2003 DODGE RAM engine

PISTON RING SIDE CLEARANCE
NOTE: Make sure the piston ring grooves are clean
and free of nicks and burrs.
(5) Measure the ring side clearance as shown (Fig.
14)make sure the feeler gauge fits snugly between
the ring land and the ring. Replace any ring not
within specification.
(6) Rotate the ring around the piston, the ring
must rotate in the groove with out binding.PISTON RING SPECIFICATION CHART
Ring Position Groove Maximum
Clearance Clearance
Upper Ring 0.6715-
.0.7105mm0.11mm
(0.0264- 0.0279
in.)(0.004 in.)
Intermediate
Ring0.5455-
0.6245mm0.10mm
(0.0214-0.0245
in.)(0.004 in.)
Ring Position Ring Gap Wear Limit
Upper Ring 0.23-0.38mm 0.43mm
(0.0090-0.0149
in.)(0.017 in.)
Intermediate
Ring0.35-0.60mm 0.74mm
(0.0137-0.0236
in.)(0.029 in.)
Oil Control Ring 0.015-0.66mm 1.55mm
(Steel Rail) (0.0059- 0.0259
in.)(0.061 in.)
(7) The No. 1 and No. 2 piston rings have a differ-
ent cross section. Ensure No. 2 ring is installed with
manufacturers I.D. mark (Dot) facing up, towards top
of the piston.
NOTE: Piston rings are installed in the following
order:
²Oil ring expander.
²Upper oil ring side rail.
²Lower oil ring side rail.
²No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
²No. 1 Upper piston ring.
Fig. 14 Measuring Piston Ring Side Clearance
1 - FEELER GAUGE
9 - 208 ENGINE - 5.7LDR
PISTON RINGS (Continued)

(8) Install the oil ring expander.
(9) Install upper side rail (Fig. 15) by placing one
end between the piston ring groove and the expander
ring. Hold end firmly and press down the portion to
be installed until side rail is in position. Repeat this
step for the lower side rail.
(10) Install No. 2 intermediate piston ring using a
piston ring installer (Fig. 16).
(11) Install No. 1 upper piston ring using a piston
ring installer (Fig. 16).
(12) Position piston ring end gaps as shown in
(Fig. 17). It is important that expander ring gap is at
least 45É from the side rail gaps, but not on the pis-
ton pin center or on the thrust direction.
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Remove radiator upper hose.
(5) Remove upper fan shroud.
(6) Using Special Tools 6958 Spanner with Adapter
Pins 8346, loosen fan and viscous assembly from
water pump.
(7) Remove fan and viscous assembly.
(8) Remove crankshaft damper bolt.
(9) Remove damper using Special Tools 8513A
Insert and 8454 Three Jaw Puller.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: To prevent severe damage to the Crank-
shaft, Damper or Special Tool 8512±A, thoroughly
clean the damper bore and the crankshaft nose
before installing Damper.
(1) Slide damper onto crankshaft slightly.
CAUTION: Special Tool 8512±A, is assembled in a
specific sequence. Failure to assemble this tool in
this sequence can result in tool failure and severe
damage to either the tool or the crankshaft.
(2) Assemble Special Tool 8512±A as follows, The
nut is threaded onto the shaft first. Then the roller
Fig. 15 SIDE RAIL - INSTALLATION
1 - SIDE RAIL END
Fig. 16 UPPER AND INTERMEDIATE RINGS
Fig. 17 PISTON RING END GAP POSITION
1 - SIDE RAIL UPPER
2 - NO. 1 RING GAP
3 - PISTON PIN
4 - SIDE RAIL LOWER
5 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
DRENGINE - 5.7L 9 - 209
PISTON RINGS (Continued)

bearing is placed onto the threaded rod (The hard-
ened bearing surface of the bearingMUSTface the
nut). Then the hardened washer slides onto the
threaded rod (Fig. 18). Once assembled coat the
threaded rod's threads with MopartNickel Anti-
Seize or (Loctite No. 771).
(3) Using Special Tool 8512±A, press damper onto
crankshaft.
(4) Install then tighten crankshaft damper bolt to
176 N´m (129 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install fan blade assembly (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Install radiator upper shroud and tighten fas-
teners to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.).
(7) Install radiator upper hose.
(8) Install accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(9) Refill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(10) Connect negative cable to battery.STRUCTURAL COVER
DESCRIPTION
The structural dust cover is made of die cast alu-
minum and joins the lower half of the transmission
bell housing to the engine.
OPERATION
The structural cover provides additional power-
train stiffness and reduces noise and vibration.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove the bolts retaining structural cover.
(3) Remove the structural cover.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The structural cover must be installed as
described in the following steps. Failure to do so
will cause severe damage to the cover, and engine
noise.
(1) Position the structural cover in the vehicle.
(2) Install all bolts retaining the cover-to-engine.
DO NOT tighten the bolts at this time.
(3) Install the cover-to-transmission bolts. Do NOT
tighten at this time.
CAUTION: The structural cover must be held tightly
against the corner formed by the engine and the
transmission bell housing during tightening
sequence. Failure to do so may cause damage to
the cover and engine noise.
(4) Torque the structural cover bolt that is closest
to the front face of block on the passenger side of
block to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(5) Torque the structural cover bolt that is closest
to the rear face of block on the drivers side to 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.).
(6) Torque the remaining structural cover bolts
that go into theblockin an ªXº pattern to 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.).
(7) Torque the structural cover bolts that go into
thetransmissionin an ªXº pattern to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
Fig. 18 Proper Assembly Method for Special Tool
8512
1 - BEARING
2 - NUT
3 - THREADED ROD
4 - BEARING HARDENED SURFACE (FACING NUT)
5 - HARDENED WASHER
9 - 210 ENGINE - 5.7LDR
VIBRATION DAMPER (Continued)

FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL
2WD
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Remove engine mount through bolts.
(4) Raise engine using engine support fixture spe-
cial tool # 8534.
(5) Remove engine mount to insulator bolts (Fig.
19), (Fig. 20).
(6) Remove insulator from engine.
4WD
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Remove the skid plate.
(4) Remove the front crossmember(Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT CROSS-
MEMBER - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the engine oil filter.
(6) Support the engine using engine support fix-
ture, special tool # 8534.
(7) Support the front axle with a suitable jack.
(8) Remove the (4) bolts that attach the engine
mounts to the front axle (Fig. 21).
(9) Remove the (3) bolts that attach the front axle
to the left engine bracket.
(10) Lower the front axle.
(11) Remove the (6) through bolts(12) Raise the engine far enough to be able to
remove the left and right engine mounts.
(13) Remove the engine mounts.
INSTALLATION
2WD
(1) Install insulator on the engine (Fig. 22).
NOTE: For mount to engine block and left engine
bracket to front axle bolts, apply MoparTLock and
Seal Adhesive, Medium Strength Threadlocker.
(2) Install upper and lower mount mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3) Lower the engine using engine support fixture
special tool # 8534.
(4) Install mount through bolts.
(5) Tighten through bolts on both sides to 61 N´m
(45 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect 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.).
Fig. 19 RH INSULATOR
1 - BOLT
2 - INSULATOR
Fig. 20 LH INSULATOR
1 - BOLT
2 - INSULATOR
DRENGINE - 5.7L 9 - 211

(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 using engine support fixture
special tool # 8534, 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. 23).
(5) Loose assemble the (3) bolts that attach the
front axle to the left engine bracket.
(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 engine oil filter, if removed.
(10) Install the front crossmember(Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT CROSS-
MEMBER - INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the skid plate.
(12) Lower the vehicle.
Fig. 21 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. 22 RH INSULATOR
1 - BOLT
2 - INSULATOR
9 - 212 ENGINE - 5.7LDR
FRONT MOUNT (Continued)

(13) 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. 24).
(4) Remove the two bolts that attach the transmis-
sion mount to the engine bracket.
(5) Raise the transmission enough to remove the
mount from the crossmember.
(6) Remove the mount.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Threadlocking compound must be applied to
the bolts before installation.
(1) Install the two bolts that attach the transmis-
sion mount to the transmission bracket.
(2) Torque the bolts to 61N´m (45 ft.lbs.) torque.
Fig. 23 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. 24 TRANSMISSION MOUNT
1 - MOUNT
2 - CROSSMEMBER
3 - NUT
4 - BOLT
DRENGINE - 5.7L 9 - 213
FRONT MOUNT (Continued)

(3) Lower the transmission so the transmission
mount rests on the crossmember, and the studs of
the transmission mount are aligned in the slots in
the crossmember.
(4) Install the nuts onto the transmission mount
studs through the crossmember access slot.
(5) Torque the nuts to 54N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION
The lubrication system (Fig. 25) is a full flow fil-
tration pressure feed type.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHECKING
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
(1) Remove oil pressure sending unit and install
gauge assembly C-3292.
(2) Run engine until thermostat opens.
(3) Oil Pressure:
²Curb Idle±25 kPa (4 psi) minimum
²3000 rpm±170 - 758 kPa (25 - 110 psi)
(4) If oil pressure is 0 at idle, shut off engine.
Check for a clogged oil pick-up screen or a pressure
relief valve stuck open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL LEAK
Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the
engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak.
Fig. 25 Engine Oil Lubrication System
9 - 214 ENGINE - 5.7LDR
REAR MOUNT (Continued)

If an oil leak source is not readily identifiable, the
following steps should be followed:
(1) Do not clean or degrease the engine at this
time because some solvents may cause rubber to
swell, temporarily stopping the leak.
(2) Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by
manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to
make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair per service manual instructions.
(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.If the oil leak source is not pos-
itively identified at this time, proceed with the air
leak detection test method.
Air Leak Detection Test Method
(1) Remove the PCV valve from the IAFM. Cap or
plug the PCV valve grommet.
(2) Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and
regulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kPa (3 PSI) of test pressure.
(3) Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provide the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
(4) If the leakage occurs at the rear oil seal area,
refer to the section, Inspection for Rear Seal Area
Leak.
(5) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply
and remove the air hose and all plugs and caps.
Install the PCV valve.
(6) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using
a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the
engine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.(3) Remove torque converter or clutch housing
cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil.
Use a black light to check for the oil leak:
(a) Circular spray pattern generally indicates
seal leakage or crankshaft damage.
(b) Where leakage tends to run straight down,
possible causes are a porous block, distributor seal,
camshaft bore cup plugs oil galley pipe plugs, oil
filter runoff, and main bearing cap to cylinder
block mating surfaces.
(4) If no leaks are detected, pressurize the crank-
case as outlined in the, Inspection (Engine oil Leaks
in general)
CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).
(5) If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the
crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is
detected between the crankshaft and seal while
slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible the
crankshaft seal surface is damaged. The seal area on
the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches
that can be polished out with emery cloth.
CAUTION: Use extreme caution when crankshaft
polishing is necessary to remove minor nicks and
scratches. The crankshaft seal flange is especially
machined to complement the function of the rear oil
seal.
(6) For bubbles that remain steady with shaft
rotation, no further inspection can be done until dis-
assembled.
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
SERVICE
WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE
IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY
INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO
YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED
SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH
SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR
SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DO
NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL
PROPERLY.
DRENGINE - 5.7L 9 - 215
LUBRICATION (Continued)