. Air in fluid 4. Check for lekas, Evacuate air
from P/S system.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose return line clamp. 1. Replace clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.2. Replace o-ring.
3. Low fluid level. 3. Fill to proper level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir. 4. Repair as necessary.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly. 5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING1. Wrong tire size. 1. Verify tire size.
19 - 2 STEERINGDR
STEERING (Continued)

BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn. 7. Replace gear.
8. Pump seized / Stuck valve 8. Replace pump.
INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Low pump pressure. 4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
5. Internal gear leak. 5. Replace gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Replace gear.
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Inspect and repair or adjust
bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Replace gear.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler. 5. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
VEHICLE PULLS OR LEADS TO
ONE SIDE.1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Rotate tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align front end.
DRSTEERING 19 - 3
STEERING (Continued)