RAM 50 4WD L4-143 2.3L DSL Turbo VIN J FI (1983)
Steering Gear: Service and Repair
Steering Gear Replacement
Manual Steering Gear Replacement
1. Disconnect steering shaft from steering gear main shaft.
2. Disconnect tie rod from relay rod and pitman arm from relay rod using tool No. C3894A.
3. Remove air cleaner and disconnect pressure and return hose from steering gear. Remove under cover.
4. Remove starter from transmission.
5. Remove steering gear. Use tool No. CT1106 if pitman arm is removed.
6. Reverse procedure to install. Torque pressure hose to 40-47 ft. lbs., return hose to 29-36 ft. lbs., tie rod socket and relay rod connection to 26-32
ft. lbs. and steering gear to 40-47 ft. lbs.
7. Remove the clamp bolt connecting the steering shaft with the steering gear housing mainshaft.
8. Using Pitman and idler arm puller (C-3894), disconnect the pitman arm and the relay rod.
9. Remove the steering gear assembly from the body frame.
10. Using the pitman arm puller (Special Tool CT-1106), remove the pitman arm from the cross shaft.
11. Reverse procedure to install.
Power Steering Gear Replacement
1. Disconnect steering shaft from steering gear main shaft.
2. Disconnect tie rod from relay rod and pitman arm from relay rod using tool No. C3894A.
3. Remove air cleaner and disconnect pressure and return hose from steering gear. Remove under cover.
4. Remove starter from transmission.
5. Remove steering gear. Use tool No. CT1106 if pitman arm is removed.
6. Reverse procedure to install. Torque pressure hose to 40-47 ft. lbs., return hose to 29-36 ft. lbs., tie rod socket and relay rod connection to 26-32
ft. lbs. and steering gear to 40-47 ft. lbs.
7. Disconnect steering shaft from steering gear mainshaft.
8. Remove retaining nuts, then disconnect tie rod from relay rod and pitman arm from relay rod using puller C-3894A.
9. Disconnect pressure and return hoses from steering gear, then remove steering gear mounting bolts and steering gear. On Pickup models with
automatic transmission, it may be necessary to disconnect throttle linkage and remove splash shield. On Pickup models with manual transmission,
it may be necessary to remove starter motor to permit steering gear removal.
10. Reverse procedure to install.
