Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 1388

19 - 22 STEERING
STEERING L I N K A G E — L I N K / C O I L SUSPENSION
INDEX
page
GENERAL INFORMATION
FRAME COATINGS INFORMATION 22
LINK/COIL—STEERING LINKAGE . . 22
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STEERING LINKAGE 22
G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
FRAME COATINGS INFORMATION
CAUTION: Depending on the vehicle build location,
there are two different coatings applied to BR
frames:
| VEHICLE BUILD
LOCATION
11th POSITION
VIN C H A R A C T E R
FRAME
COATING
St. Louis North
J E-Coat
Dodge City S
Wax Coat
Saltillo Mexico
G Wax Coat
Lago Alberto
j
Mexico
M Wax Coat
Replacement fasteners and torque values for
frame attached components may vary depending on
frame coatings. Ensure the replacement fastener is
designed for the specific frame coating. Refer to the
Torque Specifications Chart at the end of each
group to determine the correct torque value.
LINK/COIL—STEERING LINKAGE
The steering linkage is comprised of a tie rod end,
tie rod, drag link, steering damper and pitman arm
(Fig. 1).
R E M O V A L A N D I N S T A L L A T I O N
STEERING LINKAGE
NOTE: When servicing the steering linkage, use
care to avoid damaging ball stud seals. Use puller
C-3894-A to remove tie rod ends (Fig. 2).
page
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING LINKAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TIE ROD TIE ROD
END
J9419-24
Fig. 1 Link/Coil—Steering Linkage
Fig. 2 Tie Rod End
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tie rod and steering damper from drag
link.
(2) Remove drag link tie-rod end from steering
knuckle and pitman arm.
(3) Mark the pitman arm and shaft positions for
installation reference. Remove the nut and washer