1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Wheel bearing

(7) Install the input shaft seal protector 8986 (Fig.
20).
(8) Coat the new seal inhigh temp greaseand
Install the new oil seal using special tool 8987 driver
and C-4171 handle (Fig. 21).
NOTE: Drive the oil seal into the housing until the
outer edge does not quite clear the snap ring
groove.
(9) Insert the snap ring into the housing. Using
special tool 8987 driver and C-4171 handle push the
snap ring and oil seal together until the snap ring
seats in the groove.NOTE: Generous amounts of the high temperature
grease from the seal kit should be applied to areas
between the pitman shaft bearing and oil seals and
also between the dust seals and snap ring.
(10) Install the new dust seal usinghigh temp
grease, special tool C-4171 (driver) and 8987 (han-
dle).
(11) Check to make sure the gear is centered in
the middle tooth before installing the pitman shaft
(Fig. 19).
(12) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR/PITMAN SHAFT -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Perform over-center meshload adjustment
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
(14) Install the steering gear to the vehicle (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(15) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
PITMAN SHAFT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS
(1) Separate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(3) Rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop and
count the number of turns.
(4) Center the steering wheel by rotating it from
the stop back 1 1/2 turns to achieve center position.
(5) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(6) Remove the pitman shaft from the gear (Fig.
22).
(7) Remove the cover if needed by loosing the
adjuster nut, Then removing the cover from the pit-
man shaft.
REMOVAL - DIESEL
(1) Separate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the steering gear box (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
(3) Install the steering gear in a soft jawed bench
vise.
Fig. 20 INPUT SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8986
Fig. 21 INPUT SHAFT SEAL INSTALLATION
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8987
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
19 - 30 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

(4) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(5) Rotate the stub shaft with a 12 point socket
from stop to stop and count the number of turns (Fig.
23).
(6) Center the stub shaft by rotating it from the
stop 1/2 of the total amount of turns (Fig. 23).
(7) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(8)
Remove the pitman shaft from the gear (Fig. 24).
(9) Remove the cover if needed by loosing the
adjuster nut, Then removing the cover from the pit-
man shaft.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS
(1) Coat the seal withpower steering fluid.
(2) Install pitman shaft into the steering gear until
it fully seats into the bearing.
(3) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(4) Perform over-center meshload adjustment,
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
(5) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(6) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - DIESEL
(1) Coat the seal withpower steering fluid.
(2) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
(3) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(4) Perform over-center meshload adjustment
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
(5) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(7) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 22 PITMAN SHAFT
1 - PITMAN SHAFT
2 - O-RING SEAL
3 - COVER
4 - ADJUSTING NUT
Fig. 23 CENTERING STEERING GEAR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - 12 POINT SOCKET
3 - RATCHET
4 - INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 24 PITMAN SHAFT
1 - PITMAN SHAFT
2 - O-RING SEAL
3 - COVER
4 - ADJUSTING NUT
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 31
PITMAN SHAFT (Continued)

TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500..........1
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500..........43
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600..........88
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE........130
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE.311
TRANSFER CASE - NV241 GENII...........415TRANSFER CASE - NV271................447
TRANSFER CASE - NV243................482
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII...........512
TRANSFER CASE - NV273................542
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................3
REMOVAL.............................3
DISASSEMBLY..........................4CLEANING............................15
INSPECTION..........................16
ASSEMBLY............................17
INSTALLATION.........................39
SPECIFICATIONS.......................40
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................40
MANUAL TRANSMISSION -
NV3500
DESCRIPTION
The transmission is a medium-duty 5-speed, con-
stant mesh fully synchronized manual transmission
with fifth gear overdrive range. The transmission is
available in two and four-wheel drive configurations.
The transmission gear case consists of two aluminum
housings (Fig. 1). The clutch housing is an integral
part of the transmission front housing.
A combination of roller and ball bearings are used
to support the transmission shafts in the two hous-
ings. The transmission gears all rotate on caged type
needle bearings. A roller bearing is used between the
input and output shaft.
The transmission has a single shaft shift mecha-
nism with three shift forks all mounted on the shaft.
The shaft is supported in the front and rear housings
by bushings and one linear ball bearing. Internal
shift components consist of the forks, shaft, shift
lever socket and detent components
OPERATION
The manual transmission receives power through the
clutch assembly from the engine. The clutch disc issplined to the transmission input shaft and is turned at
engine speed at all times that the clutch is engaged.
The input shaft is connected to the transmission coun-
tershaft through the mesh of fourth speed gear on the
input shaft and the fourth countershaft gear. At this
point, all the transmission gears are spinning.
The driver selects a particular gear by moving the
shift lever to the desired gear position. This movement
moves the internal transmission shift components to
begin the shift sequence. As the shift lever moves the
selected shift rail, the shift fork attached to that rail
begins to move. The fork is positioned in a groove in the
outer circumference of the synchronizer sleeve. As the
shift fork moves the synchronizer sleeve, the synchro-
nizer begins to speed-up or slow down the selected gear
(depending on whether we are up-shifting or down-shift-
ing). The synchronizer does this by having the synchro-
nizer hub splined to the mainshaft and moving the
blocker ring into contact with the gear's friction cone. As
the blocker ring and friction cone come together, the
gear speed is brought up or down to the speed of the
synchronizer. As the two speeds match, the splines on
the inside of the synchronizer sleeve become aligned
with the teeth on the blocker ring and the friction cone
and eventually will slide over the teeth, locking the gear
to the mainshaft, or countershaft, through the synchro-
nizer.
DRTRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE 21 - 1

REAR HOUSING - 2WD
(1) On 2-wheel drive transmission, remove three
bolts that attach output shaft bearing retainer to
rear case (Fig. 25). Bolts are rear of shift tower open-
ing.
(2) Tap rear housing upward and off output shaft
bearing with a plastic/rawhide hammer (Fig. 26).
(3) Lift rear housing up and off geartrain (Fig. 27).
Fig. 26 SEPARATE REAR HOUSING & OUTPUT
SHAFT BEARING
1 - REAR HOUSING
2 - MALLET
3 - FIXTURE
Fig. 27 REAR HOUSING - 2WD
1 - REAR HOUSING
2 - SHIFT FORKS AND GEARTRAIN
Fig. 25 OUTPUT SHAFT
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT BEARING RETAINER BOLTS (THIRD BOLT
IS AT OPPOSITE SIDE OF CASE)
21 - 10 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

(11) Remove output shaft bearing snap ring (Fig.
41).
(12) On 2-wheel drive models, remove output shaft
bearing.
(13) Remove fifth gear (Fig. 42).(14) Remove fifth gear needle bearing. Spread
bearing just enough to clear shoulder on output shaft
(Fig. 43).
(15) Remove fifth-reverse synchro hub snap ring
(Fig. 44).
Fig. 41 OUTPUT SHAFT BEARING SNAP RING
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT BEARING
2 - BEARING SNAP RING
3 - SNAP RING PLIERS
Fig. 42 FIFTH GEAR
1 - FIFTH GEAR AND SYNCHRO RING
Fig. 43 FIFTH GEAR NEEDLE BEARING
1 - FIFTH GEAR NEEDLE BEARING
Fig. 44 FIFTH-REVERSE SYNCHRO HUB SNAP
RING
1 - FIFTH-REVERSE SYNCHRO HUB AND SLEEVE
2 - SYNCHRO HUB SNAP RING
3 - SNAP RING PLIERS
21 - 14 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

(11) On 2-wheel drive transmission, thread one
Alignment Pin 8120 in center or passenger side hole
of output shaft bearing retainer. Then position
retainer on fifth gear as shown (Fig. 88).
(12) Assemble 1-2 and fifth reverse-shift forks (Fig.
89). Arm of fifth-reverse fork goes through slot in 1-2
fork.
(13) Install assembled shift forks in synchro
sleeves and verify forks are seated in sleeves (Fig.
90).
REAR HOUSING - 2WD
NOTE: Transmission shift components must be in
Neutral position to prevent damaging the synchro
and shift components when installing the housings.(1) Drive adapter housing alignment dowels back
into housing until dowels are flush with mounting
surface (Fig. 91).
Fig. 88 ALIGN OUTPUT SHAFT BEARING RETAINER
1 - ALIGNMENT PIN
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT BEARING RETAINER
Fig. 89 1-2 & FIFTH-REVERSE SHIFT FORKS
1 - 1-2 FORK
2 - 1-2 FORK ARM
3 - FIFTH-REVERSE FORK
Fig. 90 SHIFT FORKS IN SYNCHRO
1 - SYNCHRO SLEEVES
2 - FORK ARMS
3 - SHIFT FORKS
Fig. 91 REAR HOUSING DOWELS
1 - HOUSING ALIGNMENT DOWELS
2 - REAR HOUSING
3 - DOWEL FLUSH WITH SURFACE
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 29
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

INSTALLATION
NOTE: If a new transmission is being installed, use all
components supplied with the new transmission. For
example, if a new shift tower is supplied with the new
transmission, do not re-use the original shift tower.
(1) Apply light coat of Mopar high temperature
bearing grease or equivalent to contact surfaces of
the following components:
²input shaft splines.
²release bearing slide surface of front retainer.
²release bearing bore.
²release fork.
²release fork ball stud.
²propeller shaft slip yoke.
(2) Apply sealer to threads of bottom PTO cover
bolt and install bolt in case.
(3) Mount transmission on jack and position trans-
mission under vehicle.
(4) Raise transmission until input shaft is centered
in release bearing and clutch disc hub.
(5)
Move transmission forward and start input shaft
in release bearing, clutch disc and pilot bushing.
(6)Work transmission forward until seated against
clutch housing. Do not allow transmission to remain
unsupported after input shaft has entered clutch disc.
(7) Install transmission bolts and tighten to 108
N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install transmission mount on transmission or
rear crossmember.
(9) Install rear crossmember.
(10) Remove transmission jack and engine support
fixture.
(11) Position transmission harness wires in clips
on shift cover.
(12) Install clutch slave cylinder and install slave
cylinder shield, if equipped.
(13) Connect speed sensor and backup light switch
wires.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Fill transmission with recommended lubricant.
Correct fill level is bottom edge of fill plug hole.
(2) Align and install propeller shaft.
(3) Lower vehicle.
(4) Clean the mating surfaces of shift tower, isola-
tor plate and shift cover with suitable wax and
grease remover.
(5) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
the sealing surface of the shift cover. Do not over
apply sealant.
(6) Install the isolator plate onto the shift cover,
metal side down.
(7) Install the shift tower onto the isolator plate.
No sealant is necessary between the shift tower and
the isolator plate.(8) Verify that the shift tower, isolator plate and
the shift tower bushings are properly aligned.
(9) Install the bolts to hold the shift tower to the
isolator plate and the shift cover. Tighten the shift
tower bolts to 10.2-11.25 N´m (7.5-8.3 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the shift lever extension onto the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(11) Install shift boot and bezel.
(12) Connect battery negative cable.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Install transfer case shift mechanism on trans-
mission.
(2) Install transfer case on transmission jack.
Secure transfer case to jack with safety chains.
(3) Raise jack and align transfer case input gear
with transmission mainshaft.
(4) Move transfer case forward and seat it on
adapter.
(5) Install transfer case nuts and tighten to:
²If 3/8 studs 41-47 N´m (30-35 ft. lbs.).
²If 5/16 studs 30-41 N´m (22-30 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install transfer case shift mechanism to side of
transfer case.
(7) Connect transfer case shift lever to range lever
on transfer case.
(8) Align and connect propeller shafts.
(9) Fill transmission with required lubricant.
Check lubricant level in transfer case and add lubri-
cant if necessary.
(10) Install transfer case skid plate, if equipped
and crossmember. Tighten attaching bolts/nuts to 41
N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(11) Install exhaust system components.
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Clean the mating surfaces of shift tower, iso-
lator plate and shift cover with suitable wax and
grease remover.
(14) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
the sealing surface of the shift cover. Do not over
apply sealant.
(15) Install the isolator plate onto the shift cover,
metal side down.
(16) Install the shift tower onto the isolator plate.
No sealant is necessary between the shift tower and
the isolator plate.
(17) Verify that the shift tower, isolator plate and
the shift tower bushings are properly aligned.
(18) Install the bolts to hold the shift tower to the
isolator plate and the shift cover. Tighten the shift
tower bolts to 10.2-11.25 N´m (7.5-8.3 ft. lbs.).
(19) Install the shift lever extension onto the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(20) Install shift lever boot and bezel.
(21) Connect battery negative cable.
21 - 80 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(1) Apply a light coat of Mopar high temperature
bearing grease or equivalent to contact surfaces of
following components:
²input shaft splines.
²release bearing slide surface of front retainer.
²release bearing bore.
²release fork.
²release fork ball stud.
²propeller shaft slip yoke.
(2) Apply sealer to threads of bottom PTO cover
bolt and install bolt in case.
(3) Mount transmission on jack and position trans-
mission under vehicle.
(4) Raise transmission until input shaft is centered
in clutch disc hub.
(5) Move transmission forward and start input
shaft in clutch disc and pilot bushing/bearing.
(6)
Work transmission forward until seated against
engine block. Do not allow transmission to remain
unsupported after input shaft has entered clutch disc.
(7) Install and tighten transmission-to-engine
block bolts.
(8) Install clutch slave cylinder.
(9) Connect backup light switch wires.
(10) Position transmission harness wires in clips
on transmission.
(11) Install transmission mount on transmission or
rear crossmember.
(12) Install rear crossmember.
(13) Remove transmission jack and engine support
fixture.
(14)
Fill transmission with required lubricant (Fig.
96). Check lubricant level in transfer case if equipped.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Install propeller shaft with referece marks
aligned.
(2) Install exhaust system components.(3) Remove support and lower vehicle.
(4) Shift transmission into third gear.
(5) Clean the mating surfaces of shift tower and
isolator plate with suitable wax and grease remover.
(6) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
sealing surface of the transmission case. Do not over
apply sealant.
(7) Install isolator plate onto the transmission case
metal side down.
(8) Install shift tower onto the isolator plate. No
sealant is necessary between the shift tower and top
of isolator plate.
(9) Verify shift tower, isolator plate and the shift
socket are properly aligned.
(10) Install bolts to hold the shift tower to the iso-
lator plate and the transmission case. Tighten bolts
to 10.2±11.25 N´m (7.5±8.3 ft. lbs.).
(11) Install shift boot and bezel.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Install and secure transfer case on the trans-
mission jack.
(2) Raise and align transfer case input gear with
transmission mainshaft.
(3) Move transfer case forward and seat it on
adapter.
(4)
Install and tighten transfer case mounting nuts to
41-47 N´m (30-35 ft. lbs.) if case has 3/8 studs. If case
has 5/16 studs tighten to 30-41 N´m (22-30 ft. lbs.).
(5) Connect transfer case shift lever to range lever
on transfer case.
(6) Install propeller shafts with reference marks
aligned.
(7) Install transfer case skid plate, if equipped,
and crossmember. Tighten attaching bolts/nuts to 41
N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install exhaust system components.
(9) Remove support and lower vehicle.
(10) Shift transmission into third gear.
(11) Clean the mating surfaces of shift tower, iso-
lator plate and transmission case with suitable wax
and grease remover.
(12) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
the sealing surface of the transmission case. Do not
over apply sealant.
(13) Install isolator plate onto the transmission
case, metal side down.
(14) Install shift tower onto the isolator plate. No
sealant is necessary between the shift tower and top
of isolator plate.
(15) Verify that the shift tower, isolator plate and
the shift tower bushings are properly aligned.
(16) Install the bolts to hold the shift tower to the
isolator plate and the transmission case. Tighten the
shift tower bolts to 10.2-11.25 N´m (7.5-8.3 ft. lbs.).
(17) Install shift lever boot and bezel.
Fig. 96 FILL PLUG
1 - FILL PLUG
21 - 122 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)