Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 76

DR
REAR
DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS (3500)
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
REAR
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension is comprised of:
• Shock Absorbers
• Jounce Bumpers
• Leaf Springs
• Auxiliary Leaf Spring (3500 series)
• Auxiliary Spring Bumpers (3500 series)
• Drive Axle
CAUTION: A vehicle should always be loaded so
the vehicle weight center-line is located immedi-
ately forward of the rear axle. Correct vehicle load-
ing provides proper front tire-to-road contact. This
results in maximum vehicle handling stability and
safety. Incorrect vehicle weight distribution can
cause excessive tire tread wear, spring fatigue or
failure, and erratic steering.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be
tightened with the vehicle 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 bush-
ing wear may occur.
REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
INSTALLATION
SHOCK
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
INSTALLATION
SPRING
DESCRIPTION
OPERATION
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
INSTALLATION
SPRING TIP INSERTS
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
INSTALLATION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deterio-
rate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check
for broken and shifted leafs, loose and missing clips,
and broken center bolts. Refer to Spring and Shock
Absorber Diagnosis chart for additional information.
REAR
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