Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 36

DR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT - 4WD (LD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT - 4WD (LD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings should be tightened with the vehi-
cle at normal ride height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their
normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be
affected and premature bushing wear may occur.
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.
SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
FRONT - LINK/COIL
. . 8 REAR
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIAL TOOLS
1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - TOE-IN
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE
ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER,
CASTER AND TOE ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . 4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALIGNMENT
LINK/COIL SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
SUSPENSION 2 - 1
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