2001 DODGE RAM ECU

The 3-4, 1-2 and fifth-reverse synchro hub snap
rings can be fitted selectively. New snap rings are
available in 0.05 mm (0.0019 in.) thickness incre-
ments. Use thickest snap ring that will fit in each
snap ring groove.
SYNCHRONIZER
To assemble each synchro install the springs,
struts and detent balls one at a time as follows:
(1) Slide sleeve part way onto the hub. Leave
enough room to install the spring in the hub and the
strut in the hub groove.
(2) Install first spring in the hub, then install a
strut over the spring. Verify spring is seated in the
spring bore in the strut.
(3) Slide sleeve onto the hub just far enough to
hold the first strut and spring in place.
(4) Place detent ball in the top of the strut, then
carefully work the sleeve over the ball to hold it in
place. A small flat blade screwdriver can be used to
press the ball into place while moving the sleeve over
it.
(5) Repeat procedure for the remaining springs,
struts and balls. Tape or a rubber band can be used
to temporarily secure each strut and ball as they are
installed.
(6) Verify the synchro three springs, struts and
detent balls are all in place (Fig. 47).
OUTPUT SHAFT
NOTE: Lubricate shaft, gears and bearings with rec-
ommended lubricant during assembly. Petroleum
jelly can be used to hold parts in place. Immerse
each synchro ring in lubricant before installation.
(1) Lubricate and install reverse gear needle bear-
ing on shaft (Fig. 48). Slide bearing up against shoul-
der on output shaft.
(2) Install reverse gear over needle bearing (Fig.
49).
(3) Install brass synchro ring on reverse gear (Fig.
50).
(4) Assemble fifth-reverse synchro hub, sleeve,
struts, springs and detent balls, if not previously
done.
CAUTION: One side of the hub has shoulders
around the hub bore, this side of the hub faces the
front of the shaft. One side of the sleeve is tapered
the tapered side faces the front of the shaft.
Fig. 47 Synchronizer Components
1 - SLEEVE
2 - HUB SHOULDER
3 - SPRING (3)
4 - STRUT (3)
5 - DETENT BALL (3)
6 - HUB
Fig. 48 Reverse Gear Bearing
1 - REVERSE GEAR BEARING
2 - SHOULDER
Fig. 49 Reverse Gear
1 - REVERSE GEAR
21 - 18 MANUAL - NV3500BR/BE
MANUAL - NV3500 (Continued)

(5) Fill transmission to bottom edge of fill plug
hole with Mopar Transmission 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.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If a new transmission is being installed, be
sure to use all components supplied with the new
transmission. For example, if a new shift tower is
supplied with the new transmission, do not re-use
the original shift tower.
Make sure transmission front housing mounting
surface is clean. Before installation apply light coat
of Mopar high temperature bearing grease to contact
surfaces of following components:
²input shaft splines.
²release bearing slide surface of front retainer.
²release bearing bore.
²release fork.
²release fork ball stud.
²propeller shaft slip yoke.
(1) Support and secure transmission to jack with
safety chains.
(2) Raise and align transmission input shaft with
clutch disc, then slide transmission into place.
(3) Install and tighten transmission bolts to 54-61
N´m (40-45 ft. lbs.). Be sure front housing is fully
seated before tightening bolts. Install front dust
cover after all bolts are tightened.
(4) Fill transmission with Mopar lubricant. Correct
fill level is to bottom edge of fill plug hole.
(5) Connect backup lamp switch wires.(6) Connect transmission harnesses to clips on
case.
(7) Install crossmember. Tighten crossmember-to-
frame bolts to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(8) Tighten crossmember-to-transmission insulator
nuts to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install slave cylinder. Tighten cylinder nuts to
23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(10) Remove jack used to support transmission.
(11) Install strut bolts/nuts, if removed. Also
install oil filter if removal was necessary.
(12) Install and connect exhaust system. Align
exhaust components before tightening clamp and
bracket bolts and nuts. Be sure exhaust components
are clear of all chassis and driveline components.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Align and install propeller shaft.
(2) Verify that all linkage components, hoses and
electrical wires have been connected.
(3) Remove any remaining support stands and
lower vehicle.
(4) Install crankshaft position sensor.
(5) Connect battery negative cable.
(6) Install shift tower and lever assembly. Tighten
shift tower bolts to 7-10 N´m (5-7 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install the shift lever extension onto the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(8) Install shift boot and bezel.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Install transfer case. Align and position trans-
fer case with transmission jack or aid of helper.
(2) Install and tighten transfer case attaching nuts
to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install and connect transfer case shift linkage.
(4) Align and install front and rear propeller
shafts.
(5) Verify that all linkage components, hoses and
electrical wires have been connected.
(6) Check transfer case fluid level. Add Mopar
Dexron II, or ATF Plus if necessary. Correct level is
to edge of fill plug hole. Be sure transfer case is level
before checking or adding fluid.
(7) Check and adjust transfer case shift linkage if
necessary.
(8) Install transfer case skid plate, if equipped.
(9) Install crankshaft position sensor.
(10) Remove any remaining support stands and
lower vehicle.
(11) Connect battery negative cable.
(12) Install shift tower and lever assembly. Tighten
shift tower bolts to 7-10 N´m (5-7 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install the shift lever extension onto the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(14) Install shift boot and bezel.
Fig. 122 Shift Tower Bolts
1 - SHIFT TOWER AND LEVER ASSEMBLY
21 - 40 MANUAL - NV3500BR/BE
MANUAL - NV3500 (Continued)

A leak at the front of the transmission will be from
either the front bearing retainer or retainer seal.
Lubricant may be seen dripping from the clutch
housing after extended operation. If the leak is
severe, it may also contaminate the clutch disc caus-
ing the disc to slip, grab and or chatter.
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 rec-
ommendations 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.
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 gener-
ally 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) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(3) Remove shift boot screws from floorpan and
slide boot upward on the shift lever.
(4) Remove shift lever extension from shift tower
and lever assembly.(5) Remove shift tower bolts holding tower to iso-
lator plate and transmission shift cover.
(6) Remove shift tower and isolator plate from
transmission shift cover.
(7) Raise and support vehicle.
(8) Remove skid plate, if equipped.
(9) Mark propeller shaft and axle yokes for instal-
lation reference and remove shaft/shafts.
(10) Remove exhaust system Y-pipe.
(11) Disconnect speed sensor and backup light
switch connectors.
(12) Support engine with safety stand and a wood
block.
(13) If transmission is to be disassembled for,
remove drain bolt at bottom of PTO cover and drain
lubricant (Fig. 4).
TWO WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Remove nuts/bolts attaching transmission to
rear mount.
(2) Support and secure transmission with safety
chains to a transmission jack.
(3) Remove rear crossmember.
(4) Remove clutch slave cylinder bolts and move
cylinder aside for clearance.
(5) Remove transmission harness wires from clips
on transmission shift cover.
(6) Remove transmission to clutch housing bolts.
(7) Slide transmission and jack rearward until
input shaft clears clutch housing.
(8) Lower transmission jack and remove transmis-
sion from under vehicle.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Disconnect transfer case shift linkage at trans-
fer case range lever. Then remove transfer case shift
mechanism from transmission (Fig. 5).
(2) Support and secure transfer case to transmis-
sion jack with safety chains.
(3) Remove transfer case mounting nuts.
Fig. 4 NV4500 Drain Bolt
1 - PTO COVER
2 - DRAIN BOLT
3 - FILL PLUG
BR/BEMANUAL - NV4500 21 - 47
MANUAL - NV4500 (Continued)

(4) Move transfer case rearward until input gear
clears transmission mainshaft.
(5) Lower transfer case assembly and move it from
under vehicle.
(6) Support and secure transmission with safety
chains to a transmission jack.
(7) Remove transmission harness from retaining
clips on transmission shift cover.
(8) Remove bolts/nuts attaching transmission
mount to rear crossmember.
(9) Remove rear crossmember.
(10) Remove clutch slave cylinder splash shield, if
equipped.
(11) Loosen clutch slave cylinder attaching nuts
until cylinder piston rod is clear of release lever. This
reduces pressure on lever and release bearing mak-
ing transmission removal/installation easier. Cylinder
does not have to be removed completely.
(12) Remove transmission bolts from clutch hous-
ing.
(13) Move transmission rearward until input shaft
clears clutch disc and release bearing.
(14) Lower transmission and remove it from under
vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
EXTENSION/ADAPTER HOUSING
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove rear propeller shaft.
(3) Support transmission with a transmission jack.
(4) Remove engine rear support. Refer to 9 Engine
for procedures.
(5) Remove transfer case, if equipped.
(6) Remove bolts attaching extension/adapter hous-
ing to gear case (Fig. 6).
(7) Remove extension/adapter housing (Fig. 7).
There is one alignment dowel in the gear case and
one in the extension/adapter housing.
(8) Remove rubber spline seal from end of main-
shaft (Fig. 8). The seal is used to prevent lubricant
loss during shipping and does not have to be replaced
if damaged.
Fig. 5 Transfer Case Shift Mechanism-Typical
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - TRANSFER CASE SHIFT MECHANISM
Fig. 6 Extension/Adapter Housing Bolts
1 - EXTENSION HOUSING
2 - BOLTS
21 - 48 MANUAL - NV4500BR/BE
MANUAL - NV4500 (Continued)

FIFTH GEAR NUT
(1) Remove extension/adapter housing.
(2) Loosen fifth gear clamp nut clamping screw
approximately 1 1/2 turns.
(3)
Install nut Wrench 6743 on fifth gear nut (Fig. 9).
NOTE: Wrench only fits one way on nut. Be sure
wrench is fully engaged in nut slots and is not
cocked.
(4) Install splined Socket 6993 4X2 Socket 6984
4X4 to retain mainshaft while removing the fifth
gear nut.
(5) Install breaker bar in socket wrench (Fig. 9)
NOTE: Wedge breaker bar handle against work-
bench. Purpose of socket wrench and breaker baris to prevent mainshaft from turning while nut is
loosened.
(6) Remove fifth gear nut, then remove belleville
washer from mainshaft.
FIFTH GEAR
(1) Remove roll pins that secure countershaft fifth
gear shift fork to shift rail with pin punch (Fig. 10).
Roll pins are driven out from bottom of fork and not
from top.
(2) Remove snap ring that secures fifth gear clutch
hub and gear on countershaft (Fig. 11).
(3) Remove countershaft fifth gear clutch gear and
stop ring.
(4) Remove fifth gear shift fork and gear assembly.
Remove assembly by tapping fork off rail with plastic
mallet.
(5) Remove fifth gear shift fork from sleeve.
(6) Remove sleeve, struts, and strut springs from
countershaft fifth gear hub, if necessary.
(7) Remove countershaft fifth gear needle bearing
assembly (Fig. 12).
(8) Remove cone shaped rear bearing thrust
washer from end of countershaft (Fig. 13). Note posi-
tion of washer for assembly reference. Also note that
washer bore has notch for locating pin.
(9) Remove and retain thrust washer locating pin
from countershaft.
(10) Remove mainshaft overdrive fifth gear with
Puller Tool Set 6444.
Fig. 7 Extension/Adapter Housing
1 - GEAR CASE
2 - EXTENSION HOUSING
Fig. 8 Mainshaft Spline Seal
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - RUBBER SPLINE SEAL
Fig. 9 Fifth Gear Nut
1 - WRENCH 6443/6743
2 - FIFTH GEAR NUT
3 - SCOCKET 6993/6984
BR/BEMANUAL - NV4500 21 - 49
MANUAL - NV4500 (Continued)

(11) Position first Puller Jaw 6459 or 6820 on gear
(Fig. 14).
(12) Assemble Puller Flange 6444-1 and Puller
Rods 6444-3 4X2 vehicles or 6444-4 4X4 vehicles
(Fig. 15).
(13) Slide assembled puller flange and rods onto
output shaft. Then seat flange in notch of puller jaw
(Fig. 15).
(14) Position second puller jaw on gear and in
notch of puller flange (Fig. 16).(15) Slide Retaining Collar 6444-8 over puller jaws
to hold them in place (Fig. 16).
(16) Install Puller and Bolt 6444 on puller rods.
Then secure puller to rods with retaining nuts (Fig.
17).
(17) Tighten puller bolt to remove gear from shaft
splines (Fig. 17).
Fig. 10 Fifth Gear Shift Fork Roll Pins
1 - FORK ROLL PINS
2 - FIFTH GEAR SHIFT FORK
Fig. 11 Countershaft Fifth Gear Clutch Gear Snap
Ring
1 - CLUTCH GEAR RING
2 - FIFTH SYNCHRO CLUTCH GEAR
Fig. 12 Countershaft Fifth Gear Needle Bearing
1 - FIFTH GEAR NEEDLE BEARING ASSEMBLY
2 - COUNTERSHAFT
Fig. 13 Countershaft Rear Bearing Thrust Washer
1 - THRUST WASHER (CONE SHAPED)
2 - THRUST WASHER PIN
21 - 50 MANUAL - NV4500BR/BE
MANUAL - NV4500 (Continued)

(6) Keep reverse idler gear bearings and spacer
together for cleaning and inspection (Fig. 35). Insert
idler shaft through gear and bearings to keep them
in place.
(7) Remove idler gear thrust washers from gear
case. Install washers on idler shaft to keep them
together for cleaning and inspection.
(8) To remove countershaft rear bearing ,assemble
Puller Flange 6444-1 and Puller Rods 6444-4 (Fig.
36).
NOTE: Shaft cannot be removed from case until
rear bearing has been removed.(9) Position first Puller Jaw 6449 on bearing cone
(10) Seat puller flange in notch of puller jaw just
installed on bearing cone
(11) Install second Puller Jaw 6449 on bearing and
in notch of puller flange
(12) Slide Retaining Collar 6444-8 over puller jaws
to hold them in place
NOTE: Retaining collar has small lip on one end
and only fits one way over jaws.
(13) Install Puller 6444 on puller rods, then secure
puller to rods with retaining nuts
(14) Tighten puller bolt to remove bearing from
shaft. If bearing is exceptionally tight, tap end of
puller bolt with copper mallet to help loosen bearing.
Fig. 33 Idler Gear Moved Away From Countershaft
1 - REVERSE IDLER GEAR
2 - COUNTERSHAFT
Fig. 34 Reverse Idler Gear
1 - REVERSE IDLER GEAR
2 - DRIVE GEAR BORE
Fig. 35 Idler Gear Components
1 - BEARINGS
2 - REVERSE IDLER GEAR
Fig. 36 Countershaft Rear Bearing
1 - COLLAR 6444-8
2 - JAWS 6449
3 - PULLER 6444
4 - WRENCH
21 - 56 MANUAL - NV4500BR/BE
MANUAL - NV4500 (Continued)

(2) Remove countershaft front bearing cup with
Remover 6454 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 40).
(3) Remove roll pin that secures shift lug on shift
rail in case (Fig. 41). A small pin punch can be mod-
ified by putting a slight bend in it to drive pin com-
pletely out of shift rail (Fig. 41).(4) Remove shift lug rail.
MAINSHAFT
NOTE: Not all of the mainshaft gear and synchro
components are a one-way fit. Some gear and syn-
chro components can be installed backwards. Paint
or scriber gear and synchro components for instal-
lation reference. Then stack geartrain parts in order
of removal to avoid incorrect assembly.
(1) Remove drive gear thrust bearing from end of
mainshaft, if not previously removed.
(2) Remove 3-4 synchro hub, third gear stop ring
and third gear as an assembly (Fig. 42).
Fig. 40 Countershaft Front Bearing Cup
1 - REMOVER 6454
2 - HANDLE C-4171
Fig. 41 Shift Lug Roll Pin
1 - PUNCH
2 - 30É BEND
3 - PIN PUNCH MODIFICATION
4 - SHIFT LUG
5 - SHIFT RAIL
Fig. 42 Third Gear, Stop Ring, And 3-4 Hub
1 - THIRD GEAR
2 - THIRD GEAR STOP RING
3 - 3-4 SYNCHRO HUB
21 - 58 MANUAL - NV4500BR/BE
MANUAL - NV4500 (Continued)