1998 DODGE RAM 1500 AUX

FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various ªspecialº additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additivesmust not be used.The use of trans-
mission ªsealersº should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
OPERATION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
The automatic transmission fluid is selected based
upon several qualities. The fluid must provide a high
level of protection for the internal components by
providing a lubricating film between adjacent metal
components. The fluid must also be thermally stable
so that it can maintain a consistent viscosity through
a large temperature range. If the viscosity stays con-
stant through the temperature range of operation,
transmission operation and shift feel will remain con-
sistent. Transmission fluid must also be a good con-
ductor of heat. The fluid must absorb heat from the
internal transmission components and transfer that
heat to the transmission case.
FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
FUEL TANK
Short Box (Lt. Duty) 98 L (26 gal.)*
Long Box (Lt. Duty) 132 L (35 gal.)*
ENGINE OIL WITH FILTER
3.7L 4.7 L (5.0 qts.)
4.7L 5.6 L (6.0 qts.)
5.7L 6.6 L (7.0 qts.)
5.9L DIESEL 11.4 L (12.0 qts.)
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
COOLING SYSTEM
3.7L 15.4 L (16.2 qts.)**
4.7L 15.4 L (16.2 qts.)**
5.7L 15.4L (16.2 qts.)**
5.9L Diesel Engine 28L (29.5 qts.)**
POWER STEERING
Power steering fluid capacities are dependent on
engine/chassis options as well as steering gear/cooler
options. Depending on type and size of internal
cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or
use of an auxiliary cooler, these capacities may vary.
Refer to 19, Steering for proper fill and bleed
procedures.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Fill - 48RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 48RE 14-16L (29-33 pts.)L
Service Fill - 45RFE/
545RFE4X2 - 5.2 L (11.0 pts.)
4X4 - 6.2 L (13.0 pts.)
O-haul - 45RFE/545RFE 14-16 L (29-33 pts.)L
LDry fill capacity Depending on type and size of
internal cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler
lines, or use of an auxiliary cooler, these figures may
vary. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC/
FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NV3500 4X2 2.27 L (4.8 pts.)
NV3500 4X4 1.99 L (4.2 pts.)
NV4500 3.79 L (8.0 pts.)
NV5600 4.50 L (9.5 pts.)
TRANSFER CASE
NV241 GENII 1.6 L (3.4 pts.)
NV243 1.6 L (3.4 pts.)
NV244 GENII 1.6 L (3.4 pts.)
NV271 1.89 L (4.0 pts.)
NV273 1.89 L (4.0 pts.)
FRONT AXLE   .03 L (1 oz)
C205F 1.66 L (3.5 pts.)
9 1/4 AA 2.25 L (4.75 pts.)
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 5
FLUID TYPES (Continued)

REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR
DESCRIPTION.........................41
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK.............................41
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................42
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS (3500)
REMOVAL.............................43INSTALLATION.........................43
SHOCK
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
SPRING
DESCRIPTION.........................44
OPERATION...........................44
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
SPRING TIP INSERTS
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................45
REAR
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension is comprised of:
²Shock Absorbers
²Jounce Bumpers
²Leaf Springs
²Auxiliary Leaf Spring (3500 series)
²Auxiliary Spring Bumpers (3500 series)
²Drive Axle
CAUTION: A vehicle should always be loaded so
the vehicle weight center-line is located immedi-
ately forward of the rear axle. Correct vehicle load-
ing provides proper front tire-to-road contact. This
results in maximum vehicle handling stability and
safety. Incorrect vehicle weight distribution can
cause excessive tire tread wear, spring fatigue or
failure, and erratic steering.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be
tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is
important to have the springs supporting the weight
of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If
springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle
ride comfort could be affected and premature bush-
ing wear may occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deterio-
rate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check
for broken and shifted leafs, loose and missing clips,
and broken center bolts. Refer to Spring and Shock
Absorber Diagnosis chart for additional information.
DRREAR 2 - 41

SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SPRING SAGS 1. Broken leaf. 1. Replace spring.
2. Spring fatigue. 2. Replace spring.
SPRING NOISE 1. Loose spring clamp bolts. 1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings. 2. Replace bushings.
3. Worn or missing spring tip inserts. 3. Replace spring tip inserts.
SHOCK NOISE 1. Loose mounting fastener. 1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings. 2. Replace shock.
3. Leaking shock. 3. Replace shock.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber
Lower Nut135 100 Ð
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut135 100 Ð
Spring Clamp U-Bolts
Nuts149 110 Ð
Spring
Front & Rear Bolt & Nut
LD163 120 Ð
Spring
Front & Rear Bolt & Nut
HD230 170 Ð
Spring
Spring Rear Shackle Nuts163 120 Ð
Spring
Spring Rear Shackle Nuts230 170 Ð
Jounce Bumper
Bolts
LD40 30 Ð
Jounce Bumper
Bolts
HD61 45 Ð
Auxialiary Spring Bumpers 34 25 Ð
2 - 42 REARDR
REAR (Continued)

BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the spring from the vehicle.
(2) Make small relief cuts in the flared up end of
the bushing metal being careful not to cut the spring.
Use a punch to bend the flared bushing metal down
for push out.
(3) Position the spring eye in a press.
(4) Press the bushing out with an appropriate size
driver.
INSTALLATION
(1) Press new bushing into the spring eye with an
appropriate size driver. The bushing should be cen-
tered in the spring eye.
(2) Stake the outermetal of the bushing in a mini-
mum of six points to retain the bushing.
(3) Install the spring on the vehicle.
JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the two bolts securing the jounce
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 1).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the jounce bumper.
(2) Install the two bolts securing the jounce
bumper to the bracket. Tighten the bolts to 40 N´m
(30 ft. lbs.)(LD) or Tighten the bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft.
lbs.)(HD).
AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS
(3500)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut securing the auxiliary spring
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 2).
(2) Remove the auxiliary spring bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the auxiliary spring bumper.
(2) Install the nut securing the auxiliary spring
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut to 25
N´m (34 ft. lbs.).
SHOCK
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and support the axle.
NOTE: The rear upper shock attachment uses a flag
nut. Do not use an air tool to remove the bolt, the
flag may rotate into the bottom of the bed and
cause damage. Use a wrench to hold the nut when
loosening.
(2) Remove the upper shock bolt and nut (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
(4) Remove the rear shock absorber from the vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the shock absorber in the brackets.
(2) Install the bolts through the brackets and the
shock. Install the flag nut on the top bolt and nut on
lower bolt.
Fig. 1 JOUNCE BUMPER
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - JOUNCE BUMPER
Fig. 2 AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPER (3500)
1 - NUTS
2 - AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS
DRREAR 2 - 43

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFILLING
COOLING SYSTEM 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
Clean cooling system prior to refilling (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(1) Close radiator drain plug.
CAUTION: Due to the use of the one-way check
valve, the engine must not be operating when refill-
ing the cooling system.
NOTE: The diesel engine is equipped with two one-
way check valves (jiggle pins). The check valves
are used as a servicing feature and will vent air
when the system is being filled. Water pressure (or
flow) will hold the valves closed.
(2) Fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of
water and antifreeze.
(3) Fill coolant reserve/overflow tank to the FULL
mark.
(4) Start and operate engine until thermostat
opens. Upper radiator hose should be warm to touch.
(5) If necessary, add 50/50 water and antifreeze
mixture to the coolant reserve/overflow tank to main-
tain coolant level. This level should be between the
ADD and FULL marks. The level in the reserve/over-
flow tank may drop below the ADD mark after three
or four warm-up and cool-down cycles.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ADDING
ADDITIONAL COOLANT
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. Only MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (glycol base coolant with
corrosion inhibitors called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% distilled water to obtain a freeze
point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If it loses color or becomes con-
taminated, drain, flush, and replace with fresh prop-
erly mixed coolant solution.
CAUTION: Do not use coolant additives that are
claimed to improve engine cooling.
Do not remove the radiator cap to add coolant to
the system. When adding coolant to maintain the cor-
rect level, do so only at the reserve/overflow bottle.
Remove the radiator cap only for testing or when
refilling the system after service. Removing the cap
unnecessarily can cause loss of coolant and allow air
to enter the system, which produces corrosion.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE OR LOOSEN THE
RADIATOR CAP WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM HOTAND UNDER PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM
THE COOLANT OR HIGH PRESSURE STEAM CAN
OCCUR.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Bolt - Automatic Belt
Tensioner to Block41 30 -
Bolt - Automatic Belt
Tensioner Pulley61 45 -
Bolt - Automatic Belt
Tensioner Pulley - Diesel43 32 -
Bolt - Block Heater 2 - 17
Bolts - Generator/
Compressor Mounting
Bracket
# 1 and 2 54 40 -
# 3 40 30 -
Bolts - Generator/
Compressor Mounting
Bracket - Diesel24 18 -
Bolts - Fan Shroud to
Radiator Mounting - All
Except 5.9L Diesel6-55
5.9L Diesel 11.8 - 105
Bolts - Radiator to Support 8.5 - 75
Bolts - Fan Blade to
Viscous Fan Drive24 18 -
Fan Drive - All Except
8.0L/5.9L Diesel50 37 -
8.0L/5.9L Diesel 115 85 -
Bolt - Idler Pulley 54 40 -
Bolt - Idler Pulley - Diesel 43 32 -
Bolts - Thermostat Housing
- All Except 5.9L13 - 112
Bolts - Thermostat Housing
5.9L23 16 -
Bolts - Thermostat Housing
- Diesel10 - 89
Bolts - Power Steering Oil
Cooler8.4 - 75
Bolts - Transmission
Auxiliary Oil Cooler6-55
DRCOOLING 7 - 19
COOLING (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Place a drain pan under the oil cooler lines.
(3) Disconnect the transmission oil cooler line
quick-connect fitting at the cooler outlet using the
quick connect release tool 6935. Plug the cooler lines
to prevent oil leakage.
(4) Unsnap the transmission cooler tubes from the
radiator tank clips.
(5) Remove the bolt attaching the transmission
cooler to the radiator.
(6) Remove oil cooler from the vehicle. Take care
not to damage the radiator core or transmission
cooler tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the transmission cooler tubes to the
front of the radiator by sliding brackets into slots on
radiator inlet tank.
(2) Snap the transmission cooler tubes into the
clips on the side of the radiator tank.
(3) Install the transmission cooler attaching bolt.
Tighten the bolt to 16 N´m (140 in. lbs.).
(4) Inspect the quick connect fittings for debris
and install the quick connect fitting on the cooler
tube until an audible ªclickº is heard. Pull apart the
connection to verify proper installation and install
the secondary latches.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Start the engine and check all fittings for
leaks.
(7) Check the fluid level in the automatic trans-
mission. Refer to the appropriate transmission sec-
tion(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 45RFE/545RFE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) or(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 46RE/FLUID - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
All diesel models equipped with an automatic
transmission are equipped with both a main water-
to-oil cooler and a separate air-to-oil cooler. Both cool-
ers are supplied as standard equipment on diesel
engine powered models when equipped with an auto-
matic transmission.
The main water-to-oil transmission oil cooler is
mounted to a bracket on the intake side of the engine
(Fig. 3).
The air-to-oil cooler is located in front of the radi-
ator (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 Transmission Water-To-Oil Cooler - Diesel
Engine - Typical
1 - TRANSMISSION WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
Fig. 4 Auxiliary Transmission Oil CoolerÐDiesel
Engine
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE
3 - RADIATOR
4 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
5 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
7 - 68 TRANSMISSIONDR
TRANS COOLER (Continued)

OPERATION
The transmission oil is routed through the main
cooler first, then the auxiliary cooler where addi-
tional heat is removed from the transmission oil
before returning to the transmission. The auxiliary
cooler has an internal thermostat that controls fluid
flow through the cooler. When the transmission fluid
is cold (less then operating temperature), the fluid is
routed through the cooler bypass. When the trans-
mission fluid reaches operating temperatures and
above, the thermostat closes off the bypass allowing
fluid flow through the cooler. The thermostat is ser-
vicable.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - AIR TO OIL COOLER
(1) Remove Charge Air Cooler (Refer to 11 -
EXHAUST SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM/
CHARGE AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING -
REMOVAL).
(2) Place a drain pan under the oil cooler.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Disconnect the oil cooler quick-connect fittings
from the transmission lines.
(5) Remove the charge air cooler-to-oil cooler bolt
(Fig. 5).
(6) Remove two mounting nuts.
(7) Remove the oil cooler and line assembly
towards the front of vehicle. Cooler must be rotated
and tilted into position while removing.
REMOVAL - WATER TO OIL COOLER
CAUTION: If a leak should occur in the water-to-oil
cooler mounted to the side of the engine block,
engine coolant may become mixed with transmis-
sion fluid. Transmission fluid may also enter engine
cooling system. Both cooling system and transmis-
sion should be drained and inspected in case of oil
cooler leakage.
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Remove starter (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(3) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Disconnect coolant lines from cooler.
(5) Disconnect transmission oil lines from cooler.
Plug cooler lines to prevent oil leakage.
(6) Remove cooler bracket to transmission adapter
bolt.
(7) Remove two cooler bracket to block bolts.
(8) Remove cooler assembly from vehicle. (Fig. 6)
Fig. 5 Auxiliary Transmission Oil CoolerÐDiesel
Engine
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE
3 - RADIATOR
4 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
5 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
Fig. 6 Transmission Water-To- Oil Cooler - Diesel
1 - TRANSMISSION WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
DRTRANSMISSION 7 - 69
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX
Component Page
A/C Compressor Clutch................. 8W-42
A/C Compressor Clutch Relay............ 8W-42
A/C Pressure Transducer................ 8W-42
A/C-Heater Control.................... 8W-42
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor......... 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Motor................. 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Relay................. 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Switch................ 8W-30
Airbag Control Module................. 8W-43
Airbag-Squibs........................ 8W-43
Airbag-Curtains....................... 8W-43
Airbag-Passenger On/Off Switch.......... 8W-43
Ambient Temperature Sensor............ 8W-49
Amplifier Audio....................... 8W-47
Ashtray Lamp........................ 8W-44
Auto Shut Down Relay................. 8W-30
Automatic Day/Night Mirror.......... 8W-49, 55
Auxiliary Battery..................... 8W-20
Backup Lamp Switch.................. 8W-51
Battery............................. 8W-20
Battery Temperature Sensor............. 8W-30
Blend Door Actuators.................. 8W-42
Blower Motor......................... 8W-42
Blower Motor Resistor Block............. 8W-42
Brake Fluid Level Switch............ 8W-34, 35
Brake Lamp Switch.................... 8W-33
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
Solenoid........................... 8W-40
Camshaft Position Sensor............... 8W-30
Capacitor............................ 8W-30
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp-
Aftermarket........................ 8W-51
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp/Cargo
Lamp.......................... 8W-44, 51
Cigar Lighter Outlet................... 8W-41
Circuit Breaker....................... 8W-10
Clearance Lamps...................... 8W-50
Clockspring................. 8W-33, 41, 43, 47
Clutch Interlock Brake Switch........... 8W-21
Coil On Plugs........................ 8W-30
Compass/Mini-Trip Computer............ 8W-49
Condenser Fan....................... 8W-42
Condenser Fan Relay.................. 8W-42
Controller Antilock Brake............ 8W-34, 35
Crankshaft Position Sensor.............. 8W-30
Cylinder Lock Switch-Driver............. 8W-61
Data Link Connector................... 8W-18
Data Link Connector-Engine............. 8W-18
Dome Lamp....................... 8W-44, 49
Door Ajar Switches.................... 8W-40
Door Lock Motor/Ajar Switches........ 8W-40, 61
Door Lock Switch-Passenger............. 8W-61Component Page
Door Module................... 8W-60, 61, 62
EGR Solenoid........................ 8W-30
Electric Backlight..................... 8W-48
Electric Brake Provision................ 8W-54
Electronic Throttle Control Module........ 8W-30
Engine Control Module................. 8W-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor....... 8W-30
Engine Oil Pressure Switch.............. 8W-30
EVAP/Purge Solenoid.................. 8W-30
Evaporator Temperature Sensor.......... 8W-42
Fender Lamps........................ 8W-51
Fog Lamp Relay...................... 8W-50
Fog Lamps.......................... 8W-50
Front Control Module.................. 8W-10
Fuel Control Actuator.................. 8W-30
Fuel Heater.......................... 8W-30
Fuel Heater Relay..................... 8W-30
Fuel Injector Packs.................... 8W-30
Fuel Injectors........................ 8W-30
Fuel Pump Module.................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Motor..................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Relay...................... 8W-30
Fuses............................ 8W-10, 33
Fusible Link......................... 8W-10
Generator........................... 8W-20
Glove Box Lamp And Switch............. 8W-44
Grounds............................ 8W-15
Hands Free Module.................... 8W-55
Headlamp Switch.................. 8W-40, 50
Headlamps.......................... 8W-50
Heated Mirror Relay................... 8W-62
Heated Seat Cushions.................. 8W-63
Horn Relay.......................... 8W-41
Horn Switch......................... 8W-41
Horn-High Note....................... 8W-41
Horn-Low Note....................... 8W-41
Idle Air Control Motor.................. 8W-30
Ignition Switch....................... 8W-10
Inlet Air Temperature Sensor............ 8W-30
Input Speed Sensor.................... 8W-31
Instrument Cluster.................... 8W-40
Intake Air Heater Relays............... 8W-30
Intake Air Temperature Sensor........... 8W-30
Intake Air Temperature/Manifold Absolute
Pressure Sensor..................... 8W-30
Integrated Power Module............... 8W-10
Knock Sensosr........................ 8W-30
License Lamps....................... 8W-51
Lift Pump Motor...................... 8W-30
Line Pressure Sensor................ 8W-30, 31
Lumbar Motors....................... 8W-63
Lumbar Switch....................... 8W-63
DR8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX 8W - 02 - 1