Worm Thrust Bearing Preload On Dodge Ram?

The Steering gear and Gear case details.

The Procedure mentioned Covers Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 2WD & 4WD. Its For 2001 – 2005 Year Models.

The details with Diagrams is as follows:---

Mount the gear carefully into a vise. 

WARNING

Do not overtighten the vise on the gear case. This may affect the adjustment

Remove adjuster plug locknut. 

Fig. View of the adjuster nut (1), steering gear (2), lock nut (2) and punch (4)

View of the adjuster nut (1), steering gear (2), lock nut (2) and punch (4)

Rotate the stub shaft back and forth with a 12 point socket to drain the remaining fluid.

Turn the adjuster in with Spanner Wrench C-4381. Tighten the plug and thrust bearing in the housing until firmly bottomed in the housing about 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm).

Place an index mark on the housing even with one of the holes in adjuster plug. 

Fig. Place an index mark (1) on the housing even with one of the holes in adjuster plug

Place an index mark (1) on the housing even with one of the holes in adjuster plug

Measure back (counterclockwise) 0.20 in. (5.08mm) and mark housing. 

Fig. Measure back (counterclockwise) 0.20 in. (5.08mm) and mark housing (1)

Measure back (counterclockwise) 0.20 in. (5.08mm) and mark housing (1)

Rotate adjustment cap back (counterclockwise) with spanner wrench until hole is aligned with the second mark. 

Fig. View of the first mark (1), second mark (2) and spanner wrench (3)

View of the first mark (1), second mark (2) and spanner wrench (3).

Install and tighten locknut to 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm). Be sure adjustment cap does not turn while tightening the locknut.