1998 DODGE RAM 1500 oil

(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)

(20) Align and install front bearing retainer over
input shaft and onto housing mounting surface (Fig.
122). Verify bolt holes are aligned before seating
retainer.
CAUTION: Be sure sealer does not get into the oil
feed hole in the transmission case or bearing
retainer.
(21) Install and tighten bearing retainer bolts to
7-10 N´m (5-7 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 123).SHIFT TOWER AND LEVER
(1) Apply petroleum jelly to ball end of shift lever
and interior of shift socket.
(2) Shift the transmission into third gear.
(3) Align and install shift tower and lever assem-
bly (Fig. 124). Be sure shift ball is seated in socket
and the offset in the tower is toward the passenger
side of the vehicle before installing tower bolts.
(4) Install shift tower bolts (Fig. 125) and tighten
bolts to 8.5 N´m (75.2 in. lbs.).
(5) Fill transmission to bottom edge of fill plug
hole with lubricant.
(6) Install and tighten fill plug to 34 N´m (25 ft.
lbs.).
(7) Check transmission vent. Be sure vent is open
and not restricted.
Fig. 122 INPUT SHAFT BEARING RETAINER
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OIL FEED
3 - BEARING RETAINER
Fig. 123 BEARING RETAINER BOLTS - TYPICAL
1 - RETAINER BOLTS
2 - RETAINER
Fig. 124 SHIFT TOWER
1 - SHIFT TOWER
2 - SHAFT SOCKET
3 - SHIFT BALL
Fig. 125 SHIFT TOWER BOLTS
1 - SHIFT TOWER AND LEVER ASSEMBLY
21 - 38 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500DR
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)

(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)

(12) Install mainshaft fifth gear with Installer
6446 (Fig. 116). Gear is seated when it contacts rear
bearing.
COUNTERSHAFT FIFTH GEAR SYNCHRO
(1) Install thrust washer pin in countershaft (Fig.
117).
(2) Install thrust washer on countershaft. Turn
washer until pin engages in washer notch (Fig. 118).
NOTE: The flat side of washer faces the rear and
cone side faces the front.
(3) Lubricate and install fifth gear bearing on
countershaft (Fig. 119).
Fig. 115 REAR BEARING PLATE
1 - BEARING PLATE OIL HOLE (AT TOP)
2 - MAINSHAFT REAR BEARING PLATE
Fig. 116 MAINSHAFT FIFTH GEAR
1 - MAINSHAFT FIFTH GEAR
2 - INSTALLER
Fig. 117 FIFTH GEAR THRUST WASHER PIN
1 - THRUST WASHER PIN
2 - COUNTERSHAFT
Fig. 118 FIFTH GEAR THRUST WASHER
1 - PIN
2 - THRUST WASHER
Fig. 119 COUNTERSHAFT FIFTH GEAR BEARING
1 - COUNTERSHAFT
2 - FIFTH GEAR NEEDLE BEARING
21 - 76 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

IDENTIFICATION
The transmission has two identification tags
attached to the driver side upper clutch housing (Fig.
2). One tag provides the transmission part number.
The second tag provides sequencing and build date
information. The information on the tags are essen-
tial to correct parts ordering.
OPERATION
The driver selects a particular gear by moving the
shift lever to the desired gear position. As the shift
lever moves the selected shift rail, the shift fork
attached to that rail begins to move. The fork is posi-
tioned in a groove in the outer circumference of the
synchronizer sleeve. As the shift fork moves the syn-
chronizer sleeve, the synchronizer begins to speed-up
or slow down the selected gear (depending on
whether we are up-shifting or down-shifting). The
synchronizer 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
friction 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
synchronizer sleeve become aligned with the teeth on
the blocker ring and friction cone and eventually will
slide over the teeth, locking the gear to the main-
shaft 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 sobefore 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 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.
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.
Fig. 2 IDENTIFICATION TAG LOCATION
1 - IDENTIFICATION TAGS
21 - 90 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)

(3) Remove output shaft pocket bearing race from
the input shaft with Puller L-4518 (Fig. 36).
(4) Remove input shaft bearing and oil guide from
the input shaft with Collar 6444-8, Jaws 8243, Puller
Rods 6444-6 and the remainder of Puller 6444 (Fig.
37).
OUTPUT SHAFT
NOTE: Some gear and synchro components can be
installed backwards. Mark the gears, clutch gears,
synchro hubs, and sleeves for installation reference
during disassembly. Use paint or a scribe for mark-
ing purposes. Then stack the geartrain parts in
order of removal.
(1) Remove first gear from the output shaft.
(2) Remove first gear bearing from the output
shaft (Fig. 38).
Fig. 36 OUTPUT SHAFT POCKET BEARING RACE
1 - PULLER
2 - INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 37 INPUT SHAFT BEARING
1 - PULLER
2-JAWS
Fig. 38 FIRST GEAR BEARING
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - FIRST GEAR BEARING
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 21 - 101
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)

CLUTCH HOUSING
(1) Remove input shaft retainer bolts from the
clutch housing and remove retainer (Fig. 47).
(2) Remove countershaft oil guide from the coun-
tershaft front bearing bore in the clutch housing (Fig.
48).
(3) Remove countershaft front bearing race, end-
play shims and spacer from the clutch housing with
Remover 6061-1 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 49).
(4) Remove input shaft bearing race with Remover/
Installer 8237 and Handle C-4171.
Fig. 47 INPUT SHAFT RETAINER
1 - INPUT SHAFT RETAINER
2 - CLUTCH HOUSING
Fig. 48 COUNTERSHAFT OIL GUIDE
1 - CLUTCH HOUSING
2 - COUNTERSHAFT OIL GUIDE
Fig. 49 FRONT COUNTERSHAFT BEARING RACE
1 - CLUTCH HOUSING
2 - HANDLE
3 - REMOVER
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 21 - 105
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)