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Hub Caps/Wheel Covers — If Equipped
The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle
off the ground.
CAUTION!
Use extreme caution when removing the front and rear
center caps. Damage can occur to the center cap and/or
the wheel if screwdriver type tools are used. A pulling
motion, not a pry off motion, is recommended to
remove the caps.
For single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the flat blade on
the end of the lug wrench to pull the hub cap off. Insert the
blade end into the pull off notch and carefully pull the hub
cap off with a back and forth motion.
On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must
first remove the hub caps. The jack handle driver has a
hook at one end that will fit in the pull off notch of the rear
hub caps. Position the hook and pull straight out on the
ratchet firmly. The hub cap should pop off. The wheel skins
can now be removed. For the front hub cap, use the flat
blade on the end of the lug wrench to pull the caps off. The
wheel skin can now be removed.
CAUTION!
• Use a pulling motion to remove the hub cap. Do not
use a twisting motion when removing the hub cap,
damage to the hub cap; finish may occur.
• The rear hub caps on the dual rear wheel has two
pull off notches. Make sure that the hook of the jack
handle driver is located squarely in the cap notch
before attempting to pull off.
You must use the flat end of the lug wrench to pull off the
wheel skins. Locate the hub cap pull notches (2 notches on
each cap). Insert the flat tip completely and using a back
and forth motion, loosen the wheel skin. Repeat this
procedure around the tire until the skin pops off.
Replace the wheel skins first using a rubber mallet. When
replacing the hub caps, tilt the cap retainer over the lug nut
bolt circle and strike the high side down with a rubber
mallet. Be sure that the hub caps and wheel skins are firmly
seated around the wheel.
Dual Rear Wheels
Slots in the wheels will assist in properly orienting the
inner and outer wheels. Align these slots when assembling
the wheels for best access to the tire valve on the inner
434 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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wheel. The tires of both dual wheels must be completely off
the ground when tightening to insure wheel centering and
maximum wheel clamping.
Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug nut
tightening adapter (included with the vehicle) to correctly
tighten the lug nuts. Also, when it is necessary to remove
and install dual rear wheels, use a proper vehicle lifting
device.
NOTE:When installing a spare tire (if equipped) as part of
a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire diameter of the
two individual tires must be compared. If there is a
significant difference, the larger tire should be installed in
a front location. The correct direction of rotation for dual
tire installations must also be observed.
It is recommended that wheel stud nuts be kept torqued to
specifications at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to
specifications at each lubrication interval.
Wheel Nuts
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to elimi-
nate the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the bolt
holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is especially
important during the first few hundred miles/kilometers
of operation to allow the wheel nuts to become properly set. All wheel nuts should first be firmly seated against the
wheel. The wheel nuts should then be tightened to recom-
mended torque. Tighten the wheel nuts to final torque in
increments. Progress around the bolt circle, tightening the
wheel nut opposite to the wheel nut just previously
tightened until final torque is achieved.
To Stow The Flat Or Spare — If Equipped
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information on
stowing your spare tire (if equipped).
HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations. Refer to the graphics that show jacking locations.
However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be used on
any other parts of the underbody.
CAUTION!
Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 435
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WARNING!(Continued)
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For models with 9.25 in Front Axles and 11.5 in Rear Axles,
refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information. For normal
service, periodic fluid level checks are not required. When
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons, the exterior
surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected.
When checking the fluid level (4500/5500 only), the vehicle
should be in a level position. The fluid level should be ¼ in
± ¼ in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the front
axle. The fluid level should be level with the bottom of the
fill hole on the rear axle.
Drain And Refill
On 4500/5500 vehicles, remove the lower bolt to drain the
axle fluid.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
4500/5500 Rear Axle Plugs
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477