1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Transmission install

²A flashing operating mode LED for the desired
gear indicates that a shift to that position has been
requested, but all of the driver controllable conditions
have not been met. This is in an attempt to notify the
driver that the transmission needs to be put into NEU-
TRAL, the vehicle speed is too great, or some other con-
dition outlined (other than a diagnostic failure that
would prevent this shift) elsewhere (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/TRANS-
FER CASE CONTROL MODULE - OPERATION) is not
met. Note that this flashing will continue indefinitely
until the conditions are eventually met, or the selector
switch position is changed, or if diagnostic routines no
longer allow the requested shift.
²If the driver attempts to make a shift into transfer
case NEUTRAL, and any of the driver controllable con-
ditions are not met, the request will be ignored until all
of the conditions are met or until the NEUTRAL select
button is released. Additionally the neutral lamp will
flash, or begin to flash while the button is depressed
and operator controllable conditions are not being met.
All of the LED's except the Neutral will flash if any of
the operator controllable conditions for shifting are not
met while the Neutral button is depressed. This9toggle9
type of feature is necessary because the TCCM would
interpret another request immediately after the shift
into transfer case NEUTRAL has completed.
²No LED's illuminated indicate a fault in the
transfer case control system.
SHIFT MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The shift motor (Fig. 85) consists of a permanent
magnet D.C. motor with gear reduction to convert a
high speed-low torque device into a low speed-high
torque device. The output of the device is coupled to a
shaft which internally moves the mode and range forks
that change the transfer case operating ranges. The
motor is rated at 25 amps maximum at 72É F with 10
volts at the motor leads.
OPERATION
The transfer case shift motor responds to the Transfer
Case Control Module (TCCM) commands to move the
transfer case shift sector bi-directionally, as required, to
obtain the transfer case operating mode indicated by
the instrument panel mounted selector switch.
REMOVAL
NOTE: New shift motor assemblies are shipped in the
2WD/AWD position. If a new shift motor assembly will
be installed, it will be necessary to shift the transfer
case to the 2WD/AWD position prior to motor removal.
(1) Raise the vehicle on a suitable hoist.
(2) Disengage the wiring connectors from the shift
motor and mode sensor.
(3) Remove the bolts holding the shift motor and
mode sensor assembly onto the transfer case.
(4) Separate the shift motor and mode sensor
assembly from the transfer case.
INSTALLATION
(1) Verify that the shift sector o-ring is clean and
properly positioned over the shift sector and against
the transfer case.
NOTE: Verify that the shift motor position and sec-
tor shaft orientation are aligned. It may be neces-
sary to manually shift the transfer case if the shift
motor and sector shaft are not aligned.
(2) Position the shift motor and mode sensor
assembly onto the transfer case.
(3) Install the bolts to hold the assembly onto the
transfer case. Tighten the bolts to 16-24 N´m (12-18
ft.lbs.).
CAUTION: If the original shift motor and mode sen-
sor assembly bolts are reused, be sure to use
MoparTLock & Seal or LoctiteŸ 242 to replenish
the lock patch material originally found on the bolts
(4) Engage the wiring connectors to the shift motor
and mode sensor.
(5) Refill the transfer case as necessary.
(6) Lower vehicle and verify transfer case opera-
tion.
Fig. 85 Shift Motor - Shown Inverted - Typical
1 - SHIFT MOTOR
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV243 21 - 511
SELECTOR SWITCH (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
Lubricant leaking from transfer case
seals or vent.1) Transfer case overfilled. 1) Drain lubricant to the correct
level.
2) Transfer case vent closed or
restricted.2) Clean or replace vent as
necessary.
3) Transfer case seals damaged or
installed incorrectly.3) Replace suspect seal.
Transfer case will not shift through
4HI (Part-time) range.1) Incomplete shift due to drivetrain
torque load.1) Drive in a straight line and
momentarily release the accelerator
pedal to complete the shift.
2) Incorrect tire pressure. 2) Correct tire pressure as
necessary.
3) Excessive tire wear. 3) Correct tire condition as
necessary.
4) Excessive vehicle loading. 4) Correct as necessary.
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transfer case into AWD.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Drain transfer case lubricant.
(4) Mark front and rear propeller shafts for align-
ment reference.
(5) Support transmission with jack stand.
(6)
Remove the transfer case skid plate, if equipped.
(7) Disconnect front and rear propeller shafts at
transfer case.
(8) Disconnect transfer case shift motor and mode
sensor wire connectors.
(9) Disconnect transfer case vent hose.
(10) Support transfer case with transmission jack.
(11) Secure transfer case to jack with chains.
(12) Remove nuts attaching transfer case to trans-
mission (Fig. 2).(13) Pull transfer case and jack rearward to disen-
gage transfer case.
(14) Remove transfer case from under vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
Position transfer case in a shallow drain pan.
Remove drain plug and drain any remaining lubri-
cant remaining in case.
SHIFT MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND FRONT OUTPUT
SHAFT SEAL
(1) Remove the bolts (Fig. 3) which hold the shift
motor and mode sensor assembly to the transfer
case.
Fig. 2 Remove Transfer Case - Typical
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - TRANSFER CASE
3 - MODE SENSOR CONNECTOR
Fig. 3 Remove the Shift Motor and Mode Sensor
Assembly Bolts - Typical
1 - TRANSFER CASE
2 - SHIFT MOTOR AND MODE SENSOR ASSEMBLY
3 - BOLT
21 - 514 TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENIIDR
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

(8) Install new bearing with Tool Handle C-4171
and Installer 5066 (Fig. 45).
(9) Remove the rear output shaft bearing from the
rear case using Installer 5065 and Handle C-4171
(Fig. 46).
(10) Install the rear output shaft bearing (Fig. 47)
into the rear case using Remover/Installer 6953 and
Handle C-4171.
INPUT AND PLANETARY GEAR
(1) Lubricate gears and thrust washers (Fig. 48)
with recommended transmission fluid.
(2) Install first thrust washer in low range gear
(Fig. 48). Be sure washer tabs are properly aligned in
gear notches.
(3) Install input gear in low range gear. Be sure
input gear is fully seated.
Fig. 45 Front Output Shaft Rear Bearing Installation
1 - HANDLE C-4171
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT INNER BEARING
3 - INSTALLER 5066
Fig. 46 Remove Rear Output Shaft Bearing
1 - HANDLE C-4171
2 - INSTALLER 5065
Fig. 47 Install Rear Output Shaft Bearing
1 - REAR CASE
2 - REMOVER/INSTALLER 6953
3 - HANDLE C-4171
Fig. 48 Input/Low Range Gear Components
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - RETAINER PLATE
3 - INPUT GEAR
4 - LOW RANGE GEAR
5 - THRUST WASHERS
21 - 526 TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENIIDR
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

(4) Install remaining thrust washer in low range
gear and on top of input gear. Be sure washer tabs
are properly aligned in gear notches.
(5) Install retainer on input gear and install snap-
ring.
(6) Align and install low range/input gear assem-
bly in front case (Fig. 49). Be sure low range gear
pinions are engaged in annulus gear and that input
gear shaft is fully seated in front bearing.
(7) Install snap-ring to hold input/low range gear
into front bearing (Fig. 50).
(8) Install a new input gear seal using Installer
8841 and Handle C-4171.SHIFT FORKS AND MAINSHAFT
(1) Lubricate mainshaft splines with recommended
transmission fluid.
NOTE: Replace the mode hub retainer if the legs
were distorted during removal.
(2) Install the mode hub retainer (Fig. 51) onto the
mode hub.
(3) Install the mode hub (Fig. 52) and mode hub
retainer onto the differential assembly. Make sure
the retainer is fully seated onto the differential.
Fig. 49 Install Input Planetary Assembly
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - INPUT PLANETARY ASSEMBLY
Fig. 50 Install Input Gear Retaining Ring
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 51 Install Retainer onto Mode Hub
1 - MODE HUB RETAINER
2 - MODE HUB
Fig. 52 Install the Mode Hub and Retainer
1 - DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
2 - MODE HUB AND RETAINER
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII 21 - 527
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

(8) Install clutch shaft snap-ring (Fig. 57).
(9) Lubricate sector shaft with transmission fluid
and install shift sector in case (Fig. 58). Position slot
in sector so it will be aligned with shift fork pin
when shift forks are installed.
(10) Install the shift sector o-ring.(11) Assemble and install range fork and hub (Fig.
59). Be sure hub is properly seated in low range gear
and engaged to the input gear.
(12) Align and insert range fork pin in shift sector
slot.
(13) Install the shift rail (Fig. 60) into the range
fork assembly and the front case.
Fig. 57 Installing Clutch Shaft Snap-Ring
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - INTERMEDIATE CLUTCH SHAFT
Fig. 58 Install Shift Sector
1 - SHIFT SECTOR
Fig. 59 Install Range Fork And Hub Assembly
1 - RANGE HUB
2 - RANGE FORK
Fig. 60 Install Shift Rail
1 - SHIFT RAIL
2 - RANGE FORK ASSEMBLY
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII 21 - 529
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

SEAL BOOT AND SHIFT MOTOR ASSEMBLY
(1) Install a new seal boot clamp onto the seal
boot.
(2) Install the seal boot (Fig. 76) and clamp onto
the slinger hub and tighten the clamp with Crimp
Tool C-4975-A.
(3) Position the shift motor and mode sensor
assembly onto the transfer case.
(4) Install the bolts (Fig. 77) to hold the shift
motor and mode sensor assembly to the transfer
case. Tighten the bolts to 16-25 N´m (12-18 ft. lbs.).
REAR EXTENSION
(1) Install new seal in rear extension housing seal
with Installer D-163 and Handle C-4171. Verify that
the weep hole in the rubber is oriented downward.
(2) Apply bead of MopartGasket Maker, or equiv-
alent, to mating surface of rear extension housing.
Keep sealer bead width to maximum of 3/16 inch. Do
not use excessive amount of sealer as excess could be
displaced into output bearing.
(3) Align and install rear extension on retainer
(Fig. 78).
(4) Apply MopartSilicone Sealer to threads of rear
extension housing bolts. Then install and tighten
bolts to 16-24 N´m (12-18 ft. lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION
(1) Mount transfer case on a transmission jack.
(2) Secure transfer case to jack with chains.
(3) Position transfer case under vehicle.
(4) Align transfer case and transmission shafts
and install transfer case onto the transmission.
(5) Install and tighten transfer case attaching nuts
to 27-34 N´m (20-25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Connect the vent hose.
(7) Connect the shift motor and mode sensor wir-
ing connectors. Secure wire harness to clips on trans-
fer case.
(8) Align and connect the propeller shafts.
(9) Fill transfer case with correct fluid. (Refer to
21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE/FLUID -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(10) Install skid plate, if equipped.
(11) Remove transmission jack and support stand.
(12) Lower vehicle and verify transfer case shift
operation.
Fig. 76 Install Seal Boot
1 - SEAL BOOT
2 - SEAL SLINGER
Fig. 77 Install the Shift Motor and Mode Sensor
Assembly Bolts - Typical
1 - TRANSFER CASE
2 - SHIFT MOTOR AND MODE SENSOR ASSEMBLY
3 - BOLT
Fig. 78 Install Rear Extension Bolts
1 - EXTENSION HOUSING
2 - TRANSFER CASE
21 - 534 TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENIIDR
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

Condition Possible Cause Correction
Transfer case noisy while in, or
jumps out of, 4LO mode.1) Transfer case not completely
engaged in 4LO position.1) While rolling 2-3 MPH and the
transmission in NEUTRAL, or clutch
depressed on vehicles equipped
with a manual transmission, shift
transfer case to the 2WD or 4HI
position, and then back into the 4LO
position.
2) Range fork damaged, inserts
worn, or fork is binding on the shift
rail.2) Repair or replace components as
necessary.
3) Low range gear worn or
damaged.3) Repair or replace components as
necessary.
Lubricant leaking from transfer case
seals or vent.1) Transfer case overfilled. 1) Drain lubricant to the correct
level.
2) Transfer case vent closed or
restricted.2) Clean or replace vent as
necessary.
3) Transfer case seals damaged or
installed incorrectly.3) Replace suspect seal.
Abnormal tire wear. 1) Extended operation in 4HI mode
on dry surfaces,1) Operate vehicle in 2WD mode on
dry surfaces.
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transfer case into 2WD.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Drain transfer case lubricant.
(4) Mark front and rear propeller shafts for align-
ment reference.
(5) Support transmission with jack stand.
(6) Remove the transfer case skid plate, if
equipped.
(7) Disconnect front and rear propeller shafts at
transfer case.
(8) Disconnect transfer case shift motor and mode
sensor wire connectors.
(9) Disconnect transfer case vent hose.
(10) Support transfer case with transmission jack.
(11) Secure transfer case to jack with chains.
(12) Remove nuts attaching transfer case to trans-
mission (Fig. 2).
(13) Pull transfer case and jack rearward to disen-
gage transfer case.
(14) Remove transfer case from under vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
Position transfer case in a shallow drain pan.
Remove drain plug and drain any remaining lubri-
cant remaining in case.
Fig. 2 Remove Transfer Case - Typical
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - TRANSFER CASE
3 - MODE SENSOR CONNECTOR
21 - 544 TRANSFER CASE - NV273DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

(16) Remove the rear output shaft bearing from
the rear case using Installer 7888 (Fig. 53).
(17) Install the rear output shaft bearing (Fig. 54)
into the rear case using Installer 8152 and Handle
C-4171.
(18) Install the rear output shaft bearing snap-
ring into the rear case half.INPUT AND PLANETARY GEAR
(1) Lubricate gears and thrust washers with rec-
ommended transmission fluid.
(2) Install bottom thrust washer (Fig. 55) in low
range gear planetary. Be sure washer tabs are prop-
erly aligned in gear notches.
(3) Install input gear in low range gear (Fig. 56).
Be sure input gear is fully seated.
Fig. 53 Remove Rear Output Shaft Bearing
1 - REAR CASE HALF
2 - INSTALLER 7888
Fig. 54 Install Rear Output Shaft Bearing
1 - REAR CASE HALF
2 - HANDLE C-4171
3 - INSTALLER 8152
Fig. 55 Install Bottom Input Gear Thrust Plate
1 - PLANETARY
2 - THRUST PLATE
Fig. 56 Install Input Gear From Planetary
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - LOW RANGE PLANETARY
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV273 21 - 559
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)