2004 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL wheel alignment

NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........247
mTiresÐGeneral Information................251
NTire Pressure.........................251
NTire Inflation Pressures.................252
NRadial-Ply Tires......................255
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........255
NTire Spinning........................256
NTread Wear Indicators..................257
NReplacement Tires.....................257
NAlignment And Balance.................258
mSupplemental Tire Pressure Information.......259
mTire Chains...........................259
mSnow Tires...........................261mTire Rotation Recommendations............261
NDual Rear Wheels.....................263
mEngine Runaway.......................264
mFuel Requirements......................264
NAdding Fuel.........................265
NBulk Fuel Storage.....................267
NFuel Specifications....................267
mVehicle Loading........................269
NCertification Label.....................269
mTrailer Towing.........................272
NTo Maintain Warranty Coverage...........272
NAxle Lubricant And Trailer Towing.........274
NTrailer Towing Recommendations..........274
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5

NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
NOTE:Do not attempt to shift to or from 4L while the
transmission is in gear or clutch is engaged.
Transfer Case Reminder Light
The four-wheel-drive operating light (4WD), located in
the instrument cluster, is used to alert the driver that the
front axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are
driving.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions
This is an electric shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.
The Electronically Shifted transfer case provides 4 mode
positions: 2 (rear) wheel drive high range or all wheel
drive high range, 4 wheel drive high range, 4 wheel drive
low range, and neutral.
The Electronically Shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the 2 wheel drive position (2WD) or all wheel
drive position (AWD) for normal street and highway
conditions (dry hard surfaced roads).
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4HI and 4LO positions can be used to lock the front and
rear driveshafts together and force the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished
by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the desired
230 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on a ªSupplemental Tire Pressure Inflationº
label located on the face of the driver's door or in the Tire
Information Pressures pamphlet in the glove box.
TIRE CHAINS
Use ªClass Uº chains on 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, or other
traction aids that meet SAE Type ªUº specifications.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe
the following precautions:
²Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains
in good condition are used. Broken chains can cause
serious vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove
the damaged parts of the chain before further use.
²Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten
after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
²Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
²Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
²Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
²Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
²Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instructions on
method of installation, operating speed, and conditions
for usage. Always use the lower suggested operating
speed of the chain manufacturer if different than the
speed recommended by the manufacturer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

Before plowing
²
Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
²Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
²Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch above
ground in snow plowing position.
²Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.
Snowplow Prep Package Model Availability
For Information about snowplow applications visit
www.dodge.com or refer to the 2004 Dodge Truck Body
Builders Guide.
1. The maximum number of occupants in the truck
should not exceed two.2. The total GVWR or the Front GAWR or the Rear
GAWR should never be exceeded.
3. The snowplow prep packages are not available with
the Sport Package.
4. Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of
options or passengers, etc.
The loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow
system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers,
options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR)
ratings. These weights are specified on the Safety Com-
pliance Certification Label on the driver's side door
opening.
NOTE:Detach the snowplow when transporting pas-
sengers.
Vehicle front end wheel alignment was set to specifica-
tions at the factory without consideration for the weight
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5

Tire Markings.......................... 243
Tire Safety Information.................... 243
Tires ...............................70,251
Air Pressure.......................... 251
Alignment........................... 258
Chains.............................. 259
Changing............................ 299
Compact Spare........................ 255
Dual............................263,306
General Information.................... 251
High Speed.......................... 254
Inflation Pressures..................... 252
Jacking............................. 300
Load Capacity.....................247,248
Radial.............................. 255
Replacement......................... 257
Rotation............................. 261
Safety...........................243,251
Sizes............................... 244Snow Tires........................... 261
Spare Tire........................... 299
Spinning............................ 256
Tread Wear Indicators................... 257
Wheel Mounting....................... 300
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 305
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 278
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 222
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 314
Towing
Disabled Vehicle....................... 315
Guide.............................. 279
Recreational.......................... 286
Trailering............................ 274
Weight.............................. 279
Traction.............................. 293
Traction Control......................... 352
Trailer Towing.......................... 272
Hitches............................. 275
424 INDEX

Mirrors...........................79,279
Tips ................................ 280
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 278
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 279
Trailer Weight.......................... 279
Transfer Case
Fluid............................... 381
Transmission
Automatic........................218,353
Fluid............................352,381
Maintenance.......................... 353
Manual........................222,224,352
Shifting............................. 218
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 120
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 257
Trip Computer.......................... 113
Trip Odometer.......................148,149
Turn Signals...................103,144,367,371Underhood Fuses........................ 366
Universal Transmitter..................... 120
Variance, Compass....................... 118
Vehicle Identification Number................ 6
Vehicle Loading......................248,269
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 366
Voltmeter............................. 144
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 143
Warnings and Cautions..................... 5
Warranty Information..................... 405
Washers, Windshield..................106,341
Washing Vehicle......................... 362
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 258
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 363
Wheel Changing........................ 299
Wheel Mounting........................ 300
INDEX 425
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