1998 DODGE RAM 1500 check transmission fluid

PROCEDURE TWO
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Shift the transmission into DRIVE for approxi-
mately 2 seconds.
(3) Shift the transmission into REVERSE for
approximately 2 seconds.
(4) Shift the transmission into PARK.
(5) Hook up DRBtscan tool and select engine.
(6) Select sensors.
(7) Read the transmission temperature value.
(8) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
chart.
(9) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
dipstick according to the chart (Fig. 88).
NOTE: After adding any fluid to the transmission,
wait a minimum of 2 minutes for the oil to fully
drain from the fill tube into the transmission before
rechecking the fluid level.
(10) Check transmission for leaks.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
REPLACEMENT
For proper service intervals (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE SCHED-
ULES - DESCRIPTION). The service fluid fill after a
filter change is approximately 3.8 liters (4.0 quarts).
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) Place a large diameter shallow drain pan
beneath the transmission pan.
(3) Remove bolts holding front and sides of pan to
transmission (Fig. 89).
(4) Loosen bolts holding rear of pan to transmis-
sion.
Fig. 88 48RE Fluid Fill Graph
Fig. 89 Transmission Pan
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - REUSABLE GASKET
3-PAN
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 203
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

(5) Slowly separate front of pan and reusable gas-
ket away from transmission allowing the fluid to
drain into drain pan.
(6) Hold up pan and remove remaining bolt hold-
ing pan to transmission.
(7) While holding pan level, lower pan and gasket
away from transmission.
(8) Pour remaining fluid in pan into drain pan.
(9) Remove screws holding filter to valve body
(Fig. 90).
(10) Separate filter from valve body and pour fluid
in filter into drain pan.
(11) Dispose of used trans fluid and filter properly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position a new transmission oil filter onto the
valve body.
(2) Install the screws to hold the filter to the valve
body. Tighten the screws to 4 N´m (35 in.lbs.).
(3) Clean the gasket surfaces of the transmission
oil pan and transmission pan rail.
NOTE: The transmission pan oil gasket is reusable.
Inspect the sealing surfaces of the gasket. If the
sealing ribs on both surfaces appear to be in good
condition, clean the gasket of any foreign material
and reinstall.
(4) Position the oil pan gasket onto the oil pan.
(5) Position the oil pan and gasket onto the trans-
mission and install several bolts to hold the pan and
gasket to the transmission.(6) Install the remainder of the oil pan bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 13.6 N´m (125 in.lbs.).
(7) Lower vehicle and fill transmission. (Refer to
21 - TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC/FLUID - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION
FILL
To avoid overfilling transmission after a fluid
change or overhaul, perform the following procedure:
(1) Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in
transmission fill tube.
(2) Add following initial quantity of MopartAT F
+4 to transmission:
(a) If only fluid and filter were changed, add3
pints (1-1/2 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled,
torque converter was replaced or drained, and
cooler was flushed, add12 pints (6 quarts)of ATF
+4 to transmission.
(3) Apply parking brakes.
(4) Start and run engine at normal curb idle
speed.
(5) Apply service brakes, shift transmission
through all gear ranges then back to NEUTRAL, set
parking brake, and leave engine running at curb idle
speed.
(6) Remove funnel, insert dipstick and check fluid
level. If level is low,add fluid to bring level to
MIN mark on dipstick.Check to see if the oil level
is equal on both sides of the dipstick. If one side is
noticably higher than the other, the dipstick has
picked up some oil from the dipstick tube. Allow the
oil to drain down the dipstick tube and re-check.
(7) Drive vehicle until transmission fluid is at nor-
mal operating temperature.
(8) With the engine running at curb idle speed, the
gear selector in NEUTRAL, and the parking brake
applied, check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION: Do not overfill transmission, fluid foam-
ing and shifting problems can result.
(9) Add fluid to bring level up to MAX arrow
mark.
When fluid level is correct, shut engine off, release
park brake, remove funnel, and install dipstick in fill
tube.
Fig. 90 Transmission Filter
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - FILTER
21 - 204 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

FRONT CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The front clutch assembly (Fig. 91) is composed of
the front clutch retainer, pressure plate, clutch
plates, driving discs, piston, piston return spring,
return spring retainer, and snap-rings. The front
clutch is the forward-most component in the trans-
mission geartrain and is directly behind the oil pump
and is considered a driving component.
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainer
and piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This actionapplies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved snap-ring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack.
When pressure is released from the piston, the
spring returns the piston to its fully released position
and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
vent and one-way ball-check-valve located in the
clutch retainer. The check-valve is needed to elimi-
nate the possibility of plate drag caused by centrifu-
gal force acting on the residual fluid trapped in the
clutch piston retainer.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the waved snap-ring, reaction plate,
clutch plates, and clutch discs.
Fig. 91 48RE Front Clutch Components
1 - INNER PISTON SEAL 7 - CLUTCH DISCS
2 - CLUTCH PISTON 8 - RETAINER SNAP-RING
3 - CLUTCH PISTON SPRING RETAINER 9 - CLUTCH PISTON SPRINGS
4 - CLUTCH PLATES 10 - OUTER PISTON SEAL
5 - CLUTCH PACK SNAP-RING (WAVED) 11 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
6 - REACTION PLATE
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 205

Inspect the piston and retainer seal surfaces for
nicks or scratches. Minor scratches can be removed
with crocus cloth. However, replace the piston and/or
retainer if the seal surfaces are seriously scored.
Check the clutch piston check ball. The ball should
be securely in place. Replace the piston if the ball is
missing, or seized in place.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The 48RE transmission uses five plates and
discs for the front clutch.
(1) Soak clutch discs in transmission fluid.
(2) Install new inner piston seal onto the outer
diameter of the clutch retainer inner hub.
(3)
Install new outer seal onto the clutch piston. Be
sure seal lips of both seals face the interior of the
retainer.
(4) Lubricate new inner and outer piston seals
with petroleum jelly.
(5) Install clutch piston in retainer. Use twisting
motion to seat piston in bottom of retainer. A thin
strip of plastic (about 0.015 - 0.020 in. thick), can be
used to guide seals into place if necessary.
CAUTION: Never push the clutch piston straight in.
This will fold the seals over causing leakage and
clutch slip. In addition, never use any type of metaltool to help ease the piston seals into place. Metal
tools will cut, shave, or score the seals.
(6) Install and position nine clutch piston springs
(Fig. 94).
(7) Install spring retainer on top of piston springs.
(8) Compress spring retainer and piston springs
with Tool C-3863-A.
(9) Install spring retainer snap-ring and remove
compressor tool.
(10) Install clutch plates and discs (Fig. 95). Five
clutch discs, five steel plates and one reaction plate
are required.
Fig. 94 Front Clutch Spring Position
1 - 9 SPRING CLUTCH
Fig. 95 48RE Front Clutch Components
1 - INNER PISTON SEAL 7 - CLUTCH DISCS
2 - CLUTCH PISTON 8 - RETAINER SNAP-RING
3 - CLUTCH PISTON SPRING RETAINER 9 - CLUTCH PISTON SPRINGS
4 - CLUTCH PLATES 10 - OUTER PISTON SEAL
5 - CLUTCH PACK SNAP-RING (WAVED) 11 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
6 - REACTION PLATE
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 207
FRONT CLUTCH (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
(1) Mark position of support in oil pump body for
assembly alignment reference. Use scriber or paint to
make alignment marks.
(2) Place pump body on two wood blocks.
(3) Remove reaction shaft support bolts and sepa-
rate support from pump body (Fig. 110).
(4) Remove pump inner and outer gears (Fig. 111).
(5) Remove o-ring seal from pump body (Fig. 112).
Discard seal after removal.
(6) Remove oil pump seal with Remover Tool
C-3981. Discard seal after removal.
CLEANING
Clean pump and support components with solvent
and dry them with compressed air.
INSPECTION
Check condition of the seal rings and thrust
washer on the reaction shaft support. The seal rings
do not need to be replaced unless cracked, broken, or
severely worn.
Inspect the pump and support components. Replace
the pump or support if the seal ring grooves or
machined surfaces are worn, scored, pitted, or dam-
aged. Replace the pump gears if pitted, worn
chipped, or damaged.
Inspect the pump bushing. Then check the reaction
shaft support bushing. Replace either bushing only if
heavily worn, scored or damaged. It is not necessary
to replace the bushings unless they are actually dam-
aged.
Clearance between outer gear and reaction shaft
housing should be 0.010 to 0.063 mm (0.0004 to
0.0025 in.). Clearance between inner gear and reac-
tion shaft housing should be 0.010 to 0.063 mm
(0.0004 to 0.0025 in.). Both clearances can be mea-sured at the same time by installing the gears in the
pump body and measure pump component clearances
as follows:
(1) Position an appropriate piece of PlastigageŸ
across both gears.
(2) Align the plastigage to a flat area on the reac-
tion shaft housing.
(3) Install the reaction shaft to the pump housing.
(4) Separate the reaction shaft housing from the
pump housing and measure the PlastigageŸ follow-
ing the instructions supplied with it.
Clearance between inner gear tooth and outer gear
should be 0.051 to 0.19 mm (0.002 to 0.0075 in.).
Measure clearance with an appropriate feeler gauge
(Fig. 113).
Clearance between outer gear and pump housing
should be 0.10 to 0.229 mm (0.004 to 0.009 in.). Mea-
sure clearance with an appropriate feeler gauge.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Lubricate pump gears with transmission fluid
and install them in pump body.
(2) Install thrust washer on reaction shaft support
hub. Lubricate washer with petroleum jelly or trans-
mission fluid before installation.
(3) If reaction shaft seal rings are being replaced,
install new seal rings on support hub. Lubricate seal
rings with transmission fluid or petroleum jelly after
installation. Squeeze each ring until ring ends are
securely hooked together.
Fig. 110 Reaction Shaft Support
1 - OIL PUMP
2 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
Fig. 111 Pump Gears
1 - GEAR BORE
2 - PUMP BODY
3 - INNER GEAR
4 - OUTER GEAR
21 - 214 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
OIL PUMP (Continued)

(9) Mark annulus gear and output shaft for assem-
bly alignment reference (Fig. 144). Use punch or
scriber to mark gear and shaft.
(10) Remove snap-ring that secures annulus gear
on output shaft (Fig. 145). Use two screwdrivers to
unseat and work snap-ring out of groove as shown.
(11) Remove annulus gear from output shaft (Fig.
146). Use rawhide or plastic mallet to tap gear off
shaft.
GEAR CASE AND PARK LOCK
(1) Remove locating ring from gear case.
(2) Remove park pawl shaft retaining bolt and
remove shaft, pawl and spring.
(3) Remove reaction plug snap-ring and remove
reaction plug.
(4) Remove output shaft seal.
CLEANING
Clean the geartrain and case components with sol-
vent. Dry all parts except the bearings with com-
pressed air. Allow bearings to air dry.
Do not use shop towels for wiping parts dry unless
the towels are made from a lint-free material. A suf-
ficient quantity of lint (from shop towels, cloths, rags,
etc.) could plug the transmission filter and fluid pas-
sages.
Discard the old case gasket and seals. Do not
attempt to salvage these parts. They are not reus-
able. Replace any of the overdrive unit snap-rings if
distorted or damaged.
Minor nicks or scratches on components can be
smoothed with crocus cloth. However, do not attempt
to reduce severe scoring on any components with
abrasive materials. Replace severely scored compo-
nents; do not try to salvage them.
INSPECTION
Check condition of the park lock components and
the overdrive case.
Check the bushings in the overdrive case. Replace
the bushings if severely scored or worn. Also replace
the case seal if loose, distorted, or damaged.
Examine the overdrive and direct clutch discs and
plates. Replace the discs if the facing is worn,
severely scored, or burned and flaking off. Replace
the clutch plates if worn, heavily scored, or cracked.
Fig. 144 Marking Annulus Gear And Output Shaft
For Assembly Alignment
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - HAMMER
3 - PUNCH
Fig. 145 Annulus Gear Snap-Ring Removal
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - ANNULUS GEAR
3 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 146 Annulus Gear Removal
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - ANNULUS GEAR
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 225
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)

Check the lugs on the clutch plates for wear. The
plates should slide freely in the drum. Replace the
plates or drum if binding occurs.
Check condition of the annulus gear, direct clutch
hub, clutch drum and clutch spring. Replace the gear,
hub and drum if worn or damaged. Replace the
spring if collapsed, distorted, or cracked.
Be sure the splines and lugs on the gear, drum and
hub are in good condition. The clutch plates and
discs should slide freely in these components.
Inspect the thrust bearings and spring plate.
Replace the plate if worn or scored. Replace the bear-
ings if rough, noisy, brinnelled, or worn.
Inspect the planetary gear assembly and the sun
gear and bushings. If either the sun gear or the
bushings are damaged, replace the gear and bush-
ings as an assembly. The gear and bushings are not
serviced separately.
The planetary carrier and pinions must be in good
condition. Also be sure the pinion pins are secure and in
good condition. Replace the carrier if worn or damaged.
Inspect the overrunning clutch and race. The race
surface should be smooth and free of scores. Replace
the overrunning clutch assembly or the race if either
assembly is worn or damaged in any way.
Replace the shaft pilot bushing and inner bushing
if damaged. Replace either shaft bearing if rough or
noisy. Replace the bearing snap-rings if distorted or
cracked.
Check the machined surfaces on the output shaft.
These surfaces should clean and smooth. Very minor
nicks or scratches can be smoothed with crocus cloth.
Replace the shaft if worn, scored or damaged in any
way.
Inspect the output shaft bushings. The small bush-
ing is the intermediate shaft pilot bushing. The large
bushing is the overrunning clutch hub bushing.
Replace either bushing if scored, pitted, cracked, or
worn.
ASSEMBLY
GEARTRAIN AND DIRECT CLUTCH
(1) Soak direct clutch and overdrive clutch discs in
MopartATF +4, Automatic Transmission fluid. Allow
discs to soak for 10-20 minutes.(2) Install annulus gear on output shaft, if
removed. Then install annulus gear retaining snap-
ring (Fig. 147).
(3) Align and install clutch drum on annulus gear
(Fig. 148). Be sure drum is engaged in annulus gear
lugs.
(4) Install clutch drum outer retaining ring (Fig.
148).
Fig. 147 Annulus Gear Installation
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT FRONT BEARING
3 - ANNULUS GEAR
Fig. 148 Clutch Drum And Outer Retaining Ring
Installation
1 - ANNULUS GEAR
2 - OUTER SNAP-RING
3 - CLUTCH DRUM
21 - 226 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)

OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainer
and piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This action
applies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved spring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack.
The snap-ring is selective and used to adjust clutch
pack clearance.
When pressure is released from the piston, the
spring returns the piston to its fully released position
and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
vent and one-way ball-check-valve located in the pis-
ton. The check-valve is needed to eliminate the pos-
sibility of plate drag caused by centrifugal force
acting on the residual fluid trapped in the clutch pis-
ton retainer.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove fiber thrust washer from forward side
of clutch retainer.
(2) Remove input shaft front and rear seal rings.
(3) Remove selective clutch pack snap-ring (Fig.
214).
(4) Remove the reaction plate, clutch discs, steel
plates, pressure plate, wave spring, spacer ring, and
piston spring (Fig. 214).
(5) Remove clutch piston with rotating motion.
(6) Remove and discard piston seals.
(7) Remove input shaft retaining ring. It may be
necessary to press the input shaft in slightly to
relieve tension on the retaining ring
(8) Press input shaft out of retainer with shop
press and suitable size press tool. Use a suitably
sized press tool to support the retainer as close to the
input shaft as possible.
CLEANING
Clean the clutch components with solvent and dry
them with compressed air. Do not use rags or shop
towels to dry any of the clutch parts. Lint from such
materials will adhere to component surfaces and
could restrict or block fluid passages after assembly.
INSPECTION
Replace the clutch discs if warped, worn, scored,
burned/charred, the lugs are damaged, or if the fac-
ing is flaking off. Replace the top and bottom pres-
sure plates if scored, warped, or cracked. Be sure the
driving lugs on the pressure and clutch plates are
also in good condition. The lugs must not be bent,
cracked or damaged in any way.
Replace the piston spring and wave spring if either
part is distorted, warped or broken.
Check the lug grooves in the clutch retainer. The
clutch and pressure plates should slide freely in the
slots. Replace the retainer if the grooves are worn or
damaged. Also check action of the check balls in the
retainer and piston. Each check ball must move
freely and not stick.
Replace the retainer bushing if worn, scored, or
doubt exists about bushing condition.
Inspect the piston and retainer seal surfaces for
nicks or scratches. Minor scratches can be removed
with crocus cloth. However, replace the piston and/or
retainer if the seal surfaces are seriously scored.
Check condition of the fiber thrust washer and
metal output shaft thrust washer. Replace either
washer if worn or damaged.
Check condition of the seal rings on the input shaft
and clutch retainer hub. Replace the seal rings only
if worn, distorted, or damaged. The input shaft front
seal ring is teflon with chamfered ends. The rear ring
is metal with interlocking ends.
Check the input shaft for wear, or damage. Replace
the shaft if worn, scored or damaged in any way.
21 - 248 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
REAR CLUTCH (Continued)