TR AN SM IS SIO N R EM OVA L & IN STA LLA TIO N
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 TRANSMISSION SERVICING
CHRY - Trans Removal & Installation - Trucks & RWD Vans
Dakota, Ram Pickup, Ram Van/Wagon
WARNING: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist
until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NOTE: For manual transmission replacement procedures, see
appropriate article in CLUTCHES.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DAKOTA & DURANGO
Removal
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support
vehicle. Disconnect and remove necessary skid plates and exhaust
components for transmission removal. Remove engine-to-transmission
struts (if equipped). These struts are located between front of
transmission and engine.
2) Ensure area around transmission oil cooler lines fitting
are clean. Disengage retainer on quick-disconnect cooler line fitting.
Pull cooler line from transmission oil cooler.
CAUTION: Crankshaft position sensor must be removed from transmission
housing before removing transmission to prevent damage to
crankshaft position sensor.
3) Remove starter. Disconnect electrical connector for
crankshaft position sensor. On 2.5L, crankshaft position sensor is
mounted on driver's side of transmission housing. See Fig. 1. On 3.9L,
5.2L and 5.9L, crankshaft position sensor is mounted on passenger's
side of transmission housing. See Fig. 2.
4) Remove crankshaft position sensor bolts or nuts. Remove
crankshaft position sensor from transmission housing. Remove dipstick,
dipstick tube and "O" ring from transmission.
5) Remove torque converter cover. Place reference mark on
flexplate and torque converter for installation reference. Rotate
crankshaft clockwise and remove torque converter bolts.
6) Place reference mark on drive shaft flanges for
installation reference. Remove drive shaft from transmission. On 4WD
models, disconnect drive shaft from transfer case. Disconnect shift
rod for transfer case from transfer case shift lever.
7) On all models, disconnect necessary control cables, wiring
harnesses, and shift linkage or cable from transmission. Support rear
of engine with jack stand. Using transmission jack, slightly raise
transmission to release pressure from rear mount and rear crossmember.
8) Remove bolts securing rear support and rear mount to
transmission and rear crossmember. Raise transmission slightly. Slide
exhaust hanger arm from bracket on rear support. Remove rear support
and rear mount.
9) Remove rear crossmember located below the transmission. On
4WD models, disconnect electrical connectors from transfer case. On
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure torque
converter is fully seated in transmission by measuring distance from
cylinder block surface on transmission housing to front edge on torque
converter bolt lug on front of torque converter. Distance should be .
50" (12.7 mm) if torque converter is fully seated.
CAUTION: Proper length torque converter bolts must be used. If
replacing any torque converter bolts, ensure proper length
bolt is used.
2) Tighten bolt/nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. Ensure reference mark on torque converter and
flexplate, and drive shaft flanges are aligned. Adjust shift cable or
linkage, throttle valve cable and transfer case shift linkage if
necessary. See AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TRUCKS & RWD VANS article.
3) Use NEW "O" ring when installing dipstick tube. Before
installing oil cooler lines on transmission, ensure all fittings are
clean. Install oil cooler line into quick-disconnect fitting. Push oil
cooler line inward until a click is heard. Pull on oil cooler line to
ensure oil cooler line is locked in place. Fill transmission with
Mopar ATF Plus Type 7176.
RAM PICKUP
Removal
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support
vehicle. Disconnect and remove necessary skid plates and exhaust
components for transmission removal. Remove engine-to-transmission
struts (if equipped). These struts are located between front of
transmission and engine.
2) Ensure area around transmission oil cooler lines fitting
are clean. Disengage retainer on quick-disconnect cooler line fitting.
Pull cooler line from transmission oil cooler. Remove starter.
CAUTION: On 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L gasoline models, crankshaft position
sensor must be removed from transmission housing before
removing transmission to prevent damage to crankshaft
position sensor.
3) On 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L gasoline models, disconnect
electrical connector for crankshaft position sensor. Crankshaft
position sensor is mounted on passenger's side of transmission
housing. See Fig. 2.
4) Remove crankshaft position sensor bolts. Remove crankshaft
position sensor from transmission housing. Remove dipstick, dipstick
tube and "O" ring from transmission.
5) Remove torque converter cover. Place reference mark on
flexplate and torque converter for installation reference. Rotate
crankshaft clockwise and remove torque converter bolts.
6) Place reference mark on drive shaft flanges for
installation reference. Remove drive shaft from transmission. On 4WD
models, disconnect drive shaft from transfer case. Disconnect shift
rod for transfer case from transfer case shift lever.
7) On all models, disconnect necessary control cables, wiring
harnesses, and shift linkage from transmission. Support rear of engine
with jack stand. Using transmission jack, slightly raise transmission
to release pressure from rear mount and rear crossmember.
8) Remove bolts securing rear support and rear mount to
transmission and rear crossmember. Raise transmission slightly. Slide
exhaust hanger arm from bracket on rear support. Remove rear support
and rear mount.
9) Remove rear crossmember located below the transmission. On
4WD models, disconnect electrical connectors from transfer case. On
all models, remove transmission-to-cylinder block bolts. Slide
transmission rearward from dowels on cylinder block.
10) Install "C" clamp on edge of transmission housing to hold
torque converter in place. Lower transmission and remove transmission
from vehicle.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure torque
converter is fully seated in transmission by measuring distance from
cylinder block surface on transmission housing to front edge on torque
converter bolt lug on front of torque converter. Distance should be .
50" (12.7 mm) if torque converter is fully seated.
CAUTION: Proper length torque converter bolts must be used. If
replacing any torque converter bolts, consult parts
department to ensure proper length bolt is used.
2) Tighten bolt/nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. Ensure reference mark on torque converter and
flexplate, and drive shaft flanges are aligned. Adjust shift linkage,
throttle valve cable and transfer case shift linkage if necessary. See
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TRUCKS & RWD VANS article.
3) Use NEW "O" ring when installing dipstick tube. Before
installing oil cooler lines on transmission, ensure all fittings are
clean. Install oil cooler line into quick-disconnect fitting. Push oil
cooler line inward until a click is heard. Pull on oil cooler line to
ensure oil cooler line is locked in place. Fill transmission with
Mopar ATF Plus Type 7176.
RAM VAN/WAGON
Removal
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support
vehicle. Remove engine-to-transmission struts. These struts are
located between front of transmission and engine.
2) Remove starter and oil cooler line bracket. Ensure area
around transmission oil cooler lines fitting are clean. Disengage
retainer on quick-disconnect cooler line fitting. Pull cooler line
from transmission oil cooler.
CAUTION: Crankshaft position sensor must be removed from transmission
housing before removing transmission to prevent damage to
crankshaft position sensor.
3) Disconnect electrical connector for crankshaft position
sensor. Crankshaft position sensor is mounted on passenger's side of
transmission housing. See Fig. 2.
4) Remove crankshaft position sensor bolts. Remove crankshaft
position sensor from transmission housing. Remove dipstick, dipstick
tube and "O" ring from transmission.
5) Remove torque converter cover. Place reference mark on
flexplate and torque converter for installation reference. Rotate
crankshaft clockwise and remove torque converter bolts.
6) Place reference mark on drive shaft yokes for installation
reference. Remove drive shaft from transmission. Disconnect necessary
wiring harnesses and control cables from transmission. Support rear of
engine with hoist. Using transmission jack, slightly raise
transmission to release pressure from rear mount and crossmember.
7) Remove rear mount-to-rear crossmember bolts. Remove bolts
and rear crossmember located below the transmission. Remove engine oil
Ram Pickup
Gasoline Models
Light-Duty (2)
Normal Service ..................... 30 .............. 37,500
Severe Service ..................... ( 1) ............. 12,000
Medium-Duty & Heavy-Duty
Normal Service ..................... 24 .............. 24,000
Severe Service ..................... ( 1) ............. 12,000
Diesel Models
Normal Service ....................... 24 .............. 24,000
Severe Service ....................... ( 1) ............. 12,000
Ram Van/Wagon
Normal Service ........................ ( 3) ................ ( 3)
Severe Service ........................ ( 1) ............. 12,000
( 1) - Monthly interval is not available from manufacturer.
( 2) - Light-duty applies to all 1500 models and 2500 models except
5.9L diesel or 8.0L engines. Medium-duty applies to 2500 and
3500 California models with 8.0L engine. Heavy-duty applies to
2500 and 3500 Federal models with 8.0L engine and all 3500
models with 5.9L gasoline engine.
( 3) - Normal service interval is not available from manufacturer.
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Transfer Case
Check transfer case fluid level when performing other
underhood services. Under normal service conditions or severe service
conditions change transfer case fluid at specified interval. See
TRANSFER CASE SERVICING INTERVALS table. Severe service conditions are
conditions such as long periods of engine idling, trailer towing, off-
highway operation, snow removal, or operating in dusty or excessively
hot conditions.
TRANSFER CASE SERVICING INTERVALS
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Application Months Miles
Dakota
Normal Service ....................... 30 ............... 37,500
Severe Service ....................... ( 1) .............. 36,000
Ram Pickup
Gasoline Models
Light-Duty ( 2)
Normal Service .................... 30 ............... 37,500
Severe Service .................... ( 1) .............. 36,000
Medium-Duty & Heavy-Duty
Normal Service .................... 36 ............... 36,000
Severe Service .................... ( 1) .............. 36,000
Diesel Models
Normal Service ...................... 36 ............... 36,000
Severe Service ...................... ( 1) .............. 36,000
( 1) - Monthly interval is not available from manufacturer.
( 2) - Light-duty applies to all 1500 models and 2500 models except
5.9L diesel or 8.0L engines. Medium-duty applies to 2500 and
3500 California models with 8.0L engine. Heavy-duty applies to
2500 and 3500 Federal models with 8.0L engine and all 3500
models with 5.9L gasoline engine.
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Power Take-Off (PTO) Adapter (Ram Pickup 2WD 2500 & 3500)
Check PTO adapter fluid level when performing other underhood
services. Service interval is not available from manufacturer.
Transmission (Dakota)
Check transmission fluid level when performing other
underhood services. Under normal service conditions, change
transmission fluid at 30 months or 37,500 miles. Under severe service
conditions, change transmission fluid at 18,000 miles. Severe service
are conditions such as long periods of engine idling, trailer towing,
off-highway operation, snow removal, or operating in dusty or
excessively hot conditions.
Transmission (Ram Pickup)
Check transmission fluid level when performing other
underhood services. Fluid change service interval information is not
available from manufacturer.
Transfer Case
Check transfer case fluid level when performing other
underhood services. On Dakota and Light-Duty Pickup, change transfer
case fluid at 37,500 miles or 30 months. On Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty
Pickup, change transfer case fluid at 36,000 miles or 36 months.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
Transmission (Dakota)
1) Park vehicle on level surface. Remove transmission fill
plug from side of transmission. On AX-15 transmission, transmission
fill plug is located on driver's side of transmission. On NV3500
transmission, transmission fill plug is located near front of
transmission on passenger's side of transmission.
2) On all transmissions, fluid level should even with bottom
of fill plug hole on side of transmission. Add appropriate type of
transmission fluid if necessary. See RECOMMENDED FLUID. Install and
tighten transaxle fill plug to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.
Transmission (Ram Pickup)
1) Park vehicle on level surface. Remove transmission fill
plug from side of transmission. On NV3500 transmissions, transmission
fill plug is located near front of transmission on passenger's side of
transmission. On NV4500 transmissions, transmission fill plug is
located near rear of transmission on passenger's side of transmission.
2) On all transmissions, fluid level should even with bottom
of fill plug hole on side of transmission. Add appropriate type of
transmission fluid if necessary. See RECOMMENDED FLUID. Install and
tighten transaxle fill plug to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.
Transfer Case
Park vehicle on level surface. Remove transfer case fill plug
from rear of transfer case. Fluid level should even with bottom of
transfer case fill plug hole on rear of transfer case. Add appropriate
type of transfer case fluid if necessary. See RECOMMENDED FLUID.
Install and tighten transfer case fill plug to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Transmission (Dakota)
On AX-15 transmissions, use API 75W-90 GL-3 gear oil. On
NV1500 and NV3500 transmissions, use ONLY Mopar M/T Lube Part No.
4761526.
Transmission (Ram Pickup)
transmission housing.
2) Install and tighten transmission drain plug to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
3) Remove transmission fill plug from side of transmission.
Transmission fill plug is located near front of transmission on
passenger's side of transmission. Fill transmission with appropriate
type of transmission fluid until fluid level is even with bottom of
fill plug hole on transmission. See RECOMMENDED FLUID. Install and
tighten transmission fill plug to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.
Transmission (Ram Pickup With NV4500 Or NV5600)
1) Park vehicle on level surface. Remove bottom bolt from
Power Take-Off (PTO) cover on passenger's side of transmission. Allow
fluid to drain.
2) Install and tighten PTO cover bolt to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Remove transmission fill plug from side of
transmission. Transmission fill plug is located near rear of
transmission on passenger's side of transmission.
3) Fill transmission with appropriate type of transmission
fluid until fluid level is even with bottom of fill plug hole on
transmission. See RECOMMENDED FLUID. Install and tighten transmission
fill plug to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Transfer Case
1) Ensure vehicle is parked on level surface. Remove transfer
case drain plug. Transfer case drain plug is located on rear of
transfer case at driver's side corner of transfer case. Allow fluid to
drain from transfer case.
2) Reinstall transfer case drain plug. Tighten transfer case
drain plug to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Remove
transfer case fill plug fill plug from rear of transfer case. Transfer
case fill plug is located on rear of transfer case, just below
identification tag.
3) Fill transfer case with appropriate type of transfer case
fluid until fluid level is even with bottom of fill plug hole on
transfer case. See RECOMMENDED FLUID. Install and tighten transfer
case fill plug to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
ADJUSTMENTS
TRANSFER CASE SHIFT LINKAGE
Dakota
1) On NV231, place transfer case lever in 4H position. On
NV242, place transfer case lever in 4FT position. On all models, use
wire or tape to hold lever in position. Raise and support vehicle.
Loosen shifter rod lock bolt at adjusting swivel. Ensure shift rod
slides freely in adjusting swivel.
2) Ensure shift lever on transfer case is in 4H position.
Slide adjusting swivel forward until shift lever touches shifter gate
crossover. Slide adjusting swivel slightly rearward to provide a 3-5
mm gap between shift lever shifter gate.
3) Center pin on adjusting swivel in shift arm and tighten
lock bolt to 90 INCH lbs. (10 N.m). Lower vehicle enough to enter
vehicle. Ensure wheels are off floor. Start engine and shift
transmission into gear. Operate transfer case to verify correct
adjustment.
Fig. 14: Vacuum Hose Diagram (Durango - 5.9L - Except Calif.)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Fig. 15: Vacuum Hose Diagram (Ram Pickup - 3.9L & 5.2L - Light-Duty)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Fig. 16: Vacuum Hose Diagram (Ram Pickup - 5.9L - Light-Duty)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Fig. 17: Vacuum Hose Diagram (Ram Pickup - 3.9L & 5.2L - Medium-
Duty Calif.)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.