[FONT="]NHTSA #:[/FONT][FONT="] 853[/FONT] [FONT="] Make: DODGE Model: RAM Model Year: 2001 MFG Campaign #: 966 Description: SUSPENSION:REAR[/FONT] [FONT="]Manufacturer that filed defect/noncompliance report[/FONT] [FONT="]: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION Begin Date of MFG: 6/23/2000 End Date of MFG: 7/31/2000 Vehicle, Equipment, or Tire report: V Number of units affected: 2400 Date owner notified by MFG: 2/5/2001 Recall Initiator: MFG MFG's of Recalled Vehicles/Products: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A CAMPER PACKAGE AND OVERLOAD SPRINGS. THE REAR AXLE SPACER PLATE COULD LEAD TO DEFORMATION OF THE UPPER SPRING PLATE DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE AXLE TO THE VEHICLE RESULTING A SOFT JOINT.[/FONT] [FONT="]Consequence Summary:[/FONT] [FONT="]THE SOFT JOINT COULD CAUSE THE REAR AXLE U-BOLTS TO LOSE CLAMP LOAD, RESULTING IN DISPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE AND A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.. [/FONT] [FONT="]Corrective Summary:[/FONT] [FONT="]DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SPACER PLATES AND THE SPRING PLATES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.[/FONT] [FONT="]Recall Notes:[/FONT] [FONT="]ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).[/FONT]
