Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 1261

19-18 STEERING
B R
S T E E R I N G L I N K A G E
SERVICE INFORMATION
The tie-rod end ball stud seals should be inspected
during all oil changes.
Check for ball stud wear, corrosion or damaged
seal. If these conditions exist, replace the tie-rod. Lu­
bricate the tie-rod end with MOPAR® Multi-Mileage
Lubricant, or equivalent.
STEERING LINKAGE—IFS SUSPENSION
Heavy duty steering linkage will be use on 8,800
and 10,500 GVW vehicles. The 10,500 GVW steering
linkage will have a steering damper mounted from a
frame bracket to the centerlink.
Torque specification are the same for standard or
heavy duty linkage.
Use Puller C-3894-A for tie rod removal. Fail­
ure to use this tool could damage the tie rod
and seal (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 Tse Rod Removal
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie-rod.
(2) Remove the tie-rod end ball studs from steering
knuckle arms (Fig. 1 and 2).
Use care to avoid damaging the seals.
(3) Remove inner tie-rod ends from center link
(Fig. 2).
(4) If equipped remove steering damper from cen­
ter link and frame bracket.
(5) Remove idler arm ball stud from center link.
Remove idler arm stud plate from frame side rail
(Fig. 2).
(6) Remove pitman arm ball stud from center link.
(7) Mark the pitman arm and shaft positions for
reference. Remove pitman arm with Puller C-4150-A
(Fig.
3).
L I N K
J9419-37
Fig. 2 Steering Linkage—IFS Vehicles
Fig. 3 Pitman Arm Removal
INSTALLATION
Replace all damaged or worn steering linkage com­
ponents.
(1) Position idler arm on the frame side rail. In­
stall stud plate and tighten nuts to 88 N-m (65 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(2) Center steering gear to alignment marks and
install pitman arm.
(3) Install the lock washer and retaining nut on
the pitman shaft. Tighten the nut to 251 N-m (185 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(4) Install center link to ball studs (Fig. 2). Install
and tighten retaining nuts to 88 N-m (65 ft. lbs.)
torque. Install new cotter pins.