1998 DODGE RAM 1500 transmission removal

MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................44
REMOVAL.............................44
DISASSEMBLY.........................46
CLEANING............................62
INSPECTION..........................62
ASSEMBLY............................63
INSTALLATION.........................80
SPECIFICATIONS.......................81
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................81ADAPTER HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL.............................85
INSTALLATION.........................85
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL.............................85
INSTALLATION.........................85
SHIFT MECHANISM
REMOVAL.............................86
INSTALLATION.........................87
SHIFT COVER
REMOVAL.............................87
INSTALLATION.........................87
MANUAL TRANSMISSION -
NV4500
DESCRIPTION
The NV4500 is a five speed constant mesh manual
transmission. All gear ranges including reverse are
synchronized. Fifth gear is an overdrive range. The
transmission has a cast iron gear case and aluminum
shift cover.
Two versions are used, a standard duty for 5.7L
applications and a heavy duty for V10 and Cummins
diesel applications. Main difference is a larger diam-
eter input shaft, for the heavy duty model.
Tapered roller bearings support the drive gear,
mainshaft and countershaft in the gear case. Roller
bearings in the drive gear support the forward end of
the mainshaft. The mainshaft gears are all supported
on caged type roller bearings. Drive gear thrust reac-
tion is controlled by a needle type thrust bearing.
The bearing is located at the forward end of the
mainshaft.
The transmission is a top loader style. The shift
lever is located in a shifter tower which is bolted to
the shift cover and operates the shift forks and rails
directly. The shift forks and rails are all located
within the aluminum cover which is bolted to the top
of the gear case.
IDENTIFICATION
The transmission identification tag is attached to
the driver side PTO cover (Fig. 1).
The tag provides the transmission model number,
build date and part number. Be sure to reinstall the
I.D. tag if removed during service. The information
on the tag is essential to correct parts ordering.
OPERATION
The manual transmission receives power through
the clutch assembly from the engine. The clutch disc
is splined 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 trans-
mission countershaft through the mesh of fourth
speed gear on the input shaft and the fourth counter-
shaft gear. At this point all the transmission gears
are spinning.
Fig. 1 IDENTIFICATION TAG LOCATION
1 - PTO COVER
2 - I.D. TAG
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 43

The driver selects a particular gear by moving the
shift lever to the desired gear position. This move-
ment moves the internal transmission shift compo-
nents 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 synchro-
nizer sleeve. As the shift fork moves the synchronizer
sleeve, the synchronizer begins to speed-up or slow
down the selected gear (depending on whether the
driver is up-shifting or down-shifting). The synchro-
nizer does this by having the synchronizer hub
splined to the mainshaft, or the countershaft in some
cases, and moving the blocker ring into contact with
the gear's friction cone. As the blocker ring and fric-
tion 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 syn-
chronizer 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 synchronizer.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
A low transmission lubricant level is generally the
result of a leak, inadequate lubricant fill or an incor-
rect lubricant level check. A correct lubricant level
check can only be made when the vehicle is level.
Also allow the lubricant to settle for a minute or so
before checking. These recommendations will ensure
an accurate check and avoid an underfill or overfill
condition. Always check the lubricant level after any
addition of fluid to avoid an incorrect lubricant level
condition.
Leaks can occur at the mating surfaces of the gear
case, adaptor or extension housing, or from the front/
rear seals. A suspected leak could also be the result
of an overfill condition. Leaks at the rear of the
extension or adapter housing will be from the hous-
ing oil seals. Leaks at component mating surfaces
will probably be the result of inadequate sealer, gaps
in the sealer, incorrect bolt tightening or use of a
non-recommended sealer. A leak at the front of the
transmission will be from either the front bearing
retainer or retainer seal. Lubricant may be seen drip-
ping from the clutch housing after extended opera-
tion. If the leak is severe, it may also contaminate
the clutch disc causing the disc to slip, grab and or
chatter.
HARD SHIFTING
Hard shifting is usually caused by a low lubricant
level, improper or contaminated lubricants. The con-
sequence of using non-recommended lubricants isnoise, excessive wear, internal bind and hard shift-
ing. Substantial lubricant leaks can result in gear,
shift rail, synchro, and bearing damage. If a leak
goes undetected for an extended period, the first indi-
cations of component damage are usually hard shift-
ing and noise.
Component damage, incorrect clutch adjustment or
damaged clutch pressure plate or disc are additional
probable causes of increased shift effort. Incorrect
adjustment or a worn/damaged pressure plate or disc
can cause incorrect release. If clutch problem is
advanced, gear clash during shifts can result. Worn
or damaged synchro rings can cause gear clash when
shifting into any forward gear. In some new or
rebuilt transmissions, new synchro rings may tend to
stick slightly causing hard or noisy shifts. In most
cases this condition will decline as the rings wear-in.
TRANSMISSION NOISE
Most manual transmissions make some noise dur-
ing normal operation. Rotating gears generate a mild
whine that is audible, but generally only at extreme
speeds. Severe highly audible transmission noise is
generally the initial indicator of a lubricant problem.
Insufficient, improper or contaminated lubricant
will promote rapid wear of gears, synchros, shift
rails, forks and bearings. The overheating caused by
a lubricant problem, can also lead to gear breakage.
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(2) Remove shift boot screws from floorpan and
slide boot upward on the shift lever.
(3) Remove shift lever extension from shift tower
and lever assembly.
(4) Remove shift tower bolts (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 SHIFT TOWER
1 - SHIFT TOWER
2 - SHIFTER
3 - BOLTS
21 - 44 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

MAINSHAFT
NOTE: Gear and synchro components can be
installed backwards. Paint or scribe gear and syn-
chro components for installation reference. Then
stack geartrain parts in order of removal.
(1) Remove drive gear thrust bearing from end of
mainshaft, if not previously removed.
(2) Place 3-4 gear in a press with support under
3rd gear and Remove 3-4 synchro hub, third gear
stop ring and third gear as an assembly (Fig. 43).
(3) Remove third gear bearing from mainshaft
(Fig. 44).
(4) Remove third gear bearing spacer (Fig. 45).
(5) Remove second gear thrust washer snap ring
from mainshaft (Fig. 45).
Fig. 43 THIRD GEAR, STOP RING, AND 3-4 HUB
1 - THIRD GEAR
2 - THIRD GEAR STOP RING
3 - 3-4 SYNCHRO HUB
Fig. 44 THIRD GEAR BEARING
1 - THIRD GEAR NEEDLE BEARING
Fig. 45 SNAP RING AND THIRD GEAR BEARING
SPACER
1 - SECOND GEAR THRUST WASHER
2 - THRUST WASHER SNAP RING
3 - THIRD GEAR BEARING SPACER
21 - 56 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(22) Remove bearing puller tools and rear main-
shaft bearing from output shaft.
(23) Remove reverse gear thrust washer (Fig. 59).
(24) Remove reverse gear and synchro components
as assembly (Fig. 60).CAUTION: Do not disassemble synchro compo-
nents unless they are damaged. If synchro sleeve
or struts require service, mark position of sleeve on
hub before removal. Correct sleeve position is
important as sleeve can be installed backwards
causing shift problems.
(25) Remove reverse gear bearing assembly from
mainshaft (Fig. 60).
(26) Remove reverse gear bearing spacer from
mainshaft (Fig. 61).
(27) Remove reverse clutch gear snap ring (Fig.
61). Heavy duty snap ring pliers will be required to
spread the ring far enough to remove it.
Fig. 58 MAINSHAFT REAR BEARING
1-JAWS
2 - COLLAR
3 - FLANGE
4 - MAINSHAFT
5 - PULLER
6 - TIGHTENING WRENCH
7 - HOLDING WRENCH
8 - RODS
Fig. 59 REVERSE GEAR THRUST WASHER
1 - REVERSE GEAR
2 - THRUST WASHER
Fig. 60 REVERSE GEAR, BEARING, AND STOP
RING
1 - FIRST GEAR
2 - REVERSE GEAR ASSEMBLY
3 - BEARING ASSEMBLY
4 - STOP RING
Fig. 61 REVERSE GEAR BEARING SPACER AND
FIRST GEAR SNAP RING
1 - CLUTCH GEAR SNAP RING
2 - REVERSE GEAR BEARING SPACER
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 61
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

ADAPTER HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Mark the propeller shafts and yokes for instal-
lation reference and remove the shafts.
(3) Support transmission with a transmission jack.
(4) Remove engine rear support.
(5) Remove transfer case.
(6) Remove adapter housing seal with a pry tool or
slide hammer mounted screw (Fig. 130).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install adapter housing seal with Installer
C-3860-A and Handle C-4171.
(2) Install transfer case.
(3) Install propeller shafts with reference marks
aligned.
(4) Fill transfer case and transmission to proper
level.
(5) Remove support and lower vehicle.
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Mark the propeller shaft and yoke for installa-
tion reference.
(2) Remove the propeller shaft.
(3) Remove extension housing seal (Fig. 131) using
Remover C-3985-B.
(4) On heavy duty 4X2 vehicles, remove extension
housing seal with a pry tool or a slide hammer
mounted screw.(5) On light duty transmissions, remove the exten-
sion housing bushing with Remover 6957.
(6) On heavy duty transmissions, remove the
extension housing bushing with Remover 8155.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install housing bushing with Handle C-4171
(Fig. 132) and Installer.
²Light Duty - Installer 6951
²Heavy Duty - Installer 8161
Fig. 130 Adapter Housing (4±Wheel Drive Models)
1 - ADAPTER HOUSING
2 - SEAL
Fig. 131 EXTENSION HOUSING AND SEAL (4X2)
1 - EXTENSION HOUSING
2 - SEAL
Fig. 132 Extension Housing Bushing
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
3 - EXTENSION HOUSING
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 85

(2) Install housing seal with Handle C-4171 (Fig.
133) and Installer.
²Light Duty - Installer C-3972-A
²Heavy Duty - Installer 8154
(3) Install propeller shaft with reference marks
aligned.
(4) Check and fill transmission.
SHIFT MECHANISM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transmission from vehicle.
(2) Remove shift mechanism cover bolts.
(3) Pry up shift mechanism cover at slots provided
in cover (Fig. 134).
(4) Raise cover enough to disengage it from align-
ment dowels in gear case (Fig. 135).
(5) Raise front of shift mechanism cover and lift
cover up and off gear case (Fig. 135).
FIFTH-REVERSE SHIFT FORK PADS
Three shift pads on the forks are held in place by
tension and a small locating tang (Fig. 136).
To remove the pads, grasp a pad with hand and tilt
it out and off the fork. If pad is difficult to remove by
hand, insert a screwdriver blade between the pad
and fork and pry the pad off.
EXPANSION PLUG
The expansion plugs at the rear of the shift rail
bores (Fig. 137) can be replaced if loose/leaking.
(1) Drill 6 mm (1/4 in.) diameter hole in center of
the plug to be removed.
(2) Pry plug out of cover with tapered punch.
Fig. 133 Pinion Seal
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
Fig. 134 LOOSEN SHIFT MECHANISM
1 - SHIFT MECHANISM COVER SLOT
2-PRYTOOL
Fig. 135 SHIFT MECHANISM COVER
1 - SHIFT MECHANISM COVER
2 - ALIGNMENT DOWELS
Fig. 136 SHIFT FORK PAD LOCATIONS
1 - SHIFT FORK PADS
2 - FIFTH-REVERSE FORK
21 - 86 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL (Continued)

(3) Clean all chips from shift cover and plug bores.
Then clean plug bores with solvent and dry with
clean shop towel.
INSTALLATION
EXPANSION PLUG
(1) Apply small bead of Mopar silicone sealer or
equivalent to outer edge of each new plug.
(2) Position each plug in bore and tap into place
with hammer and punch or socket.
FIFTH-REVERSE SHIFT FORK PADS
(1) Align pad locating tab.
(2) Snap pads into place and verify locating tabs
are locked-in.
SHIFT COVER
(1) Clean mating surfaces of shift mechanism
cover and gear case with wax and grease remover.
(2)
Apply a small amount of Mopar silicone sealer or
equivalent to sealing surface of shift mechanism cover.
CAUTION: Do not use an excessive amount sealer.
Excess can squeezed into gear case and could
block lubricant feed holes in time.
(3) Lubricate synchro sleeves with CastroltSyn-
torq gear lubricant or equivalent. Then apply light
coat of petroleum jelly to shift fork contact surfaces.
(4) Verify shift fork pads (Fig. 138) are secure.
(5) Verify 1-2 and 3-4 synchro sleeves and forks in
shift cover are in neutral position.
(6) Align and seat shift mechanism cover on trans-
mission.
NOTE: If cover will not seat, it may not be aligned
on gear case dowels or shift forks are not aligned
with sleeves and shift lug.
(7) Apply Mopar Lock N' Seal or equivalent to
threads of shift cover bolts.
(8) Install shift cover mechanism bolts and tighten
to 27-31 N´m (216-276 in. lbs.).(9)
Apply sealer to backup lamp switch. Install switch
into cover and tighten to 22-34 N´m (193-265 in. lbs.).
(10) Install vent assembly if removed. Apply an
adhesive/sealer to vent tube to help secure it in cover.
(11) Install transmission.
SHIFT COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(2) Unscrew and remove the shift lever extension
from the shift
(3) Remove screws attaching shift boot to floorpan.
Then slide boot upward on the shift lever.
(4) Remove the bolts holding the shift tower to the
isolator plate and transmission shift cover.
(5) Remove the shift tower and isolator plate from
the transmission shift cover.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the mating surfaces of shift tower, isola-
tor plate and shift cover with suitable wax and
grease remover.
(2) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
the sealing surface of the shift cover. Do not over
apply sealant.
(3) Install the isolator plate onto the shift cover,
metal side down.
(4) Install the shift tower onto the isolator plate.
No sealant is necessary between the shift tower and
the isolator plate.
(5) Verify shift tower, isolator plate and shift tower
bushings are properly aligned.
(6) Install bolts to hold the shift tower to the iso-
lator plate and the shift cover. Tighten the shift
tower bolts to 10.2-11.25 N´m (7.5-8.3 ft. lbs.).
(7) I
nstall shift lever extension, shift boot and bezel.
Fig. 137 EXPANSION PLUG LOCATION
1 - EXPANSION PLUGS
Fig. 138 SHIFT FORK PAD
1 - SHIFT FORK PADS
2 - FIFTH-REVERSE FORK
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 87
SHIFT MECHANISM (Continued)

MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600
DESCRIPTION.........................88
OPERATION...........................90
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................90
REMOVAL.............................90
DISASSEMBLY.........................91
CLEANING - TRANSMISSION.............106
INSPECTION.........................106
ASSEMBLY...........................106
INSTALLATION........................121
SPECIFICATIONS - NV5600..............123SPECIAL TOOLS.......................123
ADAPTER HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL............................128
INSTALLATION........................128
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL............................128
INSTALLATION........................128
SHIFT COVER
REMOVAL............................129
INSTALLATION........................129
MANUAL TRANSMISSION -
NV5600
DESCRIPTION
The NV5600 is a six speed constant mesh manual
transmission (Fig. 1). All gear ranges including
reverse are synchronized. First and second gears uti-
lize dual cone synchronizers in order to aid shifting.
Sixth gear is an overdrive range. The transmission
uses cast iron for the gear case and extension/
adapter housing and aluminum for the clutch hous-
ing.To drain the trans remove the bottom PTO cover
bolt. Fill the trans through the plug to the rear of the
PTO cover (Fig. 1). Dry fill is approximately 4.5 liters
(9.5 pints) or to the bottom edge of the fill plug hole.
The gear ratios are:GEAR RATIOS
GEAR RATIO
FIRST 5.63:1
SECOND 3.38:1
THIRD 2.04:1
FOURTH 1.39:1
FIFTH 1.00:1
SIXTH 0.73:1
REVERSE 5.63:1
21 - 88 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600DR