RAM 3500 Truck 4WD V8-360 5.9L VIN 5 Magnum (1998)
Steering Gear: Adjustments
Sector Shaft Over Center
NOTE: Before performing this procedure, the worm bearing preload adjustment must be preformed.
1. Rotate the stub shaft back and forth to drain the remaining fluid.
2. Rotate the stub shaft from stop to stop and count the number of turns.
3. Starting at either stop turn the stub shaft back 1/2 the total number of turns. This is the center of the gear travel.
4. Turn the pitman shaft adjuster screw back (COUNTERCLOCKWISE) until fully extended, then turn back in (CLOCKWISE) one full turn.
5. Place the torque wrench in the vertical position on the stub shaft. Rotate the wrench 45 degrees each side of the center and record the highest
rotational torque on center.
NOTE: The stub shaft must rotate smoothly without sticking or binding.
6. The recorded bearing preload should be 0.7 - 1.7 Nm (6 - 15 inch lbs.). If the torque is outside this range, the gear should be readjusted.
7. If an adjustment is necessary, turn the pitman shaft adjuster screw to obtain the correct preload 0.7 - 1.7 Nm (6 - 15 inch lbs.).
NOTE: To increase the preload turn the screw CLOCKWISE.
8. Prevent the adjuster screw from turning while tightening adjuster lock nut. Tighten the adjuster lock nut to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).
