2003 DODGE RAM battery

(11) Remove the (3) bolts that attach the front axle
to the left engine bracket.
(12) Lower the front axle.
(13) Remove the (6) through bolts
(14) Raise the engine far enough to be able to
remove the left (Fig. 47) and right (Fig. 48) engine
mounts.
(15) Remove the engine mounts.
INSTALLATION
2WD
NOTE: For mount to engine block and left engine
bracket to front axle bolts, apply MoparTLock and
Seal Adhesive, Medium Strength Threadlocker.
(1) Install the right and left side engine mounts to
the engine block with (8) bolts. Torque bolts to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(2) Insert the (2) through bolts into the right and
left side engine mounts and loose assemble the two
nuts onto the through bolts.
(3) Lower the engine until the through bolts rest
onto the slots in the frame brackets.(4) Tighten the through bolt nuts to 94 N´m (70 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Install the oil drain trough.
(6) Install the engine oil filter.
(7) Lower the vehicle.
(8) Install the viscous fan (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
REMOVAL).
(9) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
4WD
NOTE: For mount to engine block and left engine
bracket to front axle bolts, apply MoparTLock and
Seal Adhesive, Medium Strength Threadlocker.
(1) Install the right and left side engine mounts to
the front axle. Torque nuts to 94 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(2) Raise the front axle into the frame and install
the left and right side through bolts. Torque nuts to
94 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(3) Insert the two upper through bolts into the
right and left side engine mounts and loose assemble
the two nuts onto the through bolts.
(4) Lower the engine until the left and right side
engine brackets rest on the through bolts, and the
lower engine bracket through holes align with the
engine mounts, and the left engine bracket holes
align with the front axle slots (Fig. 49).
(5) Loose assemble the (3) bolts that attach the
front axle to the left engine bracket.
Fig. 47 ENGINE SUPPORT BRACKET 5.9L
1 - ENGINE SUPPORT BRACKET
2 - BOLT
3 - BOLT
Fig. 48 ENGINE SUPPORT RH 4X4
1 - BOLT
2 - ENGINE SUPPORT
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 265
FRONT MOUNT (Continued)

(6) Loose assemble the lower through bolts.
(7) Torque the nuts for the (4) through bolts to 101
N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(8) Torque the (3) bolts that attach the front axle
to the left engine bracket to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the oil drain trough.
(10) Install the engine oil filter.
(11) Install the front crossmember.
(12) Install the skid plate.
(13) Lower the vehicle.
(14) Install the viscous fan (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
REMOVAL).
(15) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
(2) Using a suitable jack, support transmission.
(3) Remove the nuts from the transmission mount
(Fig. 50).
(4) Remove the two bolts that attach the transmis-
sion mount to the engine bracket.
Fig. 49 ENGINE INSULATOR MOUNTS 4X4
1 - RH INSULATOR TO AXLE BOLT
2 - NUT
3 - PINION SUPPORT MOUNT
4 - LH INSULATOR MOUNT5 - LH INSULATOR TO AXLE BOLT
6 - FRONT AXLE
7 - NUT
8 - RH INSULATOR MOUNT
Fig. 50 TRANSMISSION MOUNT
1 - MOUNT
2 - CROSSMEMBER
3 - NUT
4 - BOLT
9 - 266 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
FRONT MOUNT (Continued)

(6) Add oil only if level is below the ADD mark on
dipstick.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals
described in the Maintenance Schedule. This infor-
mation can be found in the owner's manual.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Run engine until achieving normal operating tem-
perature.
(1) Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn
engine off.
(2) Hoist vehicle.
(3) Remove oil fill cap.
(4) Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase
drain.
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase and allow
oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug threads for
stretching or other damage. Replace drain plug and
gasket if damaged.
(6) Install drain plug in crankcase.
(7) Change oil filter (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL FILTER - REMOVAL).
(8) Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified
type (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/
FLUID TYPES - DESCRIPTION) and amount of
engine oil (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTE-
NANCE - SPECIFICATIONS).
(9) Install oil fill cap.
(10) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
(11) Stop engine and inspect oil level.
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL
All engines are equipped with a high quality full-
flow, disposable type oil filter. DaimlerChrysler Cor-
poration recommends a Mopartor equivalent oil
filter be used.
(1) Position a drain pan under the oil filter.
(2) Using a suitable oil filter wrench loosen filter.
(3) Rotate the oil filter counterclockwise to remove
it from the cylinder block oil filter boss (Fig. 54).
(4) When filter separates from adapter nipple, tip
gasket end upward to minimize oil spill. Remove fil-
ter from vehicle.
(5) With a wiping cloth, clean the gasket sealing
surface (Fig. 55) of oil and grime.
(6) Install new filter (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL FILTER - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION
(1) Lightly lubricate oil filter gasket with engine
oil or chassis grease.(2) Thread filter onto adapter nipple. When gasket
makes contact with sealing surface, (Fig. 55) hand
tighten filter one full turn, do not over tighten.
(3) Add oil (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/
OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
OIL PAN
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Remove engine oil dipstick.
(3) Raise vehicle.
(4) Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove exhaust pipe.
(6) Remove left engine to transmission strut.
(7) Loosen the right side engine support bracket
cushion thru-bolt nut and raise the engine slightly.
Remove oil pan by sliding backward and out.
(8) Remove the one-piece gasket.
CLEANING
Clean the block and pan gasket surfaces.
Fig. 54 Oil Filter RemovalÐTypical
1 - ENGINE OIL FILTER
2 - OIL FILTER WRENCH
Fig. 55 Oil Filter Sealing SurfaceÐTypical
1 - SEALING SURFACE
2 - RUBBER GASKET
3 - OIL FILTER
9 - 270 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
OIL (Continued)

Trim or remove excess sealant film in the rear
main cap oil pan gasket groove.DO NOT remove
the sealant inside the rear main cap slots.
If present, trim excess sealant from inside the
engine.
Clean oil pan in solvent and wipe dry with a clean
cloth.
Clean oil screen and pipe thoroughly in clean sol-
vent. Inspect condition of screen.
INSPECTION
Inspect oil drain plug and plug hole for stripped or
damaged threads. Repair as necessary.
Inspect oil pan mounting flange for bends or distor-
tion. Straighten flange, if necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the block and pan gasket surfaces.
(2) Trim or remove excess sealant film in the rear
main cap oil pan gasket groove.DO NOT remove
the sealant inside the rear main cap slots.
(3) If present, trim excess sealant from inside the
engine.
(4)
Fabricate 4 alignment dowels from 5/16x11/2
inch bolts. Cut the head off the bolts and cut a slot into
the top of the dowel. This will allow easier installation
and removal with a screwdriver (Fig. 56).
(5) Install the dowels in the cylinder block (Fig.
57).
(6) Apply small amount of MopartSilicone Rubber
Adhesive Sealant, or equivalent in the corner of the
cap and the cylinder block.
(7) Slide the one-piece gasket over the dowels and
onto the block.
(8) Position the oil pan over the dowels and onto
the gasket.
(9) Install the oil pan bolts. Tighten the bolts to 24
N´m (215 in. lbs.) torque.(10) Remove the dowels. Install the remaining oil
pan bolts. Tighten these bolts to 24 N´m (215 in. lbs.)
torque.
(11) Lower the engine into the support cushion
brackets and tighten the thru bolt nut to the proper
torque.
(12) Install the drain plug. Tighten drain plug to
34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(13) Install the engine to transmission strut.
(14) Install exhaust pipe.
(15) Lower vehicle.
(16) Install dipstick.
(17) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(18) Fill crankcase with oil to proper level.
Fig. 56 Fabrication of Alignment Dowels
1 - 5/16º X 11¤2º BOLT
2 - DOWEL
3 - SLOT
Fig. 57 Position of Dowels in Cylinder Block
1 - DOWEL
2 - DOWEL
3 - DOWEL
4 - DOWEL
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 271
OIL PAN (Continued)

WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS, OR THE FAN.
DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(1) Start the engine.
(2) Spray a small stream of water at the suspected
leak area.
(3) If a change in RPMs occur, the area of the sus-
pected leak has been found.
(4) Repair as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the A/C compressor (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
COMPRESSOR - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the generator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/CHARGING/GENERATOR - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the accessory drive bracket.
(6) Remove the air cleaner.
(7) Perform the Fuel System Pressure release pro-
cedure (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIV-
ERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE). Disconnect the
fuel lines (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Disconnect the accelerator linkage (Refer to 14
- FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/THROTTLE
CONTROL CABLE - REMOVAL) and if so equipped,
the speed control and transmission kickdown cables.
(9) Remove the return spring.
(10) Remove the distributor cap and wires.
(11) Disconnect the coil wires.
(12) Disconnect the heat indicator sending unit
wire.
(13) Disconnect the heater hoses and bypass hose.
(14) Remove the closed crankcase ventilation and
evaporation control systems.
(15) Remove intake manifold bolts.
(16) Lift the intake manifold and throttle body out
of the engine compartment as an assembly.
(17) Remove and discard the flange side gaskets
and the front and rear end seals.
(18) Remove the throttle body bolts and lift the
throttle body off the intake manifold (Fig. 68). Dis-
card the gasket.
(19) If required, remove the plenum pan and gas-
ket. Discard gasket.
CLEANING
Clean manifold in solvent and blow dry with com-
pressed air.Clean cylinder block gasket surfaces using a suit-
able solvent.
The plenum pan rail must be clean and dry (free of
all foreign material).
INSPECTION
Inspect manifold for cracks.
Inspect mating surfaces of manifold for flatness
with a straightedge.
INSTALLATION
(1) If removed, position new plenum gasket and
install plenum pan (Fig. 69).
(2) Tighten plenum pan mounting bolts as follows:
²Step 1. Tighten bolts to 5.4 N´m (48 in. lbs.)
²Step 2. Tighten bolts to 9.5 N´m (84 in. lbs.)
²Step 3. Check all bolts are at 9.5 N´m (84 in.
lbs.)
(3) Install the flange gaskets. Ensure that the ver-
tical port alignment tab is resting on the deck face of
the block. Also the horizontal alignment tabs must be
in position with the mating cylinder head gasket tabs
(Fig. 71). The words MANIFOLD SIDE should be vis-
ible on the center of each flange gasket.
(4) Apply MopartGEN II Silicone Rubber Adhe-
sive Sealant, or equivalent, to the four corner joints.
An excessive amount of sealant is not required to
ensure a leak proof seal. However, an excessive
amount of sealant may reduce the effectiveness of
the flange gasket. The sealant should be approxi-
mately 5 mm (0.2 in) in diameter and 15 mm (0.6 in.)
long.
Fig. 68 Throttle Body Assembly
1 - FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY
2 - FUEL RAIL MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - FUEL RAIL CONNECTING HOSES
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 275
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

equipped, the speed control and transmission kick-
down cables.
(16) Install the fuel lines (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(17) Install the accessory drive bracket and A/C
compressor (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR -
INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the generator and drive belt (Refer to 7
- COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION). Tighten generator mounting bolt
to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(19) Install the air cleaner.
(20) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(21) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION
The exhaust manifolds (Fig. 73) are constructed of
cast iron and are LOG type with balanced flow. One
exhaust manifold is attached to each cylinder head.
OPERATION
The exhaust manifolds collect the engine exhaust
exiting the combustion chambers, then channels the
exhaust gases to the exhaust pipes attached to the
manifolds.
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.(6) Remove bolts, nuts and washers attaching
manifold to cylinder head.
(7) Remove manifold from the cylinder head.
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
CAUTION: If the studs came out with the nuts when
removing the engine exhaust manifold, install new
studs. Apply sealer on the coarse thread ends.
Water leaks may develop at the studs if this precau-
tion is not taken.
(1) Position the engine exhaust manifolds on the
two studs located on the cylinder head. Install coni-
cal washers and nuts on these studs (Fig. 74).
(2) Install two bolts and conical washers at the
inner ends of the engine exhaust manifold outboard
arms. Install two bolts WITHOUT washers on the
center arm of engine exhaust manifold (Fig. 74).
Starting at the center arm and working outward,
tighten the bolts and nuts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Install the exhaust heat shields.
(4) Raise and support the vehicle.
Fig. 72 Intake Manifold Bolt Tightening SequenceFig. 73 Exhaust ManifoldsÐV-8 Gas Engines Typical
1 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (LEFT)
2 - BOLTS & WASHERS
3 - NUTS & WASHERS
4 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (RIGHT)
5 - BOLTS & WASHERS
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 277
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

(5) Assemble exhaust pipe to manifold and secure
with bolts, nuts and retainers. Tighten the bolts and
nuts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Remove water pump (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/WATER PUMP - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove power steering pump (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove vibration damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(5) Loosen oil pan bolts and remove the front bolt
at each side.
(6) Remove the cover bolts.
(7) Remove chain case cover and gasket using
extreme caution to avoid damaging oil pan gasket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure mating surfaces of chain case cover
and cylinder block are clean and free from burrs.
(2) The water pump mounting surface must be
cleaned.
(3) Using a new cover gasket, carefully install
chain case 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.NOTE: Special Tool 6635 must be used to align the
front cover and seal with the crankshaft.
(4) Position the special tool 6635 onto the crank-
shaft (Fig. 75).
(5) Tighten chain case cover bolts to 41 N´m (30
ft.lbs.) torque. Tighten oil pan bolts to 24 N´m (215
in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Remove special tool 6635.
(7)
Inspect the seal flange on the vibration damper.
(8) Install vibration damper (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER - INSTAL-
LATION).
(9) Install water pump and housing assembly
using new gaskets (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
WATER PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install power steering pump (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(12) Install the cooling system fan (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(13) Position the fan shroud and install the bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(14) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(16) Start engine check for leaks.
Fig. 74 Engine Exhaust Manifold Installation - 5.9L
Engines
1 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (LEFT)
2 - BOLTS & WASHERS
3 - NUTS & WASHERS
4 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD (RIGHT)
5 - BOLTS & WASHERS
Fig. 75 Position Special Tool 6635 onto Crankshaft
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6635
2 - OIL SEAL
3 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
9 - 278 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
EXHAUST MANIFOLD (Continued)

TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove Timing Chain Cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(3) Re-install the vibration damper bolt finger
tight. Using a suitable socket and breaker bar, rotate
the crankshaft to align timing marks as shown in
(Fig. 76).
(4) Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt and
remove timing chain with crankshaft and camshaft
sprockets.
INSPECTIONÐMEASURING TIMING CHAIN
STRETCH
(1) Place a scale next to the timing chain so that
any movement of the chain may be measured.
(2) Place a torque wrench and socket over cam-
shaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply torque in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack; 41
N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque with cylinder head installed
or 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.) torque with cylinder head
removed. With a torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block the crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Hold a scale with dimensional reading even
with the edge of a chain link. With cylinder heads
installed, apply 14 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque in the
reverse direction. With the cylinder heads removed,
apply 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.) torque in the reverse direc-
tion. Note the amount of chain movement (Fig. 77).
(4) Install a new timing chain, if its movement
exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 inch).
INSTALLATION
(1) Place both camshaft sprocket and crankshaft
sprocket on the bench with timing marks on exactimaginary center line through both camshaft and
crankshaft bores.
(2) Place timing chain around both sprockets.
(3) Turn crankshaft and camshaft to line up with
keyway location in crankshaft sprocket and in cam-
shaft sprocket.
(4) Lift sprockets and chain (keep sprockets tight
against the chain in position as described).
(5) Slide both sprockets evenly over their respec-
tive shafts and use a straightedge to check alignment
of timing marks (Fig. 78).
(6) Install the camshaft bolt. Tighten the bolt to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Check camshaft end play. The end play should
be 0.051-0.152 mm (0.002-0.006 inch) with a new
thrust plate and up to 0.254 mm (0.010 inch) with a
used thrust plate. If not within these limits install a
new thrust plate.
(8) Install the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 76 Alignment of Timing Marks
1 - TIMING MARKS
Fig. 77 Measuring Timing Chain Stretch
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
2 - 3.175 MM
(0.125 IN.)
Fig. 78 Alignment of Timing Marks
1 - TIMING MARKS
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 279