1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Drive shaft

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)

(14) Remove wood block from under countershaft
and lower countershaft front bearing into front bear-
ing cup.
(15) Lubricate countershaft rear bearing cup and
cone with petroleum jelly.
(16) Install countershaft rear bearing cup in gear
case and over rear bearing (Fig. 72). Tap cup into
place with plastic mallet if necessary.
(17) Install countershaft rear bearing plate (Fig.
73).
NOTE: Verify plate is seated in notch in reverse
idler shaft before tightening bearing plate bolts.(18) Apply Mopar silicone adhesive/sealer or equiv-
alent to flange and lip of new cap. Installnewfront
bearing cap in gear case (Fig. 74) with Handle
C-4171 and Installer C-3972-A.
COUNTERSHAFT END PLAY
(1) Rotate countershaft 4-5 times to seat bearings.
(2) Mount dial indicator on case. Then position
indicator plunger on end of countershaft and zero
dial indicator (Fig. 75).
(3) Raise countershaft with screwdriver and note
end play reading on dial indicator. End play should
be 0.051 - 0.15 mm (0.002 - 0.006 in.).
Fig. 72 COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING CUP
1 - COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING CUP
Fig. 73 COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING PLATE
1 - COUNTERSHAFT
2 - REAR BEARING PLATE
3 - IDLER SHAFT
Fig. 74 COUNTERSHAFT FRONT BEARING CAP
1 - FRONT BEARING CAP
Fig. 75 MEASURING COUNTERSHAFT END PLAY
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - COUNTER SHAFT
3 - INDICATOR MOUNTING ARM AND BASE
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 65
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(10) Install assembled second gear clutch cone and
rings on mainshaft and in 1-2 synchro hub (Fig. 87).
(11) Install snap ring that secures second gear
clutch cone on mainshaft (Fig. 88). Use narrow blade
screwdriver to work snap ring into hub groove as
shown. Verify snap ring is seated in mainshaft
groove.
NOTE: If snap ring will not fit in groove, clutch cone
is slightly misaligned.(12) Install second gear bearing on mainshaft (Fig.
89).
(13) Install second gear on mainshaft and bearing.
Rotate gear until tabs of second gear clutch ring are
seated in tab slots in gear (Fig. 90).
Fig. 87 SECOND GEAR CLUTCH CONE, CLUTCH
RING AND STOP RING
1 - CLUTCH CONE
2 - STOP RING
3 - CLUTCH RING
Fig. 88 SECOND GEAR CLUTCH CONE SNAP RING
1 - SCREWDRIVER
2 - MAINSHAFT HUB
3 - SNAP RING
4 - SECOND GEAR CLUTCH CONE
Fig. 89 SECOND GEAR BEARING
1 - SECOND GEAR BEARING
Fig. 90 SECOND GEAR
1 - SECOND GEAR
2 - CLUTCH RING TABS
3 - TAB SLOTS (IN GEAR)
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 69
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(20) Install synchro stop ring on third gear (Fig.
96). Verify stop ring is seated on cone taper.
(21) If 3-4 synchro was disassembled for service,
reassemble synchro components as follows:
(a) Align and install synchro sleeve on hub (Fig.
97).Front side of hub has a narrow groove
machined in it.
(b) Insert all three synchro struts in slots
machined in sleeve and hub (Fig. 97).
(c) Install and seat synchro springs (Fig. 97).
Use screwdriver to compress springs and seat them
in struts and hub as shown.(22) Start 3-4 synchro assembly on mainshaft with
the hub groove and sleeve groove both facing for-
ward. Tap assembly onto shaft splines until hub is
about 3 mm (0.125 in.) away from third gear stop
ring. Then align stop ring with synchro sleeve and
hub and seat synchro assembly with Installer C-4040
(Fig. 98).
(23) Verify 3-4 synchro hub is seated on shaft with
approximately 3 mm (0.125 in.) of shaft spline visi-
ble.
NOTE: If hub is not seated, stop ring lugs are mis-
aligned. Rotate ring until lugs are engaged in 3-4
hub slots.
(24) Verify that second and third gear rotate freely
at this point. If not, determine the cause and correct.
(25) Invert mainshaft in case or bench.
(26) Install first gear bearing on mainshaft.
(27) Install first gear on shaft with clutch hub side
of gear facing the front of shaft (Fig. 99). Verify tabs
on clutch ring are aligned and seated in first gear
hub.
NOTE: 1-2 synchro hub will not seat properly if
clutch ring tabs are misaligned.
Fig. 96 THIRD GEAR STOP RING
1 - SYNCHRO STOP RING
2 - THIRD GEAR
Fig. 97 SYNCHRO ASSEMBLY (3-4)
1 - STRUT (3)
2 - SPRING (3)
3 - 3-4 SLEEVE
4 - 3-4 HUB
Fig. 98 SEATING 3-4 SYNCHRO ASSEMBLY ON
MAINSHAFT
1 - 3-4 SYNCHRO HUB
2 - HUB GROOVE
3 - INSTALLER C-4040
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 71
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(d) Compress first spring with flat blade screw-
driver and slide strut into position in hub slot.
Then work spring into seat in strut with small
hooked tool or screwdriver.
(e) Install second and third struts in same man-
ner as described in step (d).
(f) Work sleeve upward on hub until struts are
centered and seated in sleeve. Sleeve should be in
neutral position after seating struts.
(34) Install reverse gear and synchro assembly on
mainshaft (Fig. 103). Rotate assembly until stop ring
lugs engage in hub slots and gear drops into seated
position.
(35) Install reverse gear thrust washer (Fig. 104).
(36) Install rear bearing on mainshaft with
Installer 6446. Seat bearing on output shaft and
against thrust washer (Fig. 105).
(37) Install fourth gear stop ring in 3-4 synchro
sleeve (Fig. 106).
(38) Install fourth gear clutch gear in stop ring
(Fig. 107).
Fig. 103 REVERSE GEAR
1 - REVERSE GEAR AND SYNCHRO ASSEMBLY
Fig. 104 REVERSE GEAR THRUST WASHER
1 - THRUST WASHER
2 - REVERSE GEAR
Fig. 105 MAINSHAFT REAR BEARING
1 - INSTALLER
2 - MAINSHAFT REAR BEARING
Fig. 106 FOURTH GEAR STOP RING
1 - 3-4 SYNCHRO SLEEVE
2 - FOURTH SPEED STOP RING
Fig. 107 FOURTH GEAR CLUTCH GEAR
1 - FOURTH SPEED CLUTCH GEAR
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 73
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(39) Roll gear case onto its left side.
(40) Grip mainshaft at pilot bearing hub and just
behind reverse gear. Then lift assembly and guide
rear of shaft through bearing bore at rear of case.
(41) Continue holding front of shaft but switch
grip at rear to shaft output splines. Lift mainshaft
assembly slightly, align gears and seat assembly in
case.
(42) Set transmission case upright (Fig. 108).
(43) Install drive gear thrust bearing on mainshaft
(Fig. 109). Use plenty of petroleum jelly to hold bear-
ing in place.
(44) Check alignment and mesh of mainshaft
gears. If gears are not aligned, roll case on side and
realign shaft and gears in case.DRIVE GEAR AND RETAINER
(1) Install bearing on drive gear with Installer
6448 (Fig. 110).
(2) Lubricate pilot bearing with petroleum jelly
and install it in drive gear bore.
(3) Install drive gear on mainshaft. Work gear
rearward until mainshaft hub is seated in pilot bear-
ing.
(4) Install bearing cup in front retainer with Han-
dle C-4171 and Installer C-4308 (Fig. 111).
Fig. 108 MAINSHAFT AND GEARTRAIN IN CASE
1 - MAINSHAFT AND GEARTRAIN
2 - FOURTH SPEED CLUTCH GEAR
Fig. 109 DRIVE GEAR THRUST BEARING
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - DRIVE GEAR THRUST BEARING
Fig. 110 FRONT BEARING ON DRIVE GEAR
1 - INSTALLER
2 - BEARING
3 - DRIVE GEAR
Fig. 111 FRONT BEARING CUP IN RETAINER
1 - INSTALLER
2 - HANDLE
3 - WOOD BLOCKS
4 - RETAINER
21 - 74 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(5) Install new oil seal in front bearing retainer
with Installer 6052 (Fig. 112). Use one or two wood
blocks to support retainer as shown. Lubricate seal
lip with petroleum jelly after installation.
(6) Clean contact surfaces of gear case and front
bearing retainer with a wax and grease remover.
(7) Apply Mopar Silicone Sealer or equivalent to
flange surface of front bearing retainer (Fig. 113).
(8) Install front bearing retainer over drive gear
and start it into case.
(9) Start front bearing retainer in gear case. Verify
retainer lube channel is at the top-center(12
O'clock)position (Fig. 113).(10) Align front bearing retainer bolt holes and tap
retainer into place with plastic mallet. Installnew
retainer bolts and tighten to 30 N´m (22 ft. lbs.) (Fig.
114).
NOTE: Never reuse the old bolts.
MAINSHAFT END PLAY
(1) Install mainshaft rear bearing cup in case and
over bearing. Tap bearing cup into place with plastic
mallet.
(2) Install rear bearing plate to hold mainshaft
and rear bearing in position (Fig. 115).
NOTE: Do not install any end play shims at this
time.
(3) Tighten rear bearing plate bolts securely.
(4) Place gear case in upright position on bench.
Either cut hole in bench to accept drive gear and
front retainer or use C-clamps to secure transmission
on bench.
NOTE: Do not leave transmission unsupported.
(5) Install Extension Rod 8161 into a suitable
threaded hole in rear of case.
(6) Mount dial indicator on extension rod and posi-
tion indicator plunger against end of mainshaft.
(7) Move mainshaft forward to remove all play
then zero dial indicator.
(8) Move mainshaft upward and record dial indica-
tor reading. Move mainshaft with pry tool positioned
between drive gear and case.
(9) End play should be 0.051-0.15 mm (0.002-0.006
in.). Select fit shims are available to adjust end play.
If end play adjustment is required, remove bearing
plate and install necessary shim.
(10) Reinstall rear bearing plate with oil hole in
bearing plate at the top (Fig. 115).
(11) Apply Mopar Lock N' Seal or equivalent to
bearing plate bolt threads. Install and tighten bolts
to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
Fig. 112 BEARING RETAINER OIL SEAL
1 - INSTALLER
2 - RETAINER
3 - WOOD BLOCK
Fig. 113 LOCATION OF FRONT RETAINER LUBE
CHANNEL
1 - LUBE CHANNEL
2 - FRONT RETAINER
3 - APPLY GASKET MAKER HERE
Fig. 114 FRONT BEARING RETAINER
1 - DRIVE GEAR
2 - FRONT BEARING RETAINER
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 75
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (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)