1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Transmission install

FLUID
DESCRIPTION
The recommended fluid for the power steering sys-
tem is MopartATF +4.
MopartATF+4, when new is red in color. The
ATF+4 is dyed red so it can be identified from other
fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or anti-
freeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an
indicator of fluid condition, As the vehicle is driven,
the ATF+4 will begin to look darker in color and may
eventually become brown.THIS IS NORMAL.
ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with
age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to
indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid
change.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
The power steering fluid level can be viewed on the
dipstick attached to the filler cap. There are two
ranges listed on the dipstick, COLD and HOT. Before
opening power steering system, wipe the reservoir
filler cap free of dirt and debris. Remove the cap and
check the fluid level on its dipstick. When the fluid is
at normal ambient temperature, approximately 21ÉC
to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF), the fluid level should read
between the minimum and maximum area of the cold
range. When the fluid is hot, fluid level is allowed to
read up to the highest end of the HOT range. Only
add fluid when the vehicle is cold.
Use only MopartATF+4Do not overfill the
power steering system.
FLUID COOLER
REMOVAL
(1) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid.
(2) Disconnect the return and supply hoses con-
nected to the power steering fluid cooler.
(3) Remove the mounting bracket bolts securing
the fluid cooler to the brace. (Fig. 4)& (Fig. 5)(4) Remove the fluid cooler from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fluid cooler to the vehicle.
(2) Install the mounting bracket bolts securing the
fluid cooler to the brace (Fig. 4)& (Fig. 5).
(3) Reclamp the return and supply hoses to the
power steering fluid cooler.
(4) Refill the power steering fluid (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 4 V6 & V8 P/S FLUID COOLER
1 - POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 5 V10 & DIESEL P/S FLUID COOLER
1 - RADIATOR
2 - POWER STEERING HOSES
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS
4 - P/S FLUID COOLER
DRPUMP 19 - 43

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

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. Leaks can occur at the
mating surfaces of the gear case, adaptor or exten-
sion housing, or from the front/rear seals. A sus-
pected leak could also be the result of an overfill
condition.
Leaks at the rear of the extension or adapter hous-
ing will be from the housing oil seals. Leaks at com-
ponent 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 dripping from the clutch
housing after extended operation. If the leak is
severe, it may also contaminate the clutch disc caus-
ing the disc to slip, grab and or chatter.
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 rec-
ommendations 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.
HARD SHIFTING
Hard shifting is usually caused by a low lubricant
level, improper or contaminated lubricants. The con-
sequence of using non-recommended lubricants is
noise, 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.
Shift component damage or damaged clutch pres-
sure plate or disc are additional probable causes of
increased shift effort. 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 gener-
ally 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 and bearing
damage.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(3) Remove shift boot bezel screws and slide boot
upward on shift lever extension.
(4) Remove shift lever extension from the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(5) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(6) Remove skid plate, if equipped.
(7) Drain lubricant if transmission will be disas-
sembled for service.
(8) Mark propeller shaft/shafts and companion
flange yoke/yokes for installation reference and
remove propeller shaft/shafts.
(9) Disconnect harness from clips on transmission
housing.
(10) Remove transfer case linkage if equipped.
(11) Remove transfer case mounting nuts and
remove transfer case if equipped.
(12) Remove slave cylinder mounting nut and
remove cylinder (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 SLAVE CYLINDER
1 - MOUNTING NUTS
2 - SLAVE CYLINDER
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 3
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

(5) Remove two-piece thrust washer (Fig. 36) and
note position of washer locating lugs in shaft notches
for installation reference.
(6) Remove second gear and needle bearing (Fig.
37).
(7) Remove second gear synchro ring, synchro fric-
tion cone, synchro cone and interm ring (Fig. 38).
(8) Remove 1-2 synchro hub snap ring.
(9) Position Bearing Splitter 1130 between first
and reverse gear. Press off 1-2 synchro hub, sleeve
and first gear from output shaft with shop press (Fig.
39).
(10) Remove first gear needle bearing (Fig. 40).
Fig. 36 TWO-PIECE THRUST WASHER
1 - SECOND GEAR
2 - THRUST WASHER (2-PIECE)
3 - WASHER LOCATING LUG
Fig. 37 SECOND GEAR
1 - SECOND GEAR
2 - SECOND GEAR NEEDLE BEARING
Fig. 38 SECOND GEAR SYNCHRO RING & CONES
1 - 1-2 SYNCHRO HUB AND SLEEVE
2 - INTERM RING
3 - SYNCHRO FRICTION CONE
4 - SYNCHRO CONE
5 - SYNCHRO RING
Fig. 39 HUB SLEEVE & 1-2 SYNCHRO
1 - 1-2 SYNCHRO HUB AND SLEEVE
2 - BEARING SPLITTER 1130
Fig. 40 FIRST GEAR NEEDLE BEARING
1 - FIRST GEAR NEEDLE BEARING
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 13
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

INSPECTION
SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY
The shift lever assembly is not serviceable. Replace
the lever and shift tower as an assembly if the tower,
lever, lever ball or internal components are worn or
damaged.
SHIFT SHAFT AND FORKS
Inspect the shift fork interlock arms and synchro
sleeve contact surfaces (Fig. 48). Replace any fork
exhibiting wear or damage in these areas. Do not
attempt to salvage shift forks.
Check condition of the shift shaft detent plunger
and spring. The plunger should be smooth and free of
nicks or scores. The plunger spring should be
straight and not collapsed, or distorted. Minor
scratches or nicks on the plunger can be smoothed
with 320/400 grit emery soaked in oil. Replace the
plunger and spring if in doubt about condition. Check
condition of detent plunger bushings. Replace if dam-
aged.
Inspect shift shaft, shift shaft bushing, bearing,
shaft lever and lever bushing that fits over the lever.
Replace shaft if bent, cracked or severely scored.
Minor burrs, nicks or scratches can be smoothed off
with 320/400 grit emery cloth followed by polishing
with crocus cloth. Replace the shift shaft bushing or
bearing if damaged.Replace the shaft lever and bushing if either part
is deformed, or worn. Do not attempt to salvage these
parts as shift fork binding will occur. Replace the roll
pin that secures the lever to the shaft.
FRONT/REAR HOUSINGS AND BEARING
RETAINERS
Inspect the housings carefully. Look for cracks,
stripped threads, scored mating surfaces, damaged
bearing bores or worn dowel pin holes. Minor nicks
on mating surfaces can be dressed off with a fine file
or emery cloth. Damaged threads can be renewed by
either re-tapping or installing Helicoil inserts.
NOTE: The front housing contains the countershaft
front bearing race. The rear housing contains the
countershaft rear bearing race. These components
are NOT serviceable items. The front housing will
have to be replaced if the countershaft bearing race
is loose, worn or damaged. The rear housing will
have to be replaced if the countershaft rear bearing
race is loose, worn or damaged.
Inspect the input shaft bearing retainer. Be sure
the release bearing slide surface of the retainer is in
good condition. Minor nicks on the surface can be
smoothed off with 320/420 grit emery cloth and final
polished with oil coated crocus cloth. Replace the
retainer seal if necessary.
Fig. 48 Shift Forks And Shaft
1 - SHIFT SHAFT
2 - SHAFT LEVER
3 - SHAFT LEVER BUSHING4 - 3-4 SHIFT FORK
5 - 1-2 SHIFT FORK
6 - FIFTH-REVERSE SHIFT FORK
21 - 16 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

Inspect output shaft bearing retainer, the
U-shaped retainer must be flat and free of distortion.
Replace the retainer if the threads are damaged or if
the retainer is bent or cracked.
COUNTERSHAFT BEARINGS AND RACES
The countershaft bearings and races are machine
lapped during manufacture to form matched sets.
The bearings and races should not be interchanged.
NOTE: The bearing races are a permanent press fit
in the housings and are NOT serviceable. If a bear-
ing race becomes damaged, the front or rear hous-
ing must be replaced. A new countershaft bearing
will be supplied with each new housing for service
use.
REVERSE IDLER COMPONENTS
Inspect the idler gear, bearing, shaft, thrust
washer, wave washer and thrust plate. Replace the
bearing if any of the needle bearing rollers are worn,
chipped, cracked, flat-spotted or brinnelled. Also
replace the bearing if the plastic bearing cage is
damaged or distorted.
Replace thrust washer, wave washer or thrust
plate if cracked, chipped or worn. Replace idler gear
if the teeth are chipped, cracked or worn thin.
Replace shaft if worn, scored or the bolt threads are
damaged beyond repair. Replace support segment if
cracked or chipped and replace the idler attaching
bolts if the threads are damaged.
Shift Socket
Inspect the shift socket for wear or damage.
Replace the socket if the roll pin or shift shaft bores
are damaged. Minor nicks in the shift lever ball seat
in the socket can be smoothed down with 400 grit
emery or wet/dry paper. Replace the socket if the ball
seat is worn or cracked. Do not reuse the original
shift socket roll pin. Install anewpin during assem-
bly. The socket roll pin is approximately 33 mm
(1-1/4 in.) long.
Output Shaft And Geartrain
Inspect all gears for worn, cracked, chipped or bro-
ken teeth. Also check condition of the bearing bore in
each gear. The bores should be smooth and free of
surface damage. Discoloration of the gear bores is a
normal occurrence and is not a reason for replace-
ment. Replace gears only when tooth damage has
occurred or if the bores are brinnelled or severely
scored.
Inspect the shaft splines and bearings surfaces.
Minor nicks on the bearing surfaces can be smoothed
with 320/420 grit emery and final polished with cro-
cus cloth. Replace the shaft if the splines are dam-aged or bearing surfaces are deeply scored, worn or
brinnelled.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Sealers are used at all case joints. Use
Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent for all case joints
and Mopar silicone sealer or equivalent for the
input shaft bearing retainer.
SYNCHRONIZER
(1) Slide sleeve onto the hub, leaving enough room
to install the spring in the hub and strut in the hub
groove.
(2) Install first spring in the hub, then install a
strut over the spring. Verify spring is seated in the
spring bore in the strut.
(3) Slide sleeve onto the hub far enough to hold
the first strut and spring in place.
(4) Place detent ball in the top of the strut, then
press the ball into place with a small screwdriver.
Work the sleeve over the ball to hold it in place.
(5) Repeat procedure for the remaining springs,
struts and balls. Use tape or rubber bands to tempo-
rarily secure each strut and ball as they are
installed.
(6) Verify the synchro three springs, struts and
detent balls are all in place (Fig. 49).
Fig. 49 SYNCHRONIZER COMPONENTS
1 - SLEEVE
2 - HUB SHOULDER
3 - SPRING (3)
4 - STRUT (3)
5 - DETENT BALL (3)
6 - HUB
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 17
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

OUTPUT SHAFT
NOTE: Lubricate shaft, gears, bearings and
immerse each synchro ring with recommended
lubricant during assembly. Petroleum jelly can be
used to hold parts in place.
(1) Install reverse gear needle bearing up against
shoulder on output shaft (Fig. 50).
(2) Install reverse gear over needle bearing (Fig.
51).
(3) Install brass synchro ring on reverse gear (Fig.
52).
(4) Start fifth-reverse synchro assembly on output
shaft splines by hand. Then seat synchro onto shaft
with shop press and Remover 6310-1 (Fig. 53).
CAUTION: One side of the hub has shoulders
around the hub bore, this side faces the front of the
shaft. One side of the sleeve is tapered the tapered
side faces the front of the shaft.
Fig. 50 REVERSE GEAR BEARING
1 - REVERSE GEAR BEARING
2 - SHOULDER
Fig. 51 REVERSE GEAR
1 - REVERSE GEAR
Fig. 52 REVERSE GEAR SYNCHRO
1 - REVERSE GEAR
2 - SYNCHRO RING
Fig. 53 FIFTH/REVERSE SYNCHRO ASSEMBLY
1 - SPACER
2 - PRESS RAM
3 - REVERSE GEAR
4 - FIFTH-REVERSE SYNCHRO ASSEMBLY
5 - REMOVER 6310-1
6 - PRESS BLOCKS
7 - OUTPUT SHAFT
21 - 18 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

(5) Installnewfifth-reverse hub snap ring (Fig.
54). Verify snap ring is seated in the groove.
(6) Install fifth gear synchro ring in synchro hub
and sleeve (Fig. 55).(7) Install fifth gear bearing. Spread bearing only
enough to clear shoulder on output shaft (Fig. 56).
Verify bearing is properly seated.
(8) Install fifth gear on shaft and onto bearing
(Fig. 57).
Fig. 54 FIFTH/REVERSE SYNCHRO HUB SNAP RING
1 - FIFTH-REVERSE SYNCHRO ASSEMBLY
2 - SNAP RING
3 - PRESS BED
4 - PRESS BLOCKS
Fig. 55 FIFTH GEAR SYNCHRO RING
1 - FIFTH-SPEED SYNCHRO RING
2 - FIFTH-REVERSE SYNCHRO ASSEMBLY
Fig. 56 FIFTH GEAR BEARING
1 - SHAFT SHOULDER
2 - FIFTH GEAR BEARING
Fig. 57 FIFTH GEAR
1 - FIFTH GEAR
2 - BEARING
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 19
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)