
• 
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
 0 - 9 FLUID CAPACITIES 
COOLING SYSTEM 
QUARTS 
LITERS 
POWER STEERING  PINTS 
LITERS 
3.9L ENGINE  15.1 14.3 
ALL 
 2.7 
1.28 
5.2L ENGINE
 (2WD) 
 17.0 16.1 
REAR
 AXLE 
 PINTS 
LITERS 
5.2L ENGINE
 (4WD) 
 16.5 15.6 
CHRYSLER
 BVa
 Inch
 (210
 mm)  4.4 
2.08 
5.9L ENGINE
 (2WD) 
 15.5 14.7 
CHRYSLER
 9Va
 Inch
 (235
 mm)  4.5 
2.13 
5.9L ENGINE
 (4WD) 
 15.0 14.2 
DANA
 60  6.0 
2.84 
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE (MAN.TRANS.)  15.5 14.7 
DANA
 70  7.0 
3.31 
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
 (AUTO,
 TRANS) 
 16.5 15.6 
FRONT AXLE 
 PINTS 
LITERS 
ENGINE
 CRANKCASE 
 QUARTS 
LITERS 
DANA
 44
 FBJ  5.6 
2.65 
3.9L,
 5.2L & 5.9
 ENGINES  4.0* 3.8* 
DANA
 60 F 
 6.5 
3.07 
5.9L DIESEL ENGINES  12.0* 
11.4** 
TRANSMISSION-AUTOMATIC 
QUARTS 
LITERS 
FUEL TANK  GALLON 
LITERS 
A
 727 (5.9L
 ENGINE)  8.4 
7.9 
STANDARD
 3.9L & 5.2L ENGINES  22.0 83.0 
A
 998 (3.9L
 ENGINE)  8.6 
8.1 
OPTIONAL 3.9L & 5.2L ENGINES  30.0 113.0 
A
 999 (5.2L
 ENGINE)  8.6 
8.1 
5.9L ENGINE
 {G
 OR
 D) 
 30.0 113.0 
A
 518 (5.2L & 5.9L
 ENGINES)  10.2 
9.6 
AD 100
 &
 AW 100  34.0 128.0 
TRANSMISSION-MANUAL 
 QUARTS 
LITERS 
TRANSFER
 CASE 
 PINTS 
LITERS 
NV
 4500 
 4.0 
3.8 
NP-205 
 4.5 2.13 
GETRAG
 360 (5
 Speed) 
 3.5 
3.3 
NP-241 
 6.0 
2.84 
* Add
 0.5 qt. or 0.45
 liter
 when
 the oil filter
 is
 changed 
*
 *
 Add
 1 qt. or 0.9
 liter
 with
 oil filter
 change  STARTING ASSISTANCE (JUMP STARTING) 
WARNING:
 DO NOT
 ATTEMPT
 TO
 PUSH
 OR
 TOW
 A 
 VEHICLE
 TO
 START
 THE
 ENGINE. UNBURNED FUEL COULD ENTER CATALYTIC CONVERTER 
AND IGNITE AFTER
 THE
 ENGINE
 IS
 STARTED. 
THIS COULD CAUSE
 THE
 CONVERTER
 TO
 OVER HEAT AND RUPTURE. 
BOOSTER BATTERY 
WARNING:
 TO
 PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY
 OR, 
 DO
 NOT
 ALLOW BATTERY ACID
 TO
 CONTACT 
EYES,
 SKIN
 OR
 CLOTHING.
 DO NOT
 LEAN OVER
 A 
BATTERY WHEN CONNECTING JUMPER
 CABLES. 
DO
 NOT
 ALLOW
 THE
 POSITIVE
 AND
 NEGATIVE 
CABLE
 CLAMPS
 TO
 CONTACT EACH OTHER. 
 KEEP
 OPEN FLAMES
 AND
 SPARKS
 AWAY FROM 
THE BATTERY ELECTROLYTE VENT HOLES.
 AL
 WAYS
 WEAR
 EYE
 PROTECTION WHEN INVOLVED 
WITH
 VEHICLE BATTERIES. 
If it becomes necessary to use a booster battery and 
jumper cables to start an engine, use the following  procedure. 
 J9200-86 
(1) Engage the parking brake. Shift the automatic 
transmission to PARK (if a manual transmission,  shift to NEUTRAL). 
(2) Turn off all lights, and all other electrical 
loads. 
(3)
 Observe the battery condition indicator (Fig. 5). 
If the battery condition indicator is light/bright col
ored (or yellow), replace the battery. Do not attempt 
to jump start an engine when the condition indi
cator is light/bright colored (or yellow). If the 
condition indicator is dark in the center (but without  a green dot), proceed with connecting the jumper ca
bles. 
WARNING:
 THE
 ELECTROLYTE (ACID)
 IN A
 DIS
CHARGED
 BATTERY
 CAN
 FREEZE.
 DO NOT AT
TEMPT
 TO
 JUMP START
 AN
 ENGINE BEFORE  DETERMINING
 THE
 CONDITION
 OF THE
 BATTERY 
ELECTROLYTE.
 THE
 BATTERY COULD EXPLODE 
AND CAUSE SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY. 
CAUTION:
 Do not
 permit
 the
 metal
 surfaces
 on the 
vehicles
 to
 contact.
 This
 could
 establish
 ground 
(negative)
 continuity
 between
 the
 vehicle
 bodies. 
This
 could
 cause
 the
 on-board
 computers
 to be 
damaged.
 In
 addition
 it
 could
 reduce
 the
 amount
 of 
current
 flow
 through
 the
 starter
 motor.   

LUBRICATION
 AND
 MAINTENANCE
 0-11 
J
 DRIVE-ON
 HOIST 
I
 FRAME
 CONTACT
 HOIST 
 TWIN
 POST
 CHASSIS
 HOIST 
FLOOR
 JACK
 RROOD30 
Fig.
 8 Correct Vehicle Lifting
 Locations 
 An axle tube 
A body side sill 
A steering linkage component 
A drive shaft 
The engine or transmission oil pan 
The fuel tank 
• A front suspension arm  Use the correct frame rail lifting locations only 
(Fig. 8). 
HOIST  A vehicle can be lifted with: 
• A single-post, frame-contact hoist 
• A twin-post, chassis hoist 
• A ramp-type, drive-on hoist 
When a frame-contact type hoist is used, verify 
that the lifting pads are positioned properly  (Fig. 8). 
WARNING:
 WHEN
 A
 SERVICE
 PROCEDURE
 RE
 QUIRES
 THE
 REMOVAL
 OF
 THE
 REAR
 AXLE,
 FUEL 
TANK,
 OR
 SPARE
 TIRE,
 EITHER: 
• PLACE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT ON THE REAR 
END OF THE VEHICLE 
« ATTACH THE VEHICLE TO THE HOIST 
« PLACE JACK STANDS UNDER THE VEHICLE 
FOR SUPPORT TO PREVENT TIPPING WHEN 
THE CENTER OF BALANCE CHANGES 
4WD VEHICLES  A standard hoist can be used to lift a 4WD vehicle. 
The hoist should be inspected for adequate clearance.  The lift arms, pads or ramps should be adjusted to 
ensure that there is adequate clearance (Fig. 9). 
 ADJUSTMENT
 PAD 
ii 7 
 MAINTAIN
 CLEARANCE 
 HOIST
 ARM 
RK44 
Fig.
 9 Lifting 4WD Vehicle
 With
 Single-Post 
 Hoist—
 Typical 
 When a twin-post hoist is used, a 4 x 4 x 12-inch 
wood spacer also could be required. Place the wood  spacer under the front axle (opposite the differential 
housing). This will maintain balance and level lift ing. 
CAUTION:
 The
 block
 that
 is
 used must
 be
 secured in
 a
 safe manner. This
 will
 ensure
 that
 it
 will
 not un
balance
 the
 vehicle. 
VEHICLE
 TOWING
 RECOMMENDATIONS 
 When it is necessary to tow a Ram Truck, the rec
ommended method is either: 
• the sling-type, rear-end raised towing method; or 
• the wheel-lift towing method with a tow dolly lo
cated under the front wheels.  A vehicle with flat-bed hauling equipment can also 
be used to transport a disabled vehicle. 
SLING-TYPE 
 FLAT
 BED
 RR0OD29 
Fig.
 10 Tow Vehicles
 With
 Approved
 Equipment   

0 - 12
 LUBRICATION
 AND
 MAINTENANCE 
• A vehicle equipped with SAE approved sling-type 
towing equipment can be used (Fig. 10). However, 
many vehicles are equipped with air dams, spoilers,  and/or ground effect panels. In this case a wheel-lift 
towing vehicle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recom mended (Fig. 10). If a flat bed device is used, the ap
proach angle should not exceed 15 degrees. 
GROUND CLEARANCE  The lifted wheels of the disabled vehicle should be 
a minimum of 10 cm (4 in.) off the ground. Make 
sure there is enough clearance at the opposite end. 
This is critical when towing over rough terrain. If  necessary, the rear ground clearance can be increased by removing the wheels from the lifted end 
and then towing with the lifted end closer to the 
ground. If the rear wheels are removed, secure the 
brake drums. A 20 cm (8 in.) ground clearance must 
be maintained between brake drums or rotors and  the ground. 
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS  The following safety precautions must be consid
ered when preparing for and during a vehicle towing  operation: 
• Remove exhaust pipe tips that interfere with the 
tow sling and crossbar  • Padding should be placed between the tow sling/ 
crossbar and any painted surfaces 
• If the vehicle is damaged, secure the loose and pro
truding parts 
• Always use a safety chain system that is indepen dent of the lifting and towing equipment 
• When placing tow hooks on the rear axle, position  them so they do not damage the brake tubing or 
hoses 
• Do not allow any of the towing equipment to con
tact the fuel tank 
• Do not tow the vehicle by connecting to the front 
or rear shock absorbers 
• The operator should not go under a vehicle while 
it is lifted by the towing equipment. The vehicle 
should first be supported by safety stands 
• Do not allow passengers in a vehicle being towed 
• Observe all state and local laws involving warning  signals, night illumination, speed, etc. 
• Do not exceed a towing speed of 48 km/h (30 mph) 
• Avoid towing distances of more than 24 km (15 
miles) whenever possible  • Do not attach tow chains or a tow sling to a 
bumper, the steering linkage, the universal joints, or  a drive shaft 
REAR-END RAISED TOWING  It is recommended that the rear-end raised towing 
method be used. Vehicles can be towed with the front 
wheels on the ground for extended distances at  speeds not exceeding 48 km/h (30 mph) (Fig. 11).  (1) Attach the J-hooks around the axle shaft tubes 
outboard of the rear springs.  (2) Position and center the sling under and for
ward of the rear bumper.  (3) Attach safety chains (with pads) at each end of 
the rear bumper. 
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to 
unlock the steering wheel.  (5) Clamp the steering wheel with the front wheels 
in the straight ahead position. 
CAUTION:
 Do not use the steering
 column
 lock
 to 
secure
 front
 wheel
 in the straight-ahead
 position. 
(6) Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. 
POSITION CENTER BAR FORWARD
 OF
 BUMPER
 -
/
 J-HOOKS OUTBOARD
 OF
 SPRINGS
 RN967A 
Fig. 11 Rear-End
 Raised
 Towing 
FRONT'END RAISED TOWING  If a vehicle cannot be towed from the rear, the 
front-end raised towing method normally can be 
used (Fig. 12).  (1) Center the sling with the bumper and position 
it at the frame front crossmember. 
CAUTION:
 Use tow
 chains
 with
 J-hooks
 for
 con
necting
 to the
 disabled
 vehicle's
 lower
 suspension 
arms.
 Never use
 T-hooks. 
(2) Route the J-hooks and tow chains over the 
steering linkage outboard of the coil spring. 
(3) Attach the J-hooks to the outer end of the 
lower suspension arms. 
(4) Raise the vehicle. 
(5.) Attach the safety chains to the disabled vehicle 
at the frame rails. 
Vehicles equipped with a MANUAL TRANSMIS
SION can be towed with the rear wheels on the   

0-18
 LUBRICATION
 AND
 MAINTENANCE 
• MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 
A crankcase ventilation system must be clean to 
provide good operation and durability. Periodic main
tenance is necessary. Replace the PCV valve. Re
move residual combustion deposits from the hoses  and throttle body/intake manifold passages. 
The PCV valve should be replaced and the system 
should be serviced at the interval specified in main
tenance schedule. If a vehicle is routinely used for  short trips, the crankcase ventilation system could 
possibly require more maintenance. 
CRANKCASE AIR INLET FILTER 
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE  Replace or clean, the air inlet filter at the interval 
specified in maintenance schedule. 
More frequent PCV system maintenance could be 
required for: 
• Vehicles routinely used for short trips 
• Vehicles routinely involved in stop and go traffic 
operation 
• Vehicles routinely involved in extended periods of 
engine idle 
MAINTENANCE  Clean and lubricate the crankcase air inlet filter 
according to the following procedure.  (1) Disconnect the fresh air hose from the port on 
the crankcase air inlet filter housing (Fig. 8). 
(2) Remove the air filter housing from the cylinder 
head cover (Fig. 8). Clean the filter in kerosene or a  similar solvent. 
(3) Lubricate the filter by inverting the housing 
and filling it with SAE 30 viscosity engine oil. 
(4) Insert the air filter housing nipple in the cylin
der head cover grommet. Connect the fresh air hose 
to the upper port (Fig. 8). 
 J9000-52 
Fig.
 8
 Crankcase
 Air Inlet
 Filter 
 THROTTLE CONTROL LINKAGE 
Transmission linkage pivot pin areas (Fig. 9), 
should be serviced. The areas lubricated every second 
oil change with a multi-purpose lubricant (NLGI GC-
 LB). 
PIVOT
 AREAS 
Fig.
 9
 Transmission
 Linkage
 Pivot Areas 
FUEL
 SYSTEM 
INSPECTION  The fuel system filler cap, nozzle, tubes, hoses, and 
connections should be inspected periodically. 
FUEL FILTER  The fuel filter requires service only when a fuel 
contamination problem is suspected. For proper diag
nosis and service procedures refer to Group 14, Fuel 
System. 
GASOLINE ENGINE FUEL REQUIREMENTS  All gasoline engines require fuel that has a mini
mum octane rating of 87 determined by the (R + 
M)/2 calculation method. 
The use of a brand of unleaded gasoline that con
tains additives is recommended. Gasoline with addi
tives will improve fuel economy and reduce  emissions. 
ALCOHOL/GASOLINE
 BLENDS 
 Many brands of blended unleaded gasoline am now 
available.  Unleaded gasoline is blended with oxygenated-type 
fuels to produce a clean air gasoline in many areas. 
The use of this type of blended fuel is recommended. 
ETH ANOL—Unleaded gasoline and ethanol 
blended fuels are a mixture of 10 percent ethanol  and 90 percent unleaded gasoline. This is an accept
able blend of fuel. 
MTBE— MTBE blended fuels are a mixture of un
leaded gasoline and up to 15 percent MTBE (Methyl 
Tertiary Butyl Ether). Unleaded gasoline blended 
with MTBE is acceptable.   

• 
LUBRICATION
 AND
 MAINTENANCE
 0 - 23 GEAR SHIFTER BOOTS 
Inspect the shifter boots periodically for stone and 
heat damage. Replace, if necessary. 
SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS  The interval between the transmission drain and 
refill maintenance should be decreased to: 
• NV4500 manual transmission—every 29 000 km  (18,000 miles) 
• Automatic transmission—every 19 000 km (12,000 
miles) 
A severe driving condition includes: 
• Extended operation with heavy cargo loads 
• Driving in deep mud or snow 
• Off-road operation (4WD) 
• Trailer towing 
• Operation as a commercial vehicle 
• Snow plowing 
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS 
INSPECTION/LUBE
 OIL
 LEVEL 
 The transmission should be checked for leaks when 
other service is necessary under the vehicle. To check 
the lube oil level, remove the fill hole plug (Fig. 2 ).  If the level is below the bottom of the fill hole, raise 
the level to the bottom of the fill hole with: 
• Castrol Syntorq for NV4500 transmissions 
• SAE 5W-30 engine oil (API Service SG, SG/CD or 
SG/CE) for Getrag 360 transmissions. 
Fig.
 2 NV4500 Manual
 Transmission 
DRAIN
 AND
 FILL 
 The NV4500 transmission fluid should be changed 
according to the intervals listed in the Manual 
Transmission—Drain & Refill Intervals chart below. 
Also,
 refer to the Fluid Capacities chart. 
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS 
FLUID
 LEWEL 
 It is recommended that the fluid (ATF) level in au
tomatic transmissions be checked while involved 
with other underhood maintenance. 
Vehicle operation with an incorrect ATF level 
will greatly reduce the life of the transmission. 
 Fig.
 3 Getrag 360 Manual
 Transmission 
MANUAL TRANSMISSION-DRAIN & REFILL  INTERVALS 
 Normal 
Service 
 Light
 Duty
 Cycle 
60 000
 km
 37,500
 miles 
Heavy
 Duty
 Cycle 
58 000
 km
 36,000
 miles 
Severe 
 Service 
 29 000
 km
 18,000
 miles 
J9000-43 
The condition of the ATF also should be deter
mined. If the ATF is dark in color and has a strong  odor, the fluid should be changed. Also the filter should be replaced and the bands adjusted. 
The following procedure must be used to check the 
automatic transmission fluid (ATF) level. 
(1) Position the vehicle on level ground. 
(2) Operate the engine at idle speed. 
(3) Apply the parking brake. 
(4) Place the gear selector in N (neutral). 
(5) Remove the dipstick from the tube. Wipe it 
clean and determine if the ATF is hot or warm. 
Hot ATF has a temperature of approximately 
82°C (180°F). Warm ATF is when its temperature 
is between 29-52°C (85-125°F).  (6) Wipe the dipstick clean and completely insert it 
into the tube. Remove the dipstick from the tube and 
observe the ATF level. 
(7) If the ATF is hot, the level should be in the 
crosshatched area that is marked OK. 
(8) If the ATF is warm, the level should be be
tween the two dimples.   

0
 - 24
 LUBRICATION
 AND
 MAINTENANCE 
• 
CAUTION:
 Do not
 overfill
 the
 transmission. 
(9) Adjust
 the
 level
 of the ATF
 accordingly. 
It
 is
 important
 to use the
 correct fluid
 in an 
automatic transmission. MOPAR®ATF PLUS 
(ATF Type
 7176)
 should
 be
 used. Dexron®
 II 
ATF
 can be
 used
 if the
 recommended fluid
 is not 
 available, 
(10) Insert
 the
 dipstick into
 the
 tube. 
DRAIN, FILTER CHANGE, BAND ADJUSTMENT AND REFILL 
 The chart below lists
 the
 intervals
 at
 which
 the 
transmission should
 be
 serviced. Also, refer
 to the 
Fluid Capacities chart
 for
 fill capacity. 
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE
 IN-
 TERVALS 
Normal 
Usage 
 Light
 Duty
 Cycle 
60 000
 km
 37,500
 miles 
Heavy
 Duty
 Cycle 
38
 000 km 24,000
 miles 
Severe 
 Usage 
 19 000 km 12,000
 miles 
J9100-19 
It
 is
 very important
 to use the
 correct fluid
 in 
an automatic transmission. MOPAR®ATF PLUS 
(ATF Type
 7176)
 should
 be
 used.
 An
 equivalent 
Dexron®
 II ATF
 could
 be
 used only
 if the
 recom
mended fluid
 is not
 available. 
The torque converter does
 not
 have
 a
 drain plug. 
No attempt should
 be
 made
 to
 drain
 the
 converter. 
Refer
 to
 Group
 21
 —Transmissions
 for
 transmission 
drain
 and
 refill procedures. 
TRANSFER
 CASE
 (4WD
 VEHICLES) 
 INSPECTION  The NP205
 and
 NP241 transfer cases fluid level 
should
 be
 checked whenever maintenance
 is
 neces
sary under
 the
 vehicle. 
FLUID
 LEVEL 
 The vehicle must
 be
 level when
 the
 fluid level 
is checked. 
The transfer case drain fill hole plugs
 are
 located 
at
 the
 rear
 of the
 housing (Figs.
 4 and 5). 
Determine
 the
 transfer case fluid level according
 to 
the following procedure. 
(1) Raise
 and
 support
 the
 vehicle. 
(2) Remove
 the
 fill hole plug (Figs.
 4 and 5)
 from 
the transfer case.
 The
 fluid level should
 be at the 
bottom edge
 of the
 fill hole.
 The
 level
 can be
 slightly 
below
 the
 bottom edge
 of the
 fill hole
 if the
 fluid
 is 
 cold. 
(3)
 If the
 level
 is not
 acceptable, raise
 the
 fluid 
level
 to the
 bottom edge
 of the
 fill hole with:  • MOPAR®ATF PLUS
 or an
 equivalent Dexron
 II® 
ATF
 for
 NP241 transfer case 
• Multi-purpose gear
 oil (API GL-5) or
 engine
 oil 
(API
 SG,
 SG/CD
 OR
 SG/CE)
 for
 NP205 transfer 
cases. 
Add fluid
 in
 small amounts
 to
 raise
 the
 level. (4) Install
 the
 fill hole plug (Figs.
 4 and 5). 
Tighten
 the
 fill hole plug
 to 27 N-m (20
 ft-lbs)  torque. 
(5) Remove
 the
 support
 and
 lower
 the
 vehicle. 
Fig.
 4
 HP241 Transfer
 Case 
Fig.
 5
 NP205 Transfer
 Case 
FLUID DRAIN
 AND
 REFILL  The transfer case fluid should
 be
 changed every
 60 
000
 km
 (37,500 miles).
 For
 vehicles subject
 to the 
HEAVY DUTY CYCLE Maintenance Schedule,
 a 58 
000
 km
 (36,000 miles) interval
 is
 recommended. 
(1) Raise
 and
 support
 the
 vehicle. 
(2) Remove
 the
 fill hole plug (Figs.
 4 and 5)
 from 
the transfer case.  (3) Place
 an
 appropriate container under
 the
 trans
fer case drain hole plug (Figs.
 4 and 5). 
 (4) Remove
 the
 drain hole plug. Drain
 the
 fluid 
from
 the
 transfer case into
 the
 container.   

• 
LUBRICATION
 AND
 MAINTENANCE
 0 - 25 
CAUTION:
 Do not
 over-tighten
 the
 drain
 and fill
 hole 
plugs.
 Over-tightening
 can strip the
 hole
 threads 
and/or crack
 the
 aluminum housing. 
(5) Install the drain hole plug (Figs. 4 and 5) in 
the transfer case. Tighten the drain hole plug to 27  N*m (20 ft-lbs) torque.  (6) Fill the transfer case to the bottom edge of the 
fill hole (Figs. 4 and 5) with:  • MOPAR®ATF PLUS or an equivalent Dexron II® 
ATF for NP241 transfer cases 
• Multi-purpose gear oil (API GL-5) or engine oil (API SG, SG/CD or SG/CE) for NP205 transfer cases.  (7) Install the fill hole plug (Figs. 4 and 5) in the 
transfer case. Tighten the plug to 27 N«m (20 ft-lbs)  torque. 
(8) Remove the support and lower the vehicle. 
FLUID SPECIFICATION 
• MOPAR®ATF PLUS or an equivalent Dexron II® 
ATF for NP241 transfer cases  • Multi-purpose gear oil (API GL-5) or engine oil (API SG, SG/CD or SG/CE) for NP205 transfer cases 
NP20I
 MULTI-PURPOSE GEAR OIL/ENGINE
 OIL
 SELECTION 
MULTI-PURPOSE GEAR OIL-if the anticipated 
minimum temperature will:  • Be above 32°C (90°F)-use SAE 140, API GL-5; 
• Decrease to as low as -23°C (-10°F)-use SAE 90, 
API GL-5; and  • Be below -23°C (-10°F)-use SAE 80, API GL-5.  ENGINE OIL—if the anticipated minimum tem
perature will be:  ® Above 0°C (32°F)-use SAE 50, API SG, SG/CD or 
SG/CE; 
• Below 0°C (32°F)-use SAE 30, API SG, SG/CD or  SG/CE. 
SHIFT MECHANISM-NP241 AND NP205  The transfer case shift mechanism should be 
cleaned and lubricated as necessary. 
Lubricate the pivot, the sliding contact areas and 
the shift linkage pivot ends with light-weight engine  oil (Figs. 6 and 7). 
AXLES 
 INSPECTION/LUBRICANT LEVEL  For normal vehicle operation, periodic axle lubri
cant level checks are not necessary. The exterior of 
the axle housing should be inspected for leakage.  Check the lubricant level to confirm the leakage. 
LUBRICANT LEVEL 
 (1) Raise the vehicle with an axle or wheel type 
hoist. Support the vehicle. 
(2) The rear axle differential housings have a rub
ber, PRESS-IN type fill plug (Fig. 8). Pry the fill 
 TRANSMISSION 
ASSEMBLY 
 GEARSHIFT 
MECHANISM  TRANSFER CASE 
SCREWS
 (2) 
 50
 FT. LBS. 
 (68 N*m) 
 CLAMP 
 SHIFT
 ROD 
SCREW 
80 IN.
 LBS. 
(9 N*m) 
RP1091 
Fig.
 6 Shift
 Mechanism
 Lubrication—NP241 Transfer 
 Case 
Fig. 
 RY682 
 7 Shift
 Mechanism
 Lubrication—NP205 Transfer 
Case 
plug from the differential housing. The front axle  (4WD vehicles)*differential housings have a thread
ed-type fill plug (Fig. 9). Un-thread the fill plug from 
the differential housing. 
(3) The lubricant level should be within 12 mm 
(1/2 in) of the fill hole for the 8.25 and 9.25 rear ax
les.
 The lubricant level should be between 12mm (1/2 
in) and 24mm (1 in.) of the fill hole for the Dana ax
les. 
(4) If necessary, add lubricant to raise the level to 
the acceptable position. 
(5) Install the fill hole plug in the differential 
housing (Figs. 8 and 9). 
DRAIN
 AND
 REFILL 
 Periodic axle lubricant change for normal vehicle 
operation is not necessary. Refer to the chart below-  

3
 - 28
 REAR
 SUSPENSION
 AND
 AXLE 
• 
SURE-GRIP
 DIFFERENTIAL
 SERVICE 
GENERAL
 INFORMATION 
 The Sure-Grip differential
 is an
 option available
 in 
the
 8 1/4 and 9 1/4
 inch rear axles
 (Fig. 1). 
 EXCITER 
RING  RING 
GEAR 
 DIFFERENTIAL 
CASE 
BEARING  BEARING 
J9003-119 
 Fig.
 1
 Sure-Grip
 Differential 
With
 the
 exception
 of the
 Sure-Grip differential 
case,
 all the
 axle components
 are
 identical
 to the 
standard axle.
 The
 Sure-Grip
 has a
 two-piece differ
ential case.
 The
 case
 is
 completely interchangeable 
with
 a
 standard differential case
 (Fig. 2).
 Sure-Grip  differential removal
 and
 installation
 is
 same
 as
 stan
dard differential. 
 DIFFERENTIAL 
CASE 
PINION 
 GEAR 
COIL SPRING  LUBRICATION 
WELL 
 SIDE
 GEAR 
CLUTCH 
LUBRICATION 
 GROOVES 
J9003-120 
Fig.
 2
 Sure-Grip
 Differential
 Components 
 The action
 of a
 standard differential will allow
 the 
rear wheels
 to
 rotate
 at
 different speeds when
 the ve
hicle
 is
 turning. This differential will divide
 the en
 gine torque equally between them. This
 is a 
 desirable
 and
 normal function
 of a
 differential.
 A 
Sure-Grip differential transfers additional engine 
torque
 to the
 rear wheel that
 has the
 better traction  surface.
 The
 Sure-Grip differential allows
 the
 driving 
wheel with better traction
 to
 develop more driving 
torque than
 the
 other wheel.
 The
 Sure-Grip
 is not a 
 locking type differential. 
IDENTIFICATION  Raise both rear wheels
 off the
 surface
 and
 rotate 
them.
 If
 both rear wheels rotate
 in the
 same direc
tion,
 the
 vehicle
 is
 equipped with
 a
 Sure-Grip differ ential. Another method
 of
 identification
 is by 
removing
 the
 housing cover fill hole plug. Examine  (with
 a
 flashlight)
 the
 differential case components 
through
 the
 lubricant fill hole. 
SERVICE INFORMATION  When Sure-Grip differential service
 is
 necessary, 
both rear wheels must
 be
 raised
 off the
 surface
 so 
 they
 are
 free
 to
 rotate. 
A Sure-Grip differential case
 is not
 repairable. 
If defective,
 it
 must
 be
 replaced
 as a
 complete 
unit only.
 Do not
 attempt
 to
 disassemble
 and re
pair
 the
 case components. 
Follow
 the
 same procedure outlined under Stan
dard Differential
 for
 Removal
 and
 Installation. 
DIFFERENTIAL TEST 
CAUTION:
 Whenever
 a
 rear axle
 is
 being
 serviced, 
 RAISE
 BOTH
 REAR
 WHEELS
 off the
 surface. 
A Sure-Grip differential
 can be
 tested without
 re
moving
 the
 differential case from
 the
 housing. 
(1) Position
 the
 vehicle
 on a
 hoist with
 the
 ignition 
OFF.
 Put the
 transmission selector lever
 in
 PARK 
(automatic transmission)
 or in
 first gear (manual 
transmission). 
(2) Attempt
 to
 manually rotate each rear wheel. 
(3)
 If
 difficult
 to
 manually rotate either wheel,
 the 
Sure-Grip differential
 is
 functioning normally.
 If 
easy,
 the
 differential
 is not
 functioning normally
 and 
 should
 be
 replaced. 
A Sure-Grip differential case
 is not
 repairable. 
If defective,
 it
 must
 be
 replaced
 as a
 complete 
unit only.
 Do not
 attempt
 to
 disassemble
 and re
pair
 the
 case components. 
DIFFERENTIAL NOISE  Noise complaints involving
 a
 Sure-Grip should
 be 
evaluated
 to
 determine
 the
 source
 of the
 noise.
 If a 
noise occurs while
 the
 vehicle
 is
 turning,
 the
 proba
ble cause
 is
 incorrect
 or
 insufficient gear lubricant.  The drain
 and
 clean procedure should
 be
 used
 for 
possible elimination
 of the
 noise before replacing
 the 
 differential.