Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 1342

DR
CAMSHAFT(S) - RIGHT
DESCRIPTION
The camshafts consist of powdered metal steel lobes
which are sinter-bonded to a steel tube. A steel post or
nose piece is friction-welded to the steel camshaft tube.
Five bearing journals are machined into the camshaft,
four on the steel tube and one on the steel nose piece.
Camshaft end play is controlled by two thrust walls
that border the nose piece journal. Engine oil enters the
hollow camshafts at the third journal and lubricates
every intake lobe rocker through a drilled passage in
the intake lobe.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: When the timing chain is removed and
the cylinder heads are still installed, DO NOT force-
fully rotate the camshafts or crankshaft indepen-
dently of each other. Severe valve and/or piston
damage can occur.
CAUTION: When removing the cam sprocket, timing
chains or camshaft, Failure to use special tool 8350
will result in hydraulic tensioner ratchet over exten-
sion, Requiring timing chain cover removal to re-set
the tensioner ratchet.
Fig. 32 Securing Timing Chain Tensioners Using Timing Chain Wedge
1 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD
2 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
(1) Remove the cylinder head covers (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(2) Set engine to TDC cylinder #1, camshaft
sprocket V8 marks at the 12 o'clock position.
(3) Mark one link on the secondary timing chain
on both sides of the V8 mark on the camshaft
sprocket to aid in installation.
CAUTION: Do not hold or pry on the camshaft tar-
get wheel for any reason, Severe damage will occur
to the target wheel. A damaged target wheel could
cause a vehicle no start condition.
(4) Loosen but DO NOT remove the camshaft
sprocket retaining bolt. Leave bolt snug against sprocket.
NOTE: The timing chain tensioners must be
secured prior to removing the camshaft sprockets.
Failure to secure tensioners will allow the tension-
ers to extend, requiring timing chain cover removal
in order to reset tensioners.
CAUTION: Do not force wedge past the narrowest
point between the chain strands. Damage to the
tensioners may occur.
(5) Position Special Tool 8350 timing chain wedge
between the timing chain strands. Tap the tool to
securely wedge the timing chain against the ten-
sioner arm and guide (Fig. 32).
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8350 WEDGE
4 - SPECIAL TOOL 8350 WEDGE
ENGINE - 4.7L 9 - 119
HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD