1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Drive shaft

(4) Remove the front output shaft seal slinger by
bending (Fig. 83) the slinger away from the transfer
case.
(5) Using a suitable pry tool, remove the slinger
from the output shaft using care not to damage the
shaft.
(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 output shaft seal slinger with
Installer 8840. Install the slinger onto the shaft until
the tool contacts the rear of the output shaft.
(3) Install a new seal boot clamp onto the seal
boot.
(4) Install the seal boot and clamp onto the slinger
hub and tighten the clamp with Crimp Tool
C-4975-A.
(5) Install front propeller shaft (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/
PROPELLER SHAFT - INSTALLATION).
MODE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The transfer case mode sensor (Fig. 84) is an elec-
tronic device whose output can be interpreted to indi-
cate the shift motor shaft's rotary position. The
sensor consists of a magnetic ring and four Hall
Effect Transistors to create a 4 channel digital device
(non-contacting) whose output converts the motor
shaft position into a coded signal. The TCCM must
supply 5VDC (+/- 0.5v) to the sensor and monitor the
shift motor position. The four channels are denoted
A, B, C, and D. The sensor is mechanically linked to
the shaft of the cam which causes the transfer case
shifting. The mode sensor draws less than 53 mA.
Fig. 83 Bend Slinger Upward
1 - SEAL SLINGER
2 - BEND UPWARD
Fig. 84 Mode Sensor - Typical
1 - MODE SENSOR
21 - 538 TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENIIDR
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

TRANSFER CASE - NV273
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANSFER CASE - NV273
DESCRIPTION........................542
OPERATION..........................543
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER
CASE - NV273.......................543
REMOVAL............................544
DISASSEMBLY........................544
CLEANING...........................554
INSPECTION.........................554
ASSEMBLY...........................556
INSTALLATION........................568
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSFER CASE - NV273.............568
SPECIAL TOOLS
TRANSFER CASE NV271/NV273.........569
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL AND DUST BOOT
REMOVAL............................571
INSTALLATION........................571FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID DRAIN AND
REFILL............................571
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL............................572
INSTALLATION........................572
MODE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................573
OPERATION..........................573
SELECTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................574
OPERATION..........................574
SHIFT MOTOR
DESCRIPTION........................575
OPERATION..........................575
REMOVAL............................575
INSTALLATION........................575
TRANSFER CASE - NV273
DESCRIPTION
The NV273 is an electronically controlled part-time
transfer case with a low range gear reduction system.
The NV273 has three operating ranges plus a NEU-
TRAL position. The low range system provides a gear
reduction ratio for increased low speed torque capa-
bility.
The geartrain is mounted in two aluminum case
halves attached with bolts. The mainshaft front and
rear bearings are mounted in aluminum case halves.
OPERATING RANGES
Transfer case operating ranges are:
²2WD (2-wheel drive)
²4HI (4-wheel drive)
²4LO (4-wheel drive low range)
²NEUTRAL
The 2WD range is for use on any road surface at
any time.The 4HI and 4LO ranges are for off road use only.
They are not for use on hard surface roads. The only
exception being when the road surface is wet or slip-
pery or covered by ice and snow.
The low range reduction gear system is operative
in 4LO range only. This range is for extra pulling
power in off road situations. Low range reduction
ratio is 2.72:1.
SHIFT MECHANISM
Operating ranges are selected with a dash
mounted shift selector switch. The shift selector
switch provides a input to the Transfer Case Control
Module (TCCM) to indicate the driver's desire to
change operating ranges. The TCCM uses this input,
along with input from the transfer case mounted
mode sensor and information from the vehicle's bus,
to determine if a shift is permitted. If the TCCM
decides the shift is permitted, the TCCM controls the
shift motor, mounted to the exterior of the transfer
case, to perform the shift.
21 - 542 TRANSFER CASE - NV273DR

IDENTIFICATION
A circular ID tag is attached to the rear case of
each transfer case (Fig. 1). The ID tag provides the
transfer case model number, assembly number, serial
number, and low range ratio.
The transfer case serial number also represents
the date of build.
OPERATION
The input gear is splined to the transmission out-
put shaft. The input gear drives the mainshaft
through the planetary assembly and range sleeve.
The front output shaft is operated by a drive chain
that connects the shaft to a drive sprocket on the
mainshaft. The drive sprocket is engaged/disengaged
by the mode fork, which operates the mode sleeve
and hub. The sleeve and hub are not equipped with a
synchronizer mechanism for shifting.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER CASE - NV273
DIAGNOSIS CHART
Condition Possible Cause Correction
Transfer case difficult to shift or will
not shift into desired range.1) Transfer case electronically
controlled shift system malfunction.1) Verify proper operation per the
appropriate diagnostic manual.
2) If vehicle was operated for an
extended period in 4HI mode on
dry surface, driveline torque load
may cause difficulty.2) Drive the vehicle in a straight line
and momentarily release the
accelerator. The transfer case can
then be shifted to the desired mode.
3) Insufficient or incorrect lubricant. 3) Drain and refill transfer case with
the correct quantity of MoparTAT F
+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
4) Internal transfer case
components binding, worn, or
damaged.4) Repair or replace components as
necessary.
Transfer case noisy in all drive
modes.1) Insufficient or incorrect lubricant. 1) Drain and refill transfer case with
the correct quantity of MoparTAT F
+4, type 9602, Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
2) Internal transfer case
components binding, worn, or
damaged.2) Repair or replace components as
necessary.
Fig. 1 Transfer Case - Rear View
1 - TRANSFER CASE
2 - IDENTIFICATION TAG
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV273 21 - 543
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT AND DRIVE CHAIN
(1) Remove the oil pick-up tube (Fig. 14) and
screen from the front case half.
(2) Remove the front output shaft drive sprocket
retaining ring (Fig. 15).
(3) Remove the rear output shaft drive sprocket
retaining ring (Fig. 16).(4) Pull front sprocket (Fig. 17), rear sprocket, and
chain upward until clear of the front and rear output
shaft sprocket splines.
(5) Remove chain and sprockets as an assembly.
Fig. 14 Remove Oil Pick-Up Tube and Screen
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - OIL SCREEN
3 - PICK-UP TUBE
Fig. 15 Remove Front Output Shaft Sprocket
Retaining Ring
1 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 16 Remove Rear Output Shaft Sprocket
Retaining Ring
1 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 17 Remove Drive Chain and Sprockets
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - CHAIN
3 - DRIVE SPROCKETS
21 - 548 TRANSFER CASE - NV273DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

(3) Remove the mode hub (Fig. 30) from the main-
shaft.
(4) Remove the drive sprocket drive hub (Fig. 31)
from the mainshaft.INPUT AND PLANETARY GEAR
(1) Remove input gear seal with suitable screw
and slide hammer.
(2) Remove input gear retaining ring (Fig. 32) with
heavy duty snap-ring pliers.
(3) Place front case in horizontal position. Then
remove input gear and low range gear as an assem-
bly (Fig. 33). Tap gear out of bearing with plastic
mallet, if necessary.
Fig. 30 Remove Mode Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
Fig. 31 Remove the Drive Sprocket Drive Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET DRIVE HUB
Fig. 32 Remove Input Gear Retaining Ring
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 33 Remove Input Planetary Assembly
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - INPUT PLANETARY ASSEMBLY
21 - 552 TRANSFER CASE - NV273DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

SHIFT FORKS/HUBS/SLEEVES
Check condition of the shift forks and mode fork
shift rail (Fig. 40). Minor nicks on the shift rail can
be smoothed with 320-400 grit emery cloth.
Inspect the shift fork wear pads (Fig. 41). The
mode and range fork pads are serviceable and can be
replaced if necessary.
Check both of the sleeves for wear or damage,
especially on the interior teeth. Replace the sleeves if
wear or damage is evident.
REAR EXTENSION HOUSING
Inspect the extension housing seal and bushing.
Replace both components if either show any sign of
wear or damage.
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT AND DRIVE CHAIN
Inspect the shaft threads, sprocket teeth, and bear-
ing surfaces. Minor nicks on the teeth can be
smoothed with an oilstone. Use 320-400 grit emery to
smooth minor scratches on the shaft bearing sur-
faces. Rough threads on the shaft can be chased if
necessary. Replace the shaft if the threads are dam-
aged, bearing surfaces are scored, or if any sprocket
teeth are cracked or broken.
Examine the drive chain and shaft bearings.
Replace the chain and both sprockets if the chain is
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. 42)
FRONT AND REAR CASES
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.
Fig. 40 Shift Forks
1 - RANGE FORK
2 - MODE FORK AND RAIL
3 - MODE SPRING
Fig. 41 Shift Fork And Wear Pad Locations
1 - RANGE FORK
2 - MODE FORK
3 - WEAR PADS (SERVICEABLE)
4 - WEAR PADS (SERVICEABLE)
Fig. 42 Low Range Annulus Gear
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - LOW RANGE ANNULUS GEAR
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV273 21 - 555
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

(7) Install snap-ring to hold input/low range gear
into front bearing (Fig. 61).
(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.
62) onto the mainshaft.(3) Install the mode hub (Fig. 63) onto the main-
shaft.
(4) Install the mode hub retaining ring (Fig. 64)
onto the mainshaft.
Fig. 61 Install Input Gear Retaining Ring
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 62 Install the Drive Sprocket Drive Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET DRIVE HUB
Fig. 63 Install Mode Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
Fig. 64 Install Mode Hub Retaining Ring
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
3 - RETAINING RING
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV273 21 - 561
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

(3) Install mainshaft into the transfer case (Fig.
73). Guide mainshaft through the mode and range
sleeves and into the input gear.
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT AND DRIVE CHAIN
(1) Install the front output shaft (Fig. 74) into the
front output shaft front bearing.
(2) Install the front output shaft bearing inner
snap-ring (Fig. 75) 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. 76) 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. 73 Install Mainshaft Assembly
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - MAINSHAFT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 74 Install Front Output Shaft
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 75 Install Front Output Shaft Bearing Inner
Snap-Ring
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 76 Install Drive Chain and Sprockets
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - CHAIN
3 - DRIVE SPROCKETS
21 - 564 TRANSFER CASE - NV273DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)