1998 DODGE RAM 1500 light

(2) Cycle the key from ACC to RUN and ensure
that the blocker does not stick or bind.
(3) Turn the key to the OFF position and ensure
that the shifter will not pull from the PARK position.
(4) Connect the over drive switch harness (if
equipped).
NOTE: Route and tie off harness to original loca-
tion.
(5) Connect the shift cable to the lever.
(6) Ensure the gear shift lever and transmission
are in the PARK position and snap the cable adjust
clip in place.
(7) Install a new brake light switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the SKIM and halo.
(9) Install the upper and lower column shroud.
(10) Install the column back into place and
tighten.
(11) Install the kneeblocker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE BLOCKER - INSTAL-
LATION).
UPPER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.(2) Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the
straight position.
(3) Remove and discard the lower pinch bolt.
(4) Lower the steering coupler shaft from the col-
umn.
(5) Remove the upper steering coupling shaft seal
by pushing in the four tags securing it to the panel
(Fig. 16).
(6) Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch
bolt from the lower steering coupling shaft (Fig. 17).
(7) Remove the upper steering coupling shaft from
the vehicle (Fig. 17).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the upper steering coupling shaft to the
vehicle (Fig. 17).
Fig. 15 GEAR SHIFT LEVER SPRING
1 - BLOCKER TO INHIBIT LINK SLOT
2 - GEAR SHIFT LEVER
Fig. 16 RELEASE TANGS
1 - RELEASE TANGS (4)
2 - UPPER STEERING COUPLER SHAFT
Fig. 17 UPPER STEERING COUPLER SHAFT
1 - LOWER STEERING COUPLER
2 - RELEASE TANGS (4)
3 - UPPER STEERING COUPLER SHAFT
DRCOLUMN 19 - 13
GEAR SHIFT LEVER (Continued)

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)

(13) Remove starter motor, structural dust cover
bolts to clutch housing, dust shield bolt and suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: Do not remove structural dust cover
from enigne block. If cover is removed clutch hous-
ing and cover must be aligned with the engine.
(14) Remove exhaust pipe from the exhaust mani-
folds.
(15) Support engine with adjustable jack stand
and wood block.
(16) Support and secure transmission to a trans-
mission jack with safety chains.
(17) Remove bolts from the rear transmission
mount.
(18) Remove the rear crossmember and transmis-
sion mount (Fig. 4).
(19) Remove bolts attaching transmission to the
engine.
(20) Move transmission rearward until input shaft
is clear of clutch disc and pressure plate. Then lower
jack and remove transmission from under vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
FRONT HOUSING
(1) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(2) If lubricant was not drained out of transmis-
sion during removal, remove drain plug and drain
lubricant.
(3) Inspect drain plug magnet for debris.
(4) Remove backup light switch located on passen-
ger side of rear housing (Fig. 5).
(5) Remove shift tower bolts and remove tower and
lever assembly (Fig. 6).
Fig. 3 DUST COVER
1 - DUST SHIELD
2 - STARTER MOTOR
3 - DUST COVER
4 - CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 4 CROSSMEMBER
1 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT
2 - CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 5 BACKUP LIGHT SWITCH
1 - BACKUP LIGHT SWITCH
Fig. 6 SHIFT TOWER
1 - SHIFT TOWER
2 - SHIFT SOCKET
3 - SEAL
21 - 4 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

(2) Apply liberal quantity of petroleum jelly to
countershaft rear bearing and bearing race.
(3) Install countershaft rear bearing in bearing
race (Fig. 92).
NOTE: Large diameter side of the roller retainer
faces the countershaft and the small diameter side
faces the race and housing (Fig. 93).
(4) Apply extra petroleum jelly to hold counter-
shaft rear bearing in place when housing is installed.
(5) Apply light coat of petroleum jelly to shift shaft
bushing/bearing in rear housing (Fig. 93).
(6) Reach into countershaft rear bearing with fin-
ger and push each bearing roller outward against the
race. Then apply extra petroleum jelly to hold rollers
in place during housing installation.
(7) Install rear housing onto geartrain (Fig. 94)
and verify bearing retainer pilot stud is in correct
bolt hole in housing. Verify countershaft and output
shaft bearings are aligned in housing and on counter-
shaft.
NOTE: It may be necessary to lift upward on coun-
tershaft slightly to ensure that the countershaft rear
bearing engages to the countershaft before the rear
output shaft bearing engages the housing.
(8) Seat rear housing on output shaft rear bearing
and countershaft by tapping the housing with a plas-
tic mallet.
Fig. 92 COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING
1 - COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING
2 - REAR BEARING RACE
3 - REAR HOUSING
4 - PETROLEUM JELLY
Fig. 93 COUNTERSHAFT BEARING
1 - SHIFT SHAFT BUSHING/BEARING
2 - COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING
Fig. 94 REAR HOUSING
1 - REAR HOUSING
2 - SHIFT FORKS AND GEARTRAIN
21 - 30 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

(9) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
housing bolt threads, bolt shanks and under bolt
heads (Fig. 95).
(10) Start first two bolts in retainer (Fig. 96). It
may be necessary to move retainer rearward (with
pilot stud) in order to start bolts in retainer.
(11) Remove Alignment Pin 8120 and install last
retainer bolt (Fig. 96).
(12) Tighten retainer bolts to 30-35 N´m (22-26 ft.
lbs.).ADAPTER HOUSING - 4WD
NOTE: Transmission shift components must be in
Neutral to prevents damaging to the synchro and
shift components when installing the housings.
(1) Install rear bearing in adapter housing. Use
wood hammer handle or wood dowel to tap bearing
into place.
(2) Position rear bearing retainer in adapter hous-
ing (Fig. 97).
(3) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
threads, bolt shanks and under hex heads of bearing
retainer bolts (Fig. 95).
(4) Apply liberal quantity of petroleum jelly to
countershaft rear bearing and bearing race.
(5) Install countershaft rear bearing in bearing
race (Fig. 93).
NOTE: Large diameter side of the roller retainer
faces the countershaft and the small diameter side
faces the race and housing (Fig. 93).
(6) Apply extra petroleum jelly to hold counter-
shaft rear bearing in place when housing is installed.
(7) Apply light coat of petroleum jelly to shift shaft
bushing/bearing in adapter housing (Fig. 93).
(8) Install adapter housing on geartrain.
Fig. 95 HOUSING BOLTS
1 - GASKET MAKER
2 - RETAINER AND HOUSING BOLTS
3 - APPLY SEALER TO UNDERSIDE OF BOLT HEAD, SHANK
AND THREADS
Fig. 96 Alitgnment Pin And Retainer Bolts
1 - BEARING RETAINER BOLT
2 - ALIGNMENT PIN
Fig. 97 ADAPTER HOUSING
1 - BEARING RETAINER
2 - RETAINER BOLT
3 - IDLER SHAFT NOTCH
4 - COUNTERSHAFT BEARING RACE
5 - REAR BEARING
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 31
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

(12) Install shift shaft bushing lock bolt (Fig. 117).
Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to bolt
threads, shank and underside of bolt head before
installation.
CAUTION: If lock bolt cannot be fully installed the
shift shaft is not in Neutral, or the shaft bushing (or
lever) is misaligned.
(13) Lubricate then install shift shaft detent
plunger in housing bore. Lubricate plunger with
semi-synthetic/synthetic grease. Verify plunger is
fully seated in detent notch in shift shaft.
(14) Install detent spring inside plunger.
(15) Install detent plug in end of Installer 8123.
Position plug on detent spring and compress spring
until detent plug pilots in detent plunger bore. Drive
detent plug into transmission case until plug seats.
(16) Install backup light switch (Fig. 118).
(17) Install input shaft snap ring (Fig. 119).
(18) Installnewoil seal in front bearing retainer
with Installer 6448 (Fig. 120).(19) Apply bead of Mopar silicone sealer or equiv-
alent to flange surface of front bearing retainer (Fig.
121).
Fig. 117 SHAFT LOCK BOLT
1 - SHIFT SHAFT LOCK BOLT
2 - SHAFT SOCKET
Fig. 118 BACKUP LIGHT SWITCH
1 - BACKUP LIGHT SWITCH
Fig. 119 SHAFT SNAP RING - TYPICAL
1 - INPUT SHAFT SNAP RING
Fig. 120 BEARING RETAINER OIL SEAL
1 - INSTALLER
2 - FRONT BEARING RETAINER
Fig. 121 SEAL BEARING RETAINER - TYPICAL
1 - APPLY SEALER BEAD
2 - INPUT SHAFT BEARING RETAINER
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 37
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, do not
re-use the original shift tower.
(1) Clean transmission front housing mounting
surface.
(2) Apply light coat of Mopar high temperature
bearing grease or equivalent to contact surfaces (Fig.
126) of following components:
²release fork ball stud.
²release bearing slide surface.
²input shaft splines.
²release bearing bore.
²propeller shaft slip yoke.
(3) Support and secure transmission to jack.
(4) Raise and align transmission input shaft with
clutch disc, then slide transmission into place.
(5) Verify front housing is fully seated. Install
transmission bolts without washers and tighten bolts
into the engine to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.). Tighten the
bolts with washers into the transmission to 68 N´m
(50 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 127).(6) Install rear crossmember and tighten nuts to
102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install transmission rear mounting bolts and
tighten to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install front dust shield tighten bolt to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.). If cover was removed, install onto the
transmission and engine(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/EN-
GINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(9) Install structural dust cover and tighten the
bolts to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install starter motor.
(11) Install suspension crossmember and tighten
nuts to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(12) Connect transmission harnesses to clips on
case and connect switches.
(13) Install slave cylinder and tighten cylinder
nuts to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(14) Install transfer case and transfer case linkage
if equipped.
(15) Remove transmission jack.
(16) Install propeller shaft/shafts with reference
marks aligned.
(17) Install exhaust on the exhaust manifolds.
(18) Fill transmission with lubricant. Correct fill
level is to bottom edge of fill plug hole.
Fig. 126 LUBRICATION POINTS
1 - RELEASE FORK
2 - FORK BALL STUD
3 - BEARING SLIDE SURFACE
4 - SPLINE
5 - RELEASE BEAING
Fig. 127 TRANSMISSION
1 - BOLT WITHOUT WASHER
2 - BOLT WITH WASHER
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 39
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

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)