1998 DODGE RAM 1500 gear

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 splined to a differ-
ential assembly. Depending on the position of the
mode fork and sleeve, the front output shaft is driven
directly by the mainshaft or through the differential.
The mode fork operates the mode sleeve and hub.
The sleeve and hub are not equipped with a synchro-
nizer mechanism for shifting.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER CASE - NV244
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) Insufficient or incorrect lubricant. 2) Drain and refill transfer case with
the correct quantity of MoparTAT F
+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
3) Internal transfer case
components binding, worn, or
damaged.3) 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, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
2) Internal transfer case
components binding, worn, or
damaged.2) Repair or replace components as
necessary.
Transfer case noisy while in, or
jumps out of, 4LO.1) Transfer case not completely
engaged in 4LO position.1) While rolling 2-3 MPH and the
transmission in NEUTRAL, or the
clutch depressed on vehicles
equipped with a manual
transmission, shift the transfer case
to the AWD 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.
Fig. 1 Fill/Drain Plug And I.D. Tag Locations
1 - I.D. TAG
2 - FILL PLUG
3 - DRAIN PLUG
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII 21 - 513
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

(4) Remove front output shaft from bearing in
case.
(5) Remove the mainshaft and differential assem-
bly (Fig. 20) from the input gear and transfer case.
(6) Remove the shift rail (Fig. 21) from the range
fork assembly and the front case.(7) Remove range fork and hub as an assembly
(Fig. 22). Note fork position for installation reference.
(8) Remove shift sector (Fig. 23).
Fig. 20 Remove Mainshaft and Differential Assembly
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - MAINSHAFT AND DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 21 Remove Shift Rail
1 - SHIFT RAIL
2 - RANGE FORK ASSEMBLY
Fig. 22 Remove Range Fork and Sleeve
1 - RANGE SLEEVE
2 - RANGE FORK
Fig. 23 Shift Sector Removal
1 - SHIFT SECTOR
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII 21 - 519
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

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.
INPUT AND PLANETARY GEAR
(1) Remove snap-ring that retains input gear in
low range gear (Fig. 34).
(2) Remove retainer (Fig. 35).
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
Fig. 34 Input Gear Snap-Ring Removal
1 - INPUT GEAR SNAP-RING
Fig. 35 Input Gear Retainer Removal
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - LOW RANGE GEAR
3 - RETAINER
21 - 522 TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENIIDR
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

(3) Remove front tabbed thrust washer (Fig. 36).
(4) Remove input gear (Fig. 37).
(5) Remove rear tabbed thrust washer from low
range gear (Fig. 38).
CLEANING
Clean the transfer case parts with a standard
parts cleaning solvent. Remove all traces of sealer
from the cases and retainers with a scraper and
3MŸ all purpose cleaner. Use compressed air to
remove solvent residue from oil feed passages in the
case halves, retainers, gears, and shafts.
INSPECTION
MAINSHAFT/SPROCKET/HUB INSPECTION
Inspect the splines on the hub and shaft and the
teeth on the sprocket. Minor nicks and scratches can
be smoothed with an oilstone. However, replace any
part that is damaged.
Check the contact surfaces in the sprocket bore
and on the mainshaft. Minor nicks and scratches can
be smoothed with 320-400 grit emery cloth but do not
try to salvage the shaft if nicks or wear is severe.
INPUT GEAR AND PLANETARY CARRIER
Check the teeth on the gear (Fig. 39). Minor nicks
can be dressed off with an oilstone but replace the
gear if any teeth are broken, cracked, or chipped. The
bearing surface on the gear can be smoothed with
300-400 grit emery cloth if necessary.
Examine the carrier body and pinion gears for
wear or damage. The carrier will have to be replaced
as an assembly if the body, pinion pins, or pinion
gears are damaged.
Check the lock ring and both thrust washers for
wear or cracks. Replace them if necessary. Also
replace the lock retaining ring if bent, distorted, or
broken.
SHIFT FORKS/HUBS/SLEEVES
Check condition of the shift forks and mode fork
shift rail. Minor nicks on the shift rail can be
smoothed with 320-400 grit emery cloth.
Inspect the shift fork wear pads (Fig. 40). 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.
Fig. 36 Front Tabbed Thrust Washer Removal
1 - FRONT TABBED THRUST WASHER
Fig. 37 Input Gear Removal
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - LOW RANGE GEAR
Fig. 38 Rear Tabbed Thrust Washer Removal
1 - LOW RANGE GEAR
2 - REAR TABBED THRUST WASHER
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII 21 - 523
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

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 splines and bearing surfaces.
Minor nicks on the splines can be smoothed with an
oilstone. Use 320-400 grit emery to smooth minor
scratches on the shaft bearing surfaces. Replace the
shaft if the bearing surfaces are scored or if any of
the splines 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. 41)
Fig. 39 Input Gear and Carrier Components
1 - PLANETARY CARRIER 4 - CARRIER LOCK RING
2 - REAR THRUST WASHER 5 - CARRIER LOCK RETAINING RING
3 - FRONT THRUST WASHER 6 - INPUT GEAR
Fig. 40 Shift Fork and Wear Pad Locations
1 - RANGE FORK
2 - MODE FORK
3 - WEAR PADS (SERVICEABLE)
4 - WEAR PADS (SERVICEABLE)
Fig. 41 Low Range Annulus Gear
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - LOW RANGE ANNULUS GEAR
21 - 524 TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENIIDR
TRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII (Continued)

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.
Check the front case mounting studs and vent
tube. The tube can be secured with LoctiteŸ 271 or
680 if loose. The stud threads can be cleaned up with
a die if necessary. Also check condition of the fill/
drain plug threads in the rear case. The threads can
be repaired with a thread chaser or tap if necessary.
Or the threads can be repaired with Helicoiltstain-
less steel inserts if required.
OIL PUMP/OIL PICKUP
Examine the oil pump pickup parts. Replace the
pump if any part appears to be worn or damaged. Do
not disassemble the pump as individual parts are not
available. The pump is only available as a complete
assembly. The pickup screen, hose, and tube are the
only serviceable parts and are available separately.
ASSEMBLY
BEARINGS AND SEALS
(1) Remove the input shaft bearing (Fig. 42) from
the front case with suitable snap-ring pliers.
(2) Transfer the retaining ring to the new bearing
if necessary and install the bearing into the front
case.
(3) Remove the front output shaft bearing retain-
ing ring from inside the front case half.
(4) Using Installer 6436 and Handle C-4171,
remove front output shaft bearing.(5) Start front output shaft bearing in case. Then
seat bearing with Handle C-4171 and Installer 6953
(Fig. 43).
(6) Install front output shaft bearing retaining
ring.
(7) Remove the front output shaft rear bearing
with the screw and jaws from Remover L-4454 and
Cup 8148 (Fig. 44).
Fig. 42 Remove Input Gear Bearing
1 - INPUT GEAR BEARING
2 - FRONT CASE
Fig. 43 Install Front Output Shaft Bearing
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - INSTALLER 6953
3 - HANDLE C-4171
Fig. 44 Front Output Shaft Rear Bearing Removal
1 - REAR CASE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4454-1 AND L-4454-3
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8148
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV244 GENII 21 - 525
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)