Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 55

2 - 20 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
LOWER BALL JOINT (Continued)
Fig. 20 LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8677
(6) Remove the snap ring, from the lower control
arm (HD 4X2 only)
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(7) Press the ball joint from the lower control arm
using special tools
(RECEIVER) and 8698-3 (DRIVER) (Fig. 21).
Fig. 21 REMOVAL LOWER BALL JOINT
1 - PRESS - C-4212-F
2 - DRIVER - 8698-3
3 - BALL JOINT
4 - RECEIVER - 8698-2
C-4212–F (PRESS),
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(1) Install the ball joint into the control arm and
press in using special tools C-4212–F (press), 8698-1
(driver) and 8698-3 (receiver) (Fig. 22).
Fig. 22 INSTALL LOWER BALL JOINT
1 - PRESS - C-4212-F
2 - DRIVER - 8698-1
8698-2
3 - BALL JOINT
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
5 - RECEIVER - 8698-3
(2) Install the ball joint boot.
(3) Stake the ball joint flange in four evenly
spaced places around the ball joint flange, using a
chisel and hammer (LD only).
(4) Replace the snap ring (HD 4X2 only)
(5) Remove the support for the halfshaft and
install into position (If Equipped).
(6) Install the steering knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the tie rod end into the steering knuckle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END -
INSTALLATION).
(8) Install and tighten the halfshaft nut to 251
N·m (185 ft. lbs.). (If Equipped).
(9) Install the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS
INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(11) Check the vehicle ride height (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
DR
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