1998 DODGE RAM 1500 air

4C RETAINER/BULKHEAD
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the 2C piston belleville spring snap-
ring from the 4C retainer /bulkhead (Fig. 60).
(2) Remove the 2C piston Belleville spring from
the retainer/bulkhead (Fig. 60).
(3) Remove the 2C piston from the retainer/bulk-
head. Use 20 psi of air pressure to remove the piston
if necessary.
(4) Remove the 4C clutch snap-ring from the
retainer/bulkhead (Fig. 60).(5) Remove the 4C clutch pack from the retainer/
bulkhead (Fig. 60).
(6) Using Spring Compressor 8250 and a suitable
shop press, compress the 4C piston return spring and
remove the snap-ring (Fig. 60).
(7) Remove the 4C piston return spring and piston
from the retainer/bulkhead (Fig. 60). Use 20 psi of
air pressure to remove the piston if necessary.
Fig. 60 4C Retainer/Bulkhead Components
1 - SEAL 8 - REACTION PLATE
2 - 2C PISTON 9 - SNAP-RING
3 - PLATE 10 - RETURN SPRING
4 - DISC 11 - SEAL
5 - 2C BELLEVILLE SPRING 12 - 4C PISTON
6 - SNAP-RING 13 - 4C RETAINER/BULKHEAD
7 - SNAP-RING (SELECT)
21 - 362 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR

FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air
along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid
pressures to be low and develop slower than normal.
If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the
fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing
the same conditions occurring with a low level. In
either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxi-
dation and varnish buildup which interferes with
valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid
expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the
transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can eas-
ily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating
which has three primary causes.
(1) Internal clutch slippage, usually caused by low
line pressure, inadequate clutch apply pressure, or
clutch seal failure.
(2) A result of restricted fluid flow through the
main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usu-
ally the result of a faulty or improperly installed
drainback valve, a damaged main cooler, or severe
restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris
or kinked lines.
(3) Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not prop-
erly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer tow-
ing or similar high load operation will overheat the
transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly
equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling sys-
tem, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to
handle heavy loads.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a
result of:
²adding incorrect fluid
²failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when
checking level
²engine coolant entering the fluid
²internal failure that generates debris
²overheat that generates sludge (fluid break-
down)
²failure to replace contaminated converter after
repairThe use of non-recommended fluids can result in
transmission failure. The usual results are erratic
shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failure
due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid
this condition by using recommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped
clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and
other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall
into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the
time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdraw-
ing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is gener-
ally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy
is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator
is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated
through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary.
The torque converter should also be replaced when-
ever a failure generates sludge and debris. This is
necessary because normal converter flushing proce-
dures will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same condi-
tions which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mis-
taken for a leak.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P (PARK)
and N (NEUTRAL) positions. Place the selector lever
in P (PARK) to be sure that the fluid level check is
accurate.The engine should be running at idle
speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle
on level ground.At normal operating temperature
(approximately 82 C. or 180 F.), the fluid level is cor-
rect if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on
the oil level indicator. The fluid level will be approx-
21 - 366 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR

ASSEMBLY
(1) Install all new seals and o-rings onto the input
shaft and input hub. The o-rings on the input hub
are color coded. Be sure to install the correct o-ring
in the correct location.
(2) Check the transmission lubrication check valve
located in the input shaft using shop air. The valve
should only allow air flow in one direction. If the
valve allows no air flow, or air flow in both direc-
tions, the valve will need to be replaced.(3) Lubricate all seals with MopartATF +4, Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid, prior to installation.
(4) Assemble the OD/reverse piston onto the input
clutch hub (Fig. 82).
(5) Assemble the input clutch retainer onto the
input clutch hub.
(6) Install the input clutch retainer tapered snap-
ring with tapered side up onto the input clutch hub.
Fig. 82 Input Clutch Assembly - Part I
1 - INPUT CLUTCH HUB 11 - UD CLUTCH
2 - O-RING SEALS 12 - PLATE
3 - SEAL 13 - CLUTCH RETAINER
4 - SNAP-RING 14 - SEAL
5 - SNAP-RING 15 - OD/REV PISTON
6 - UD BALANCE PISTON 16 - BELLEVILLE SPRING
7 - SNAP-RING 17 - SNAP-RING
8 - UD PISTON 18 - SEAL RINGS
9 - SPRING 19 - INPUT SHAFT
10 - DISC 20 - LUBRICATION CHECK VALVE AND SNAP-RING
21 - 378 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(7) Install Piston Guides 8504 into the input clutch
retainer (Fig. 83) and onto the input clutch hub to
guide the inner and outer underdrive piston seals
into position.
(8) Install the underdrive piston into the input
clutch retainer and over the input clutch hub (Fig.
82).
(9) Install the UD/OD balance piston return spring
pack into the input clutch retainer.
(10) Install Piston Guide 8252 into the input
clutch retainer (Fig. 84) to guide the UD/OD balance
piston seal into position inside the underdrive piston.(11) Install the UD/OD balance piston into the
input clutch retainer and the underdrive piston.
(12) Using Spring Compressor 8251, compress the
UD/OD return spring pack and secure the piston in
place with the snap-ring (Fig. 85).
(13) Install the underdrive clutch pack into the
input clutch retainer (Fig. 82).
(14) Install the UD/OD reaction plate lower flat
snap-ring (Fig. 86). The correct snap-ring can be
identified by the two tabbed ears.
(15) Install the UD/OD reaction plate into the
input clutch retainer. The reaction plate is to be
installed with the big step down.
(16) Install the UD/OD reaction plate upper
tapered snap-ring with tapered side up.
(17) Install the input clutch assembly into Input
Clutch Pressure Fixture 8260 (Fig. 87). Mount a dial
indicator to the assembly, push down on the clutch
discs and zero the indicator against the underdrive
clutch discs (Fig. 88). Apply 20 psi of air pressure to
the underdrive clutch and record the dial indicator
reading. Measure and record UD clutch pack mea-
surement in four (4) places, 90É apart. Take average
of four measurements and compare with UD clutch
pack clearance specification. The correct clutch clear-
ance is 0.84-1.54 mm (0.033-0.061 in.). The reaction
plate is not selective. If the clutch clearance is not
within specification, replace the reaction plate along
with all the friction and steel discs.
(18) Install the overdrive clutch pack into the
input clutch retainer (Fig. 86). The overdrive steel
Fig. 83 Install Underdrive Piston Using Tool 8504
1 - TOOL 8504
Fig. 84 Install Balance Piston Using Tool 8252
1 - TOOL 8252
Fig. 85 Compressing UD/OD Balance Piston Using
Tool 8251
1 - PRESS
2 - TOOL 8251
3 - BALANCE PISTON
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 379
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)

separator plates can be identified by the lack of the
half-moon cuts in the locating tabs.
(19) Install the overdrive clutch wavy snap-ring
with the two tabbed ears into the input clutch
retainer.
(20) Install the OD/reverse reaction plate into the
input clutch retainer. The reaction plate is non-direc-
tional (Fig. 86).
(21) Install the OD/reverse reaction plate flat
snap-ring into the input clutch retainer.
(22) Mount a dial indicator to the assembly and
zero the indicator against the OD/reverse reactionplate (Fig. 89). Apply 20 psi of air pressure to the
overdrive clutch and record the dial indicator read-
ing. Measure and record OD clutch pack measure-
ment in four (4) places, 90É apart. Take average of
four measurements and compare with OD clutch
pack clearance specification.Verify that the clutch
clearance is 1.103-1.856 mm (0.043-0.073 in.). The
reaction plate is not selective. If the clutch clearance
is not within specification, replace the reaction plate
along with all the friction and steel discs.
(23) Install the reverse clutch pack into the input
clutch retainer (Fig. 86).
Fig. 86 Input Clutch Assembly - Part II
1 - BEARING NUMBER 3 10 - SNAP-RING (SELECT)
2 - OD HUB/SHAFT 11 - PLATE
3 - SNAP-RING (WAVE) 12 - DISC
4 - REV/OD REACTION PLATE 13 - OD CLUTCH
5 - BEARING NUMBER 4 14 - SNAP-RING (TAPERED)
6 - SNAP-RING (FLAT) 15 - UD/OD REACTION PLATE
7 - REVERSE HUB/SHAFT 16 - SNAP-RING (FLAT)
8 - REVERSE CLUTCH 17 - UD HUB/SHAFT
9 - REVERSE REACTION PLATE 18 - BEARING NUMBER 2
21 - 380 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(24) Install the reverse reaction plate into the
input clutch retainer.
(25) Install the reverse reaction plate selective
snap-ring into the input clutch retainer.
(26) Mount a dial indicator to the assembly, push
down on the clutch discs, pull up on the reaction
plate to ensure the plate is properly seated and zero
the indicator against the reverse clutch discs (Fig.90). Apply 20 psi of air pressure to the reverse clutch
and record the dial indicator reading. Measure and
record Reverse clutch pack measurement in four (4)
places, 90É apart. Take average of four measurements
and compare with Reverse clutch pack clearance
specification. The correct clutch clearance is 0.58-1.47
mm (0.023-0.058 in.). Adjust as necessary. Install the
chosen snap-ring and re-measure to verify selection.
(27) Remove the reverse clutch pack from the
input clutch retainer.
Fig. 87 Input Clutch Assembly Mounted on Tool
8260
1 - INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
2 - TOOL 8260
Fig. 88 Measuring UD Clutch Clearance
1 - TOOL C-3339
2 - UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH PACK
Fig. 89 Measuring OD Clutch Clearance
1 - TOOL C-3339
2 - OD/REV REACTION PLATE
Fig. 90 Measuring Reverse Clutch Clearance
1 - TOOL C-3339
2 - REVERSE CLUTCH PACK
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 381
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(5) Remove the overrunning clutch snap-ring (Fig.
94).
(6) Remove the spacer from the overrunning clutch
(Fig. 94).
(7) Separate the inner and outer races of the over-
running clutch (Fig. 94).
(8) Remove the overrunning clutch lower snap-ring
(Fig. 94).
(9) Using Spring Compressor 8285 and a suitable
shop press (Fig. 95), compress the low/reverse piston
Belleville spring and remove the split retaining ring
holding the Belleville spring into the low/reverse
clutch retainer.
(10) Remove the low/reverse clutch Belleville
spring and piston from the low/reverse clutch
retainer. Use 20 psi of air pressure to remove the pis-
ton if necessary.
CLEANING
Clean the overrunning clutch assembly, clutch cam,
and low-reverse clutch retainer. Dry them with com-
pressed air after cleaning.
INSPECTION
Inspect condition of each clutch part after cleaning.
Replace the overrunning clutch roller and spring
assembly if any rollers or springs are worn or dam-
aged, or if the roller cage is distorted, or damaged.
Replace the cam if worn, cracked or damaged.
Replace the low-reverse clutch retainer if the
clutch race, roller surface or inside diameter is
scored, worn or damaged.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Check the bleed orifice to ensure that it is not
plugged or restricted.
(2) Install a new seal on the low/reverse piston.
Lubricate the seal with MopartATF +4, Automatic
Transmission Fluid, prior to installation.
(3) Install the low/reverse piston into the low/re-
verse clutch retainer.
(4) Position the low/reverse piston Belleville spring
on the low/reverse piston.
(5) Using Spring Compressor 8285 and a suitable
shop press (Fig. 95), compress the low/reverse piston
Belleville spring and install the split retaining ring
to hold the Belleville spring into the low/reverse
clutch retainer.
(6) Install the lower overrunning clutch snap-ring
(Fig. 94).
(7) Assemble the inner and outer races of the over-
running clutch (Fig. 94).
(8) Position the overrunning clutch spacer on the
overrunning clutch.
(9) Install the upper overrunning clutch snap-ring
(Fig. 94).
(10) Assemble and install the low/reverse clutch
pack into the low/reverse clutch retainer (Fig. 93).
(11) Install the low/reverse reaction plate into the
low/reverse clutch retainer (Fig. 93). The reaction
plate is directional and must be installed with the
flat side down.
(12) Install the low/reverse clutch pack snap-ring
(Fig. 93). The snap-ring is selectable and should be
chosen to give the correct clutch pack clearance.
Fig. 94 Overrunning Clutch
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - OUTER RACE
3 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
4 - SPACER
Fig. 95 Compress Low/Reverse Belleville Spring
Using Tool 8285
1 - PRESS
2 - TOOL 8285
3 - BELLEVILLE SPRING
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 385
LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH (Continued)

(9) Remove the oil pump valve retainers and asso-
ciated valve and spring one at a time (Fig. 102) (Fig.
103). Mark the combination of components as a
group and tag them as to the location from which
they were removed.
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 reaction shaft support bushings.
Replace either bushing only if heavily worn, scored or
damaged. It is not necessary to replace the bushings
unless they are actually damaged.
Inspect the valves and plugs for scratches, burrs,
nicks, or scores. Minor surface scratches on steel
valves and plugs can be removed with crocus clothbutdo not round off the edges of the valve or
plug lands.Maintaining sharpness of these edges is
vitally important. The edges prevent foreign matter
from lodging between the valves and plugs and the
bore.
Inspect all the valve and plug bores in the oil
pump cover. Use a penlight to view the bore interi-
ors. Replace the oil pump if any bores are distorted
or scored. Inspect all of the valve springs. The
springs must be free of distortion, warpage or broken
coils.
Trial fit each valve and plug in its bore to check
freedom of operation. When clean and dry, the valves
and plugs should drop freely into the bores.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Clean and inspect all components. Make sure
that all passages are thoroughly cleaned and are free
from dirt or debris. Make sure that all valves move
freely in their proper bore. Make sure that all gear
pockets and bushings are free from excessive wear
and scoring. Replace the oil pump if any excessive
wear or scoring is found.
(2) Coat the gears with MopartATF +4 and install
into their original locations.
(3) Lubricate the oil pump valves with Mopart
ATF +4 and install the valve, spring and retainer
Fig. 102 Oil Pump Valve Body
1 - T/C REGULATOR VALVE
2 - T/C LIMIT VALVE
3 - REGULATOR VALVE
4 - OIL PUMP VALVE BODY
Fig. 103 T/C Switch Valve
1 - RETAINER
2 - T/C SWITCH VALVE
3 - OIL PUMP VALVE BODY
21 - 390 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
OIL PUMP (Continued)