Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 60

DR
STABILIZER BAR (Continued)
ends of the bar mount to the lower suspension arm.
All mounting points of the stabilizer bar are isolated
by bushings (Fig. 28).
Fig. 28 STABILIZER BAR
OPERATION
The stabilizer bar is used to minimize vehicle front
sway during turns. The bar helps to maintain a flat
attitude to the road surface.
REMOVAL
NOTE: To service the stabilizer bar the vehicle
should be on a drive on hoist. The vehicle suspen-
sion must be at curb height for stabilizer bar instal-
lation.
(1) Remove the stabilizer bar link upper nuts and
remove the retainers and grommets (Fig. 29).
(2) Remove the stabilizer bar retainer, bolts and
retainers from the frame crossmember (Fig. 29) and
remove the bar.
(3) If necessary, remove the bushings from the sta-
bilizer bar Do not cut the old bushings off the
stabilizer bar use a mixture of soapy water in
order to aid in sliding the bushing off.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: To service the stabilizer bar the vehicle must
be on a drive on hoist. The vehicle suspension
must be at curb height for stabilizer bar installation.
(1) If removed, Install the bushings on the stabi-
lizer bar using a mixture of soapy water or equiva-
lent in order to slide the bushing over the bar with
ease Do not cut the new bushing for installa-
tion.
(2) Position the stabilizer bar on the frame cross-
member brackets and install the bracket and bolts
finger-tight (Fig. 29).
FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
NOTE: Check the alignment of the bar to ensure
there is no interference with the either frame rail or
chassis component. Spacing should be equal on
both sides.
(3) Install the stabilizer bar to the stabilizer link
and install the grommets and retainers.
(4) Install the nuts to the stabilizer link and
tighten to 38 N·m (27 ft. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the brackets to the frame to 61 N·m
(45 ft. lbs.).
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lower nut (Fig. 29).
(3) Remove the upper nut, retainers and grommets
(Fig. 29).
(4) Remove the stabilizer link from the vehicle
(Fig. 29).
REMOVAL - 4X2
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lower nut (Fig. 29).
(3) Remove the upper nut, retainer and grommets
(Fig. 29).
(4) Remove the stabilizer link from the vehicle
(Fig. 29).
Fig. 29 STABILIZER LINK
1 - STABILIZER LINK
2 - SWAY BAR BRACKET
2 - 25