This repair and service manual covers 1971-1989 Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth rear-wheel drive automobiles with in-line 6 and V8 engines, including:

• Dodge Dart
• Dodge Demon
• Dodge Challenger, 1971-1974
• Dodge Aspen
• Dodge Diplomat
• Dodge Mirada
• Dodge Coronet
• Dodge Charger, 1971-1978
• Dodge Magnum
• Dodge Royal Monaco, 1971-1978
• Dodge St. Regis
• Dodge Polara
• Plymouth Valiant
• Plymouth Duster, 1971-1976
• Plymouth Barracuda
• Plymouth Volare
• Plymouth Road Runner
• Plymouth Fury
• Plymouth Caravelle, 1977-1981
• Plymouth Satellite
• Plymouth GTX
• Plymouth Sebring
• Chrysler LeBaron, 1971-1981
• Chrysler New Yorker, 1971-1982
• Chrysler Fifth Avenue, 1983-1989
• Chrysler Newport
• Chrysler Cordoba
• Chrysler Town-and-Country, 1971-1978
• Chrysler 300

Note: This manual does not cover 426 (Hemi) engines, 3x2 bbl. carburetor setups (Six-Pak), fuel injection or front-wheel drive models.
Book Excerpt: 1971-1989 Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler RWD Repair Manual V8 ENGINES

TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR INSPECTION (COVER REMOVED FROM ENGINE) (Refer to illustration 9.20)

20. Attach a socket and torque wrench to the camshaft sprocket bolt (see illustration) and apply force in the normal direction of crankshaft rotation (30 ft-lbs if the cylinder head is still in position complete with rocker arms, or 15 ft-lbs if the cylinder head has been removed). Don't allow the crankshaft to rotate. If necessary, jam the crankshaft sprocket so that it can't move. Using a ruler, note the amount of movement of the chain. If it exceeds 1/8-inch a new timing chain will be required. Note: Whenever a new timing chain is required, the entire set (chain, camshaft and crankshaft sprockets) must be replaced as an assembly.
21. Inspect the camshaft gear for damage or wear. The camshaft gear on some models is steel, but most original-equipment cam gears will be an aluminum gear with a nylon coating on the teeth. This nylon coating may be cracked or be breaking off in small pieces. These pieces tend to end up in the oil pan and may eventually plug the oil pump pickup screen. If the pieces have come off the camshaft gear, the oil pan should be removed to properly clean or replace the oil pump pickup screen.
22. Inspect the crankshaft gear for damage or wear. The crankshaft gear is a steel gear, but the teeth can be grooved or worn enough to cause a poor meshing of the gear and the chain.

SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEMS

UPPER CONTROL ARM | REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION REMOVAL (Refer to illustrations 7.4a, 7.4b, 7.4c, 7.4d and 7.4e)

1. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel.
2. Position a floor jack, with a wood block on the jack head (to act as a cushion), under the lower control arm as close to the balljoint as possible. Raise the jack slightly to take the spring pressure off the upper control arm. Warning: The jack must remain in this position throughout the entire procedure.
3. Disconnect the upper balljoint stud from the steering knuckle (see Section 6). Using a piece of wire or rope tied to the frame rail or some other component, support the top of the steering knuckle so it doesn't fall and stretch the brake hose.
4. If the upper control arm is equipped with an eccentric (cam-type) pivot bolt, make matchmarks on the cams and the frame to facilitate reassembly. Remove the upper control arm nut, washer, cams (if equipped), bushings and pivot bolt (see illustration). On 1973 through 1978 B and F-body vehicles and on all 1979 and later vehicles, remove the splash shield, scribe a line on the support bracket along the inner edge of the pivot bar to insure that the suspension is still basically aligned after reassembly (see illustration), remove the pivot bolts or nuts (see illustrations) and remove the upper control arm.
5. Inspect the control arm bushings for wear. Replace them if necessary. A hydraulic press may be required to remove and install the bushings, in which case you may have to take them to a dealer service department or other repair shop to have this done.

Subject: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler RWD service, maintenance, repair. ISBN-10: 1563920980 | ISBN-13: 9781563920981 | Haynes 30050