1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Transmission shaft

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.
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SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Switch, Back-up Lamp 22-34 16-25 -
Countershaft Bearing Plate Bolts 19-26 14-19 170-230
Fifth Gear Nut 366-380 270-280 -
Fifth Gear Nut Clamp Bolt 13.5 10 -
Drain and Fill Plug 34-47 25-35 -
Front Bearing Retainer Bolts 27-34 20-25 235-305
Mainshaft Bearing Plate Bolts 19-26 14-19 170-230
PTO Cover Bolts 27-54 20-40 -
Extension/Adapter Housing Bolts 41-68 30-50 -
Shift Mechanism Cover Bolts 27-31 20-23 -
Transmission Bolts 108 80 -
SPECIAL TOOLS
REMOVER C-3985-B
BUSHING REMOVER 6957
REMOVER BUSHING 8155
INSTALLER BUSHING 6951
INSTALLER BUSHING 8156
HANDLE C-4171
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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
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(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
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EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL (Continued)

IDENTIFICATION
The transmission has two identification tags
attached to the driver side upper clutch housing (Fig.
2). One tag provides the transmission part number.
The second tag provides sequencing and build date
information. The information on the tags are essen-
tial to correct parts ordering.
OPERATION
The driver selects a particular gear by moving the
shift lever to the desired gear position. As the shift
lever moves the selected shift rail, the shift fork
attached to that rail begins to move. The fork is posi-
tioned in a groove in the outer circumference of the
synchronizer sleeve. As the shift fork moves the syn-
chronizer sleeve, the synchronizer begins to speed-up
or slow down the selected gear (depending on
whether we are up-shifting or down-shifting). The
synchronizer 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
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 friction cone and eventually will
slide over the teeth, locking the gear to the main-
shaft 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 sobefore 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 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.
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.
Fig. 2 IDENTIFICATION TAG LOCATION
1 - IDENTIFICATION TAGS
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(2) Remove screws attaching shift boot to floorpan.
Then slide boot upward on the shift lever.
(3) Remove the bolts holding the shift tower to the
isolator plate and transmission gear case.
(4) Remove the shift tower and isolator plate from
the transmission gear case.
(5) Raise and support vehicle.
(6) Remove skid plate, if equipped.
(7) Mark propeller shaft/shafts and axle yokes for
installation reference.
(8) Remove propeller shaft.
(9) Disconnect and remove exhaust system as nec-
essary.
(10) Disconnect wires at backup light switch.
(11) Support engine with adjustable safety stand
and wood block.
(12) If transmission is to be disassembled for
repair, remove drain bolt at bottom of PTO cover and
drain lubricant from transmission (Fig. 3).
(13) Remove clutch slave cylinder splash shield, if
equipped.
(14) Remove clutch slave cylinder bolts and move
cylinder aside for clearance.
(15)
Remove wire harness from clips on transmission.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Remove bolts/nuts mounting transmission to
the rear mount.
(2) Support and secure transmission with safety
chains to a transmission jack.
(3) Remove rear crossmember bolts and pry out
crossmember.
(4) Remove transmission clutch housing bolts at
the engine block.
(5) Slide transmission and jack rearward until
input shaft clears clutch disc and pressure plate.
(6) Lower transmission jack and remove transmis-
sion from under vehicle.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Disconnect transfer case shift linkage at trans-
fer case range lever.
(2) Support and secure transfer case with safety
chains to a transmission jack.
(3) Remove transfer case mounting nuts.
(4) Move transfer case rearward until input gear
clears transmission mainshaft.
(5) Lower transfer case assembly and move it from
under vehicle.
(6) Support and secure transmission with safety
chains to a transmission jack.
(7) Remove bolts/nuts attaching transmission
mount to rear crossmember.
(8) Remove rear crossmember bolts and pry out
crossmember.
(9) Remove transmission clutch housing bolts at
the engine block.
(10) Move transmission rearward until input shaft
clears clutch disc.
(11) Lower transmission and remove it from under
vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
NOTE: Use Fixture 8241 for moving and handling
the transmission. The fixture supports the transmis-
sion at the center of gravity in order to ease mount-
ing the transmission into the build fixture.
(1)
Mount the transmission into Fixture 8230 (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 NV5600 DRAIN BOLT
1 - PTO COVER
2 - DRAIN BOLT
Fig. 4 TRANSMISSION FIXTURE
1 - FIXTURE
2 - TRANSMISSION
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(6) Remove primary shift rail detent plunger (Fig.
9).
(7) Remove clutch housing bolts (10) (Fig. 10) from
inside the housing.(8) Remove shift rail blocker bolt (Fig. 11) from the
side of the transmission gear case.
EXTENSION/ADAPTER HOUSING
(1) Remove bolts holding the extension/adapter
housing onto the transmission gear case.
(2) Remove extension/adapter housing from the
transmission gear case with Puller 8244 (Fig. 12).
NOTE: It may be necessary to straighten the housing
during removal due to the tendency for the reverse
idler shaft to bind into one side of the housing.
Fig. 9 PRIMARY SHIFT RAIL DETENT PLUNGER
1 - DETENT PLUNGER
Fig. 10 CLUTCH HOUSING BOLTS
1 - BOLTS (10)
Fig. 11 SHIFT RAIL BLOCKER BOLT
1 - BLOCKER BOLT
Fig. 12 TRANSMISSION CASE PULLER
1 - PULLER
2 - EXTENSION/ADAPTER HOUSING
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(3) Remove crossover detent plug, spring and
plunger from the extension/adapter housing (Fig. 13).
(4) Remove bolt and washer holding the crossover
cam to the extension/adapter housing (Fig. 14).
(5) Remove crossover cam from the extension/
adapter housing.(6) Remove back-up lamp switch from the exten-
sion/adapter housing.
(7) Remove countershaft rear bearing race from
the extension/adapter housing with Remover L-4518
(Fig. 15).
NOTE: Tag all countershaft pre-load shims from
between the bearing race and the housing (Fig. 16).
(8) Remove crossover cam bushing from the exten-
sion/adapter housing with Remover 8240.
(9) On 4X2 vehicles, remove extension housing
seal with a pry tool or a slide hammer and screw.
(10) On 4X4 vehicles, remove adapter housing seal
with a pry tool or a slide hammer and screw.
Fig. 13 CROSSOVER CAM DETENT PLUG
1 - DETENT PLUG
2 - EXTENSION HOUSING
Fig. 14 CROSSOVER CAM BOLT
1 - CROSSOVER CAM
2 - BOLT
3 - EXTENSION HOUSING
Fig. 15 COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING RACE
1 - REMOVER
Fig. 16 COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING RACE
AND SHIM
1 - PRE-LOAD SHIM
2 - BEARING RACE
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)