
(1) Install transaxle solenoid pack (Fig. 284).
(2) Install input and output speed sensors.
This concludes the assembly of the transaxle cen-
terline.
DIFFERENTIAL REPAIR
NOTE: The differential is serviced as an assembly.
The only parts that are serviceable within the differ-
ential are the differential bearing cups and cones. If
any other part fails within the differential, you must
replace the differential assembly along with the
transfer shaft.
DISASSEMBLE
The transfer shaft should be removed for differen-
tial repair and bearing turning torque checking.
(1) Remove the differential cover and bolts (Fig.
285) (Fig. 286).
(2) Remove the differential bearing retainer and
bolts (Fig. 287) (Fig. 288).(3) Using a plastic hammer, remove extension
housing/adapter plate on the right side of the tran-
saxle.
Fig. 283 Install Pan Bolts
Fig. 284 Install Solenoid Pack
Fig. 285 Differential Cover Bolts
Fig. 286 Remove Differential Cover
Fig. 287 Differential Retainer Bolts
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 139
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

CHECKING SIDE GEAR END PLAY
Check side gear end play whenever the differential
is removed for service.
NOTE: Side gear end play must be BETWEEN 0.001
to 0.013 inch.
ASSEMBLE
NOTE: Use MoparTSilicone Rubber Adhesive Seal-
ant, or equivalent, on retainer and extension hous-
ing/adapter plate to seal to case.
(1) Using Miller Special Tool L-4410, and C-4171,
install differential bearing to differential (extension
housing side) (Fig. 296).
Fig. 293 Remove Bearing Cup
DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE TOOLS
COMPONENT REMOVER INSTALLER
Diff. Bear. On
Retainer Side5048, 5048-4
Collets,
L-4539-2
Button5052, C-4171
Diff. Bear. On
Ext. Hous. Side5048, 5048-3
Collets,
L-4539-2
ButtonL-4410, C-4171
Diff. Race. On
Retainer Side6062-A 6061, C-4171
Diff. Race. On
Ext. Hous. SideL-4518 L-4520, C-4171
Extension
Housing Seal7794-A, C-637
Slide HammerL-4520, C-4171
Bearing
Retainer Seal794-A, C-637
Slide HammerL-4520, C-4171
Fig. 294 Checking Side Gear End Play (Extension
Housing Side)
Fig. 295 Checking Side Gear End Play (Bearing
Retainer Side)
Fig. 296 Position Bearing Cone Onto Differential
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 141
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

POWER TRANSFER UNIT
INDEX
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
POWER TRANSFER UNIT................ 165
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
FLUID LEAK DIAGNOSIS................. 167
SEAL IDENTIFICATION................... 165
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER SEAL............ 170
END COVER BALL BEARING.............. 178
END COVER SEAL...................... 169
HALF SHAFT INNER SEAL................ 175
INPUT SHAFT COVER SEAL.............. 174
INPUT SHAFT END SEAL................. 177INPUT SHAFT SEAL..................... 169
OUTER HALF SHAFT SEAL............... 177
POWER TRANSFER UNIT (P.T.U.).......... 167
POWER TRANSFER UNIT OUTPUT SEAL.... 171
REAR COVER O-RING................... 171
ADJUSTMENTS
OUTPUT FLANGE SHIM SELECTION........ 180
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE............................. 180
SPECIAL TOOLS
SDP POWER TRANSFER UNIT............ 181
GENERAL INFORMATION
POWER TRANSFER UNIT
The Power Transfer Unit (P.T.U.) is attached to a
modified automatic transaxle case where the right
half shaft extension housing would normally be
located. The Transfer Unit provides the power to the
rear wheels through a hypoid ring gear and pinion
set.
The Power Transfer Unit is sealed from the tran-
saxle and has its own oil sump. The Unit uses SAE
85W-90 gear lubricant and holds 1.15 liters (1.22
quarts).
The Power Transfer Unit fill plug is located on the
end cover (Fig. 1).Do not mistake the black plas-
tic inspection plug located on the P.T.U. case
for the fill plug.Service of the Power Transfer Unit is limited to:
²Seals
²Gaskets
²One ball bearing
²Output flange
If the ring gear and pinion, any tapered roller
bearings, case, covers, or pinion carrier fail the entire
unit must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SEAL IDENTIFICATION
For accurate seal diagnosis, repair seal name and
location is critical. Refer to (Fig. 2), (Fig. 3), (Fig. 4)
and (Fig. 5) for correct seal name and location.
Fig. 1 Fill Plug LocationFig. 2 Seal Location
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 165

FLUID LEAK DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing fluid leaks on the Power Transfer
Unit two weep holes are provided to diagnose certainseal leaks. These holes are located on the bottom side
of the assembly (Fig. 6).
If fluid leak is detected from either weep hole, seal
replacement is necessary.Do not attempt to repair
the leak by sealing weep holes,they must be kept
clear of sealants for proper seal operation.
If fluid is leaking from weep hole A (Fig. 6) the
type of fluid leaking will determine which seal needs
to be replaced. If the fluid leaking is red in color
(transmission fluid) this indicates that the Transmis-
sion differential carrier seal should be replaced. If
the fluid leaking is light brown (gear lube) this indi-
cates that the Power Transfer Unit input seal should
be replaced. For replacement of these seals refer to
Power Transfer Unit Service Procedures.
If fluid is leaking from weep hole B (Fig. 6) the
type of fluid leaking will determine which seal is
leaking. If the fluid leaking is red in color (transmis-
sion fluid) this indicates that the input shaft end seal
should be replaced. If the fluid leaking is light brown
(gear lube) this indicates that the half shaft inner
seal and P.T.U. input shaft cover seal should be
replaced. For replacement of these seals refer to
Power Transfer Unit Service Procedures.
Before condemning any seal or gasket be sure that
the rear rocker arm cover on the engine is not the
cause of the oil leak. Oil leaking from the rocker arm
cover is easily mistaken for a leaking Power Transfer
Unit.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
POWER TRANSFER UNIT (P.T.U.)
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and remove front wheels.
Fig. 3 Seal Location
Fig. 4 Seal Location
Fig. 5 Seal Location
Fig. 6 Weep Hole Locations
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 167
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Check
transaxle fluid and P.T.U. fluid and fill to level.
(2) Refer to the Specifications section for the
proper torque specifications.
END COVER SEAL
The Power Transfer Unit must be removed from
the vehicle to perform this operation. Refer to Power
Transfer Unit Removal in this section for procedures.
(1) Remove P.T.U. end cover bolts (Fig. 12).
(2) Gently tap on end cover ears with a hammer to
separate end cover from the case (Fig. 13).
(3) Clean and inspect sealer surfaces.
(4) Apply MopartGasket Maker, Loctite Gasket
Eliminator No.518 or equivalent to sealing surfaces.
(5) Reinstall cover and tighten bolts to 28 N´m
(250 in. lbs.) in the sequence shown in (Fig. 14).
Retighten first bolt after all others are tight.
CAUTION: When end cover is installed be careful
not to damage the P.T.U. Input Shaft Cover Seal.
(6) Reinstall P.T.U. into vehicle.
(7) Check and fill fluids as required.
INPUT SHAFT SEAL
The Power Transfer Unit must be removed from
the vehicle to service this seal. Refer to Power Trans-
fer Unit Removal in this section for procedures.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove P.T.U. end cover bolts (Fig. 15).(2) Gently tap on end cover ears to separate cover
from case (Fig. 16).
(3) Remove ring gear oil trough (Fig. 17).
(4) Remove input shaft and ring gear from case
(Fig. 18).
(5) Use Special Tool No. 7794-A (seal puller) to
remove seal (Fig. 19).
Fig. 12 P.T.U. End Cover Bolts
Fig. 13 End Cover Removal
Fig. 14 Bolt Tightening Sequence
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 169
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Install rear cover. Use care not to cut rear
cover O-Ring when installing rear cover into P.T.U.
housing.
(5) Install rear cover retaining bolts and tighten to
28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(6) Install propeller shaft.
(7) Check and fill fluids as required.
INPUT SHAFT COVER SEAL
The power transfer unit input shaft cover seal is
the larger of the two seals located on the inside of
the end cover. The differential bearing cup must be
removed to service this seal.
The Power Transfer Unit must be removed from
vehicle to perform this operation.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove P.T.U. end cover bolts (Fig. 33).
(2) Gently tap on end cover ears to separate cover
from case (Fig. 34).
(3) Use special tool No. 6514 and remove the dif-
ferential bearing race located in the end cover (Fig.
35). The race must be removed to gain access to the
seal.
(4) Use special tool No. 7794-A to remove seal (Fig.
36).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect seal area.
(2) Use special tool No. MD998803 and install seal
(Fig. 37). When installing seal the spring side of the
seal must face toward the special tool.(3) Reinstall the original bearing race and shim
using special tool No. 6522 (Fig. 38) and (Fig. 39).
CAUTION: The original shim must be installed
behind the bearing cup to maintain proper bearing
preload.
(4) Apply MopartGasket Maker, Loctite Gasket
Eliminator No. 518 or equivalent to sealing surfaces
of end cover.
(5) Place end cover onto P.T.U. case and install
bolts. Tighten bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.) in the
sequence shown in (Fig. 40). Retighten first bolt after
all others are tight.
Fig. 33 P.T.U. End Cover Bolts
Fig. 34 End Cover Removal
Fig. 35 Bearing Race Removal
21 - 174 TRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNITNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

A±598 MANUAL TRANSAXLE
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
A-598 MANUAL TRANSAXLE............... 2
A-558 MANUAL TRANSAXLEÐRHD
VEHICLES............................ 2
GEAR RATIOS........................... 3
GEAR RATIOSÐRHD VEHICLES............ 3
GEARSHIFT PATTERN..................... 3
GEARSHIFT PATTERNÐRHD VEHICLES...... 3
SELECTION OF LUBRICANT................ 2
SELECTION OF LUBRICANTÐRHD VEHICLES . 2
SPECIAL ADDITIVES..................... 2
SPECIAL ADDITIVESÐRHD VEHICLES....... 3
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION . . 2
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION
INFORMATIONÐRHD VEHICLES.......... 2
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
AXLE SEALS............................ 3
GEARSHIFT LEVERS...................... 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CLUTCH PROBLEMS..................... 4
COMMON PROBLEM CAUSES.............. 3
HARD SHIFTING......................... 4
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL.................. 4
NOISY OPERATION....................... 4
SLIPS OUT OF GEAR..................... 4
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID DRAIN AND FILL................... 4
FLUID DRAIN AND FILLÐRHD VEHICLES.... 4
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
A-558 TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLYÐRHD
VEHICLES........................... 16
AXLE SEALS........................... 11
BACK-UP LAMP SWITCH.................. 9
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR Ð
2.5L VM DIESEL...................... 10
CROSSOVER LEVER..................... 11
GEARSHIFT BOOT....................... 5GEARSHIFT BOOT....................... 5
GEARSHIFT CABLES...................... 5
GEARSHIFT CABLESÐRHD VEHICLES....... 7
GEARSHIFT KNOB....................... 5
GEARSHIFT MECHANISM REPLACEMENT..... 7
GEARSHIFT MECHANISM REPLACEMENTÐ
RHD VEHICLES........................ 8
INPUT SHAFT FRONT BEARING RETAINER . . . 15
INPUT SHAFT SEAL..................... 16
SELECTOR LEVER...................... 11
SHIFT SHAFT SEALS.................... 12
TRANSAXLE........................... 12
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR DRIVE GEAR...... 9
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
DIFFERENTIAL......................... 39
INPUT SHAFT.......................... 32
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT................... 33
SHIFT COVER.......................... 45
SYNCHRONIZER........................ 43
TRANSAXLE........................... 20
TRANSAXLE CASE...................... 48
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
SYNCHRONIZER........................ 52
TRANSAXLE........................... 52
ADJUSTMENTS
BEARING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE....... 56
GEARSHIFT CROSSOVER CABLE........... 52
GEARSHIFT CROSSOVER CABLE........... 55
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING PRELOAD . . 57
SPECIFICATIONS
A-558 MANUAL TRANSAXLEÐRHD
VEHICLES........................... 59
A-598 (T-750) MANUAL TRANSAXLE....... 59
SPECIAL TOOLS
A-558 MANUAL TRANSAXLEÐRHD
VEHICLES........................... 60
A-598 (T-750) MANUAL TRANSAXLE....... 60
NS/GSA±598 MANUAL TRANSAXLE 21 - 1

GENERAL INFORMATION
A-598 MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Safety goggles should be worn at all times
when working on these transaxles.The A-598
manual transaxle uses SAE 5W-30 engine oil, meet-
ing SG and/or SG-CD qualifications, as the factory
fill lubricant. SAE G5 10W-40 engine oil is a suitable
service fill alternative.
This transaxle combines gear reduction, ratio selec-
tion, and differential functions in one unit. It is
housed in a die-cast aluminum case.
A-558 MANUAL TRANSAXLEÐRHD VEHICLES
Safety goggles should be worn at all times
when working on these transaxles.The A-558
manual transaxle uses SAE 5W-30 engine oil, meet-
ing SG and/or SG-CD qualifications, as the factory
fill lubricant. SAE G5 10W-40 engine oil is a suitable
service fill alternative.
This transaxle combines gear reduction, ratio selec-
tion, and differential functions in one unit. It is
housed in a die-cast aluminum case.
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
The A-598 transaxle model, assembly number,
build date, and final-drive ratio are stamped on a tag
that is attached to the top of the transaxle (Fig. 1).
The last eight digits of the Vehicle Identification
Number (V.I.N.) are stamped on a raised boss on top
of the clutch housing area.
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATIONÐRHD
VEHICLES
The A-558 transaxle model, assembly number,
build date, and final-drive ratio are stamped on a tag
that is attached to the top of the transaxle (Fig. 2).NOTE: Certain transaxle assemblies utilize high-
strength steel in various gears. It is imperative that
the correct transaxle assembly number is utilized
when ordering service parts. Do not remove this
tag, so the information is available for future ser-
vice.
The last eight digits of the Vehicle Identification
Number (V.I.N.) are stamped on a raised boss on top
of the clutch housing area.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANT
The A-598 manual transaxle uses SAE 5W-30
engine oil, meeting SG and/or SG-CD qualifications,
as the factory fill lubricant. G5 SAE 10W-40 engine
oil is a suitable service fill alternative.Hypoid gear
lube, manual transmission fluid, and/or auto-
matic transmission fluid should not be used in
this transaxle.Hard shifting effort, bearing, gear,
and/or synchronizer failure may occur if incorrect
fluid is used.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANTÐRHD VEHICLES
The A-558 manual transaxle uses SAE 5W-30
engine oil, meeting SG and/or SG-CD qualifications,
as the factory fill lubricant. G5 SAE 10W-40 engine
oil is a suitable service fill alternative.Hypoid gear
lube, manual transmission fluid, and/or auto-
matic transmission fluid should not be used in
this transaxle.Hard shifting effort, bearing, gear,
and/or synchronizer failure may occur if incorrect
fluid is used.
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
The addition of any fluids to the transaxle, other
than the fluid listed above, is not recommended. An
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
Fig. 1 Transaxle Identification
Fig. 2 Transaxle Identification
21 - 2 A±598 MANUAL TRANSAXLENS/GS