I'm trying to tighten the kickdown band strut on my 98 dodge ram 1500 5.9 any ideas?

 

Download the factory service manual, and follow the procedure in there.

 

Follow said instructions down to the letter...or prepare for a rebuilt. Inch pounds...and yeas, torque wrench is a necessity.

 

Agreed you should follow the proceedure in the service manual. The best suggestion I can give you is to go to your local Sears store or Snap-on man or whatever and find an 8 point socket the proper size for the band strut on your transmission unless this is one they changed to Torx in which case, you will need the correct size for the band strut. You can check the one on the outside of the case. I believe both band struts are the same size, if I remember correctly.

 

Struts are different and I believe torque specs are different. Manual is key here.