05-03-97 Page 5
**The total for inner and outer clearances should add to 0.01 0 in. to 0.026 in. (e.g. top left inner + bottom left inner = 0.01 0 in. to 0.026 in., top left outer + bottom left outer = 0.01 0 in. to 0.026 in., etc.). If the total clearance is within specifications, but an individual measurement is low, the knuckle rail can be liahtly filed to increase the clearance. If the total clearance is out of specifications, replace the caliper and/or knuckle assembly.
NOTE: IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE NO CLEARANCE ON ONE END (EITHER THE TOP OR BOTTOM) OF THE CALIPER AS LONG AS THE TOTAL CLEARANCE ADDS TO 0.010 IN. TO 0.026 IN. FOR THE INNER READING AND 0.010 IN. TO 0.026 IN. FOR THE OUTER READING. THIS CAN HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF RAM TRUCKS USING A FLOATING CALIPER AND WHAT OCCURRED TO THE BRAKES JUST PRIOR TO CHECKING THE CLEARANCES.**
7. Record the caliper to slide clearance
| LEFT SIDE CALIPER | RIGHT SIDE CALIPER | ||||
| OUTBOARD | TOP | INBOARD | OUTBOARD | TOP | INBOARD |
| OUTBOARD | BOTTOM | INBOARD | OUTBOARD | BOTTOM | INBOARD |
| TOTAL | TOTAL | ||||
8. Install new cotter pin into axle shaft.
9. Remove the rear wheels and brake drums. Perform an inspection of the rear brakes. Verify that there is no differential grease leaking from the rear axle seal or brake fluid leaking from the wheel cylinder onto the brake shoes and linings. Repair any rear brake components or rear axle seal(s) as necessary and adjust rear brakes. Refer to the 1997 Ram Truck Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370- 71 08), Groups 3 and/or 5 for proper brake and/or differential service.
10. Verify that the proper size wheel cylinders and calipers are on the vehicle. Wheel cylinder diameter is cast in the outside surface of the wheel cylinder barrel (a cast 4 - 23.8mm and cast 7= 27mm). Caliper sizes can be identified by measuring the length of the lower caliper slide rail. 86mm caliper slide rail measures 4.75 inches, 80mm measures 4 inches. Using a tape measure, measure the length of the lower slide rail.
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