Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 2291

22 - 12 TIRES/WHEELS
WHEELS (Continued)
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL
REPLACEMENT
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
applications. They must be replaced with equivalent
parts. Do not use replacement parts of lesser quality
or a substitute design. All aluminum and some steel
wheels have wheel stud nuts which feature an
enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is necessary to
ensure proper retention of the aluminum wheels.
NOTE: Do not use chrome plated lug nuts with
chrome plated wheels.
Before installing the wheel, be sure to remove any
build up of corrosion on the wheel mounting surfaces.
Ensure wheels are installed with good metal-to-metal
contact. Improper installation could cause loosening
of wheel nuts (Fig. 21). This could affect the safety
and handling of your vehicle.
To install the wheel, first position it properly on
the mounting surface (Fig. 21). All wheel nuts should
then be tightened just snug. Gradually tighten them
in sequence to the proper torque specification, (Fig.
22) (Fig. 23). Never use oil or grease on studs or
nuts.
Fig. 21 WHEEL INSTALLATION 8-LUG SHOWN
1 - CENTER CAP
2 - LUG NUT
3 - TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY
4 - WHEEL STUDS
Wheels must be replaced if they have:
• Excessive runout
• Bent or dented
• Leak air through welds
• Have damaged bolt holes
Wheel repairs employing hammering, heating, or
welding are not allowed.
Fig. 22 8-LUG TIGHTENING PATTERN
Fig. 23 TYPICAL 6 - LUG NUT TIGHTENING
PATTERN
Original equipment wheels are available through
your dealer. Replacement wheels from any other
source should be equivalent in:
• Load carrying capacity
• Diameter
• Width
• Offset
• Mounting configuration
Failure to use equivalent replacement wheels may
affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended.
Their service history may have included severe treat-
ment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DUAL REAR WHEEL
INSTALLATION
Dual rear wheels use a special heavy duty lug nut
wrench. It is recommended to remove and install
dual rear wheels only when the proper wrench is
available. The wrench is also use to remove wheel
DR