Dodge Ram Truck 1500-2500-3500. Manual — part 130

8. Loosen stabilizer link (2) bolts and swing bar

forward.

9. Remove spring plate (1) U-bolts from axle (2).

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10. Loosen spring (1) bolts at frame bracket (2).

11. Remove spring (2) shackle (1) bolts and swing

springs forward.

12. Lower axle from the vehicle.

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INSTALLATION

1. Raise axle and align to the leaf spring centering

bolts.

2. Raise leaf springs and install shackle bolts and

nuts finger tight.

3. Install axle (2) spring plate (1) and tighten U-bolt

nuts to 149 N·m (110 ft. lbs.).

4. Install shock absorbers to axle and tighten to 135

N·m (100 ft. lbs.).

5. Install power hop damper to differential cover

bracket and tighten to 102 N·m (75 ft. lbs.). Then
compress the damper and install it on the frame
and tighten to specification.

6. Install all brake components.

7. Install stabilizer bar bolts and tighten to specifica-

tion.

8. Install propeller shaft and tighten to specification.

9. Remove supports and lower the vehicle so that the

weight is being supported by the tires.

10. Tighten spring (1) bracket (2) nuts to 163 N·m

(120 ft. lbs.).

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11. Tighten spring (2) shackle (1) nuts to 163 N·m

(120 ft. lbs.).

ADJUSTMENTS

Ring and pinion gears are supplied as matched sets.
Identifying numbers (3) for the ring and pinion gears
are etched into the face of each gear. A plus (+) num-
ber, minus (–) number or zero (0) is etched into the
face of the pinion gear (2). This number is the amount
(in thousandths of an inch) the depth varies from the
standard depth setting of a pinion etched with a (0).
The standard depth provides the best gear tooth con-
tact pattern.

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