Steering System: Specifications RAM Pickup 3500

SPECIFICATIONS

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1. Place the front wheels in a straight-ahead position. NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of locking the steering wheel for service will have to be used.
2. Lock the steering wheel.
3. Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible.
4. Disconnect and cap the fluid hoses from steering gear. Refer to «HOSE, Power Steering, Independent Front Suspension , Removal»(ref-457772-S07180282122012030200000) «HOSE, Power Steering, Link and Coil , Removal»(ref-457772-S28746944172012030200000) .
5. Remove the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt (1) at the steering gear and slide coupler off steering gear (2).
6. Remove the steering gear shaft to pitman arm (1) retaining nut and washer.
7. Mark the steering gear shaft and pitman arm (1) for installation reference.
8. Using the Pitman Arm Remover (special tool #9615A, Remover, Pitman Arm) (2) or equivalent, remove the pitman arm (1) from the steering gear shaft. Refer to «ARM, Pitman, Link and Coil , Removal»(ref-457772-S23640657292012030200000) . 1 - STEERING GEAR 2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
9. Remove the steering gear (1) three retaining bolts (2) and remove the steering gear (1) from the vehicle.

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1. Position the steering gear (1) the frame rail. install the three mounting bolts (2), and tighten to 196 N.m (145 ft. lbs.). 1 - STEERING COUPLER 2 - STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT
2. Align steering coupler (1) on gear shaft (2). Install pinch bolt and tighten to 49 N.m (36 ft. lbs.) torque. 1 - DRAGLINK 2 - STEERING GEAR 3 - SWAYBAR 4 - NUT/WASHER 5 - PITMAN ARM
3. Align and install the pitman arm (5). Refer to «ARM, Pitman, Link and Coil , Installation»(ref-457772-S29510625832012030200000) .
4. Install the washer and retaining nut (4) on the pitman shaft. Tighten the nut to 305 N.m (225 ft. lbs.).
5. Connect fluid hoses to steering gear , tighten to 32 N.m (23 ft. Refer to «HOSE, Power Steering, Independent Front Suspension , Installation»(ref-457772-S32115279222012030200000) «HOSE, Power Steering, Link and Coil , Installation»(ref-457772-S01574676132012030200000) . lbs.).
6. Add fluid. Refer to «Pump , Standard Procedure»(ref-457772-S36960039432012030200000) .
7. Reset the toe and center the steering wheel. Refer to «Wheel Alignment , Standard Procedure»(ref-457771-S15548608852012030200000) .

2500/3500

4500/5500

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1. Remove the track bar bolt (4) and lower the track bar (5) to allow enough clearance.
2. Remove the drag link nut (4) from the pitman arm (2).
3. Install puller C3894 - A (1) or equivalent and separate the drag link (3) from the pitman arm (2).
4. Mark the pitman arm (2) and shaft positions for installation reference. Unstake the nut (5) and the remove from the pitman arm (2).
5. Remove the pitman arm (1) with Puller OTC R 5055 (2) or an equivalent pitman arm puller tool.

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1. Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
2. Remove the serpentine belt. Refer to «BELT, Serpentine , Removal»(ref-457792-S18686393612012030200000) . CAUTION: Do not remove the fitting on the pump that the high pressure hose screws into. The fitting may come loose unless it is backed up using another wrench. If the fitting does come loose, it must be retightened before continuing. (57 - 67 Nm, 40 - 50 lb.ft.). If this fitting comes out of the pump body, the internal spring and valve parts will fall out of the pump and they cannot be reinstalled properly. If this occurs the pump needs to be replaced with a new pump.
3. Disconnect the return hose (3).
4. Disconnect the pressure hose (4).
5. Remove the three bolts securing the pump to the cylinder head through the pulley holes (1).

Scheme 11

1. Align the pump with the mounting holes in the left cylinder head.
2. Install 3 pump mounting bolts through the pulley access holes (1). Tighten the bolts to 28 N.m (21 ft. lbs.).
3. Reconnect the pressure line (4) and return hose (3) to the pump and reservoir (2). Tighten the pressure line to 31 N.m (23 ft. lbs.).
4. Install the serpentine drive belt. Refer to «BELT, Serpentine , Installation»(ref-457792-S21966014282012030200000) .
5. Fill the power steering pump. Refer to «Pump , Standard Procedure»(ref-457772-S36960039432012030200000) .

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1. Drain and siphon the power steering fluid.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Hoisting , Standard Procedure»(ref-457775-S03796115192012030200000) .
3. If equipped, remove the eight lower engine splash shield push pins (1) and remove the splash shield (2).
4. Disconnect the return and supply hoses connected to the power steering fluid cooler lines (3).
5. Remove the mounting bracket bolts (2) securing the fluid cooler (1) to the brace.
6. Remove the fluid cooler (1) from the vehicle.