Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 46

2 - 4 SUSPENSION
BR
S E R V I C E P R O C E D U R E S (Continued)
ALIGNMENT IFS SUSPENSION
Before each alignment reading the vehicle should
be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each
bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and
down several times. Always release the bumper in
the down position. Set the front end alignment to
specifications while the vehicle is i n its NOR­
MALLY LOADED CONDITION.
Camber and caster angle' adjustments involve
changing the position of the upper suspension arm
pivot bar (Fig. 3). Refer, to the Alignment Specifica­
tion Chart for the correct setting.
Fig. 3 Caster Camber Adjustment Location
CASTER: Move only the rear position of the pivot
bar i n or out. This will change the caster angle sig­
nificantly and camber angle only slightly. To retain
the camber while adjusting caster, move the rear
pivot bar in or out. Move the forward pivot very
slightly in the opposite direction.
NOTE; For example, to increase a positive caster
angle, move the rear position of the pivot bar
inward (toward the engine). Howe the front of pivot
bar outward (away from the engine) slightly until
the original camber angle is obtained.
CAMBER: Move only the forward position of the
pivot bar in or out. This will change the camber
angle significantly and caster angle only slightly. The
camber angle should be adjusted as close as possible
to the preferred service specification. After
adjustment is made tighten pivot bar nuts to specifi­
cations.
T O E POSITION: The wheel toe position adjust­
ment should be the final adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Center and secure
the steering wheel and turn off engine.
(2) Loosen the tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp
bolts/nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the tie
rod adjustment sleeves as necessary.
ALIGNMENT LINK/COIL SUSPENSION
Before each alignment reading the vehicle should
be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each
bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and
down several times. Always release the bumper in
the down position. Set the front end alignment to
specifications while the vehicle is in its NOR­
MALLY LOADED CONDITION,
CAMBER: The wheel camber angle is preset and
is not adjustable.
CASTER: Check the caster of the front axle for
correct angle. Be sure the axle is not bent or twisted.
Road test the vehicle and make left and right turn.
Observe the steering wheel return-to-center position.
Low caster will cause poor steering wheel returnabil-
ity.
Caster can be adjusted by rotating the cams on the
lower suspension arm (Fig. 4). Refer to the Align­
ment Specification for the correct setting.
J 9 3 0 2 - 5 9
Fig. 4 Cam Adjuster
T O E POSITION: The wheel toe position adjust­
ment should be the final adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Center and Secure
the steering wheel and turn off engine.
(2) Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts.