Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 89

2-14 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE — — — — — — — — — — BR
Pig. 5 independent Front Suspension
LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Follow procedure under Coil Spring Removal.
WARNING: DO NOT R E M O V E SHOCK UNTIL
L O W E R S U S P E N S I O N A R M I S S U P P O R T E D , THE
S H O C K HOLDS THE L O W E R S U S P E N S I O N A R M
AND S P R I N G IN POSITION.
(3) Remove bolts mounting suspension arm to
crossmember and remove arm.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position suspension arm on crossmember and
install bolts snug.
(2) Follow procedure under Coil Spring Installa­
tion.
(3) Remove support and lower vehicle.
(4) Tighten suspension arm crossmember bolts to
176 N-m (130 ft. lbs.) torque.
LOWER BALL STUD
INSPECTION
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Install safety
floor stands under both lower suspension arms as far
outboard as possible. The upper suspension arms
must not contact the rebound bumpers.
(2) Install a dial indicator and clamp assembly to
the lower suspension arm.
(3) Position indicator plunger against knuckle arm
and zero indicator.
(4) Raise and lower the wheel with a pry bar un­
der the center of the tire. Measure the axial move­
ment of the knuckle with respect to the suspension
arm.
(5) If the travel of the suspension arm is 0.020
inch (0.51 mm) or more, replace the ball joint.
REMOVAL
(1) Follow procedure under Lower Suspension Arm
Removal.
(2) Position special tool on lower suspension arm
and press out ball stud (Fig. 6).
SPECIAL TOOL
C-4212F
Fig. 6 Lower Bail Stud Removal
INSTALLATION
(1) Press replacement ball stud into the lower sus­
pension arm bore with special tools (Fig. 7).
S P E C I A L T O O L
C4212F
6761 J9402-34
Fig. 7 Lower Ball Stud Installation
(2) Install lower suspension arm using procedure
under Lower Suspension Arm Installation.