1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Drive shaft

MAINSHAFT
(1) Remove the clutch gear (Fig. 29) from the out-
put shaft.
(2) Remove the mode hub retaining ring (Fig. 30)
from the mainshaft.
(3) Remove the mode hub (Fig. 31) from the main-
shaft.
(4) Remove the drive sprocket drive hub (Fig. 32)
from the mainshaft.
Fig. 29 Remove Clutch Gear
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - CLUTCH GEAR
3 - MODE HUB
Fig. 30 Remove Mode Hub Retaining Ring
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 31 Remove Mode Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
Fig. 32 Remove the Drive Sprocket Drive Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET DRIVE HUB
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 457
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

DRIVE CHAIN
Examine the drive chain and shaft bearings.
replace the chain if stretched, distorted, or if any of
the links bind. Replace the bearings if rough, or
noisy.
LOW RANGE ANNULUS GEAR
Inspect annulus gear condition carefully. The gear
is only serviced as part of the front case. If the gear
is damaged, it will be necessary to replace the gear
and front case as an assembly. Do not attempt to
remove the gear (Fig. 43)
FRONT CASE AND REAR CASE
Inspect the cases for wear and damage.
Check case condition. If leaks were a problem, look
for gouges and severe scoring of case sealing sur-
faces. Also make sure the front case mounting studs
are in good condition.
Check the front case mounting studs and vent
tube. The tube can be secured with LoctiteŸ 271 or
680 if loose. The stud threads can be cleaned up with
a die if necessary. Also check condition of the fill/
drain plug threads in the rear case. The threads can
be repaired with a thread chaser or tap if necessary.
Or the threads can be repaired with HelicoilŸ stain-
less steel inserts if required.
OIL PUMP/OIL PICKUP
Examine the oil pump pickup parts. Replace the
pump if any part appears to be worn or damaged. Do
not disassemble the pump as individual parts are not
available. The pump is only available as a complete
assembly. The pickup screen, hose, and tube are the
only serviceable parts and are available separately.
ASSEMBLY
BEARINGS AND SEALS
(1) Remove the input shaft bearing snap-ring from
the front case half with suitable snap-ring pliers.
(2)
Remove the input shaft bearing from the front case
half with Installer 6953 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 44).
(3) Install the input shaft bearing into the front
case half with Installer 8151 inverted on Handle
C-4171 (Fig. 45).
(4) Install the input shaft bearing snap-ring into
the front case half with suitable snap-ring pliers.
Fig. 43 Low Range Annulus Gear
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - LOW RANGE ANNULUS GEARFig. 44 Remove Input Gear Bearing
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - HANDLE C-4171
3 - INSTALLER 6953
Fig. 45 Install Input Gear Bearing
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - HANDLE C-4171
3 - INSTALLER 8151 (INVERTED)
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 461
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

(7) Install snap-ring to hold input/low range gear
into front bearing (Fig. 62).
(8) Install a new input gear seal using Installer
8841 and Handle C-4171.
(9) Install a new input gear oil seal with Installer
9036 and Handle C-4171.
SHIFT FORKS AND MAINSHAFT
(1) Lubricate mainshaft splines with recommended
transmission fluid.
(2) Coat the interior of the drive sprocket hub with
ATF+4 and install the drive sprocket drive hub (Fig.
63) onto the mainshaft.(3) Install the mode hub (Fig. 64) onto the main-
shaft.
(4) Install the mode hub retaining ring (Fig. 65)
onto the mainshaft.
Fig. 62 Install Input Gear Retaining Ring
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 63 Install the Drive Sprocket Drive Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET DRIVE HUB
Fig. 64 Install Mode Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
Fig. 65 Install Mode Hub Retaining Ring
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
3 - RETAINING RING
21 - 466 TRANSFER CASE - NV271DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

(17) Install detent plunger, spring, and plug (Fig.
74). Tighten the plug to 16-25 N´m (12-18 ft. lbs.).
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT AND DRIVE CHAIN
(1) Install the front output shaft (Fig. 75) into the
front output shaft front bearing.
(2) Install the front output shaft bearing inner
snap-ring (Fig. 76) onto the output shaft.
(3) Install the new front output shaft seal with
Installer MB991168A
(4) Insert front drive sprocket in drive chain.
(5) Install drive chain around rear drive sprocket.(6) Position rear drive sprocket (Fig. 77) over the
output shaft and lower the sprocket and chain
assembly until the front sprocket is positioned over
the front output shaft.
(7) Align the splines in the sprockets to the splines
on the output shafts and install the sprockets onto
the output shafts.
Fig. 74 Install Detent plug, Spring, and Plunger
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - DETENT PLUG
3 - SPRING
4 - PLUNGER
Fig. 75 Install Front Output Shaft
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 76 Install Front Output Shaft Bearing Inner
Snap-Ring
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 77 Install Drive Chain and Sprockets
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - CHAIN
3 - DRIVE SPROCKETS
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 469
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

(8) Install front sprocket retaining ring (Fig. 78).
(9) Install rear sprocket retaining ring (Fig. 79).
(10) Install spring onto shift rail (Fig. 80).
(11) Insert magnet in front case pocket (Fig. 81).
REAR CASE
(1) Install the oil pick-up tube and screen into the
rear case half.
(2) Apply bead of MopartGasket Maker, or equiv-
alent, to mating surface of front case. Keep sealer
bead width to maximum of 3/16 inch. Do not use
excessive amount of sealer as excess will be displaced
into case interior.
(3) Align mainshaft with he rear output shaft
bearing and align shift rail with bore in rear case.
Then install rear case (Fig. 82). Verify that the case
alignment dowels correctly seat into their mating
recesses.
(4) Install 4-5 rear case-to front case bolts (Fig. 83)
to hold rear case in position. Tighten bolts snug but
not to specified torque at this time.
Fig. 78 Install Front Output Shaft Sprocket
Retaining Ring
1 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 79 Install Rear Output Shaft Sprocket Retaining
Ring
1 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 80 Install Shift Rail Spring
1 - SHIFT RAIL
2 - SPRING
Fig. 81 Case Magnet Installation
1 - MAGNET
2 - CASE POCKET
21 - 470 TRANSFER CASE - NV271DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

(7) Install the front companion flange onto the
front output shaft.
(8) Install two bolts 180É apart into the front out-
put shaft companion flange.
(9) Place holder over the bolts and against the
companion flange (Fig. 90).
(10) Install a new front companion flange nut.
Tighten the companion flange nut to 176-271 N´m
(130-200 ft.lbs.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Align and seat transfer case on transmission.
Be sure transfer case input gear splines are aligned
with transmission output shaft. Align splines by
rotating transfer case rear output shaft yoke if nec-
essary. Do not install any transfer case attaching
nuts until the transfer case is completely seated
against the transmission.
(2) Install and tighten transfer case attaching
nuts. Tighten nuts to 30-41 N´m (20-30 ft.lbs.).
(3) Remove jack stand from under transmission.
(4) Align and connect propeller shafts. (Refer to 3 -
DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER
SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(5) Connect vent hose and transfer case position
sensor connector.
(6) Connect shift rod to transfer case lever or floor
shift arm. Use channel lock style pliers to press rod
back into lever grommet.
(7) Adjust shift linkage, if necessary.(8) Fill transfer case with recommended transmis-
sion fluid and install fill plug.
(9) Install skid plate, if equipped. (Refer to 13 -
FRAMES & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION)
(10) Lower vehicle
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSFER CASE - NV271
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Plug, Detent 16-25 12-18 -
Plug, Drain/Fill 20-34 15-25 -
Bolt, Extension Housing 27-34 20-25 -
Bolt, Case Half 27-34 20-25 -
Nut, Range Lever 27-34 20-25 -
Sector Support 27-34 20-25 -
Nuts, Mounting 30-41 20-30 -
Position Sensor 20-34 15-25 -
Nut, Companion Flange 176-271 130-200 -
Fig. 90 Install Companion Flange Nut
1 - HOLDER 6719
2 - BOLTS
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 473
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL
AND DUST BOOT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove rear propeller shaft. (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/
PROPELLER SHAFT - REMOVAL)
(3) Use a suitable chisel or pry tool to remove the
rear extension housing dust boot (Fig. 91).
(4) Use a suitable chisel or pry tool to remove the
rear extension housing seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean fluid residue from sealing surface and
inspect for defects.
(2) Install the extension housing dust boot and
seal assembly with Installer 9037 and Handle C-4171
(Fig. 92).
(3) Install propeller shaft. (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/PRO-
PELLER SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(4) Verify proper transfer case fluid level.
(5) Lower vehicle.
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID DRAIN AND
REFILL
The fill and drain plugs are both in the rear case
(Fig. 93).
(1) Raise vehicle.(2) Position drain pan under transfer case.
(3) Remove drain and fill plugs and drain lubri-
cant completely.
(4) Install drain plug. Tighten plug to 41-54 N´m
(30-40 ft. lbs.).
(5) Remove drain pan.
Fig. 91 Remove Extension Housing Dust Boot
1 - EXTENSION HOUSING
2 - DUST BOOT
Fig. 92 Install Extension Housing Seal
1 - EXTENSION HOUSING
2 - HANDLE C-4171
3 - INSTALLER 9037
Fig. 93 Drain and Fill Locations
1 - FILL HOLE
2 - DRAIN HOLE
21 - 476 TRANSFER CASE - NV271DR

(6) Fill transfer case to bottom edge of fill plug
opening with MopartATF +4, Automatic Transmis-
sion fluid.
(7) Install and tighten fill plug to 41-54 N´m
(30-40 ft. lbs.).
(8) Lower vehicle.
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the front propeller shaft (Refer to 3 -
DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER
SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - REMOVAL).
(2) Install two bolts 180É apart into the front out-
put shaft companion flange.
(3) Place holder over the bolts and against the
companion flange (Fig. 94).
(4) Remove and discard the front companion flange
nut.
(5) Remove the companion flange from the front
output shaft. It may be necessary to use Flange
puller 8992 to remove the companion flange.
(6) Using a screw and a slide hammer, remove the
front output shaft seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the new front output shaft seal with
Installer MB991168A.
(2) Install the front companion flange onto the
front output shaft.
(3) Install two bolts 180É apart into the front out-
put shaft companion flange.(4) Place holder over the bolts and against the
companion flange (Fig. 95).
(5) Install a new front companion flange nut.
Tighten the companion flange nut to 258-312 N´m
(190-230 ft.lbs.).
(6) Install front propeller shaft (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/
PROPELLER SHAFT - INSTALLATION).
POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The transfer case position sensor is an electronic
device whose output can be interpreted to indicate
the transfer case's current operating mode. The sen-
sor consists of a five position, resistive multiplexed
circuit which returns a specific resistance value to
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for each trans-
fer case operating mode. The sensor is located on the
top of the transfer case, just left of the transfer case
centerline and rides against the sector plate rooster-
comb. The PCM supplies 5VDC (+/- 0.5V) to the sen-
sor and monitors the return voltage to determine the
sector plate, and therefore the transfer case, position.
OPERATION
During normal vehicle operation, the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) monitors the transfer case
position sensor return voltage to determine the oper-
ating mode of the transfer case. Refer to the Operat-
ing Mode Versus Resistance table for the correct
resistance for each position (Fig. 96).
Fig. 94 Remove Companion Flange Nut
1 - HOLDER 6719
2 - BOLTS
Fig. 95 Install Companion Flange Nut
1 - HOLDER 6719
2 - BOLTS
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 477
FLUID (Continued)