2001 DODGE RAM ECU

(23) Check seal rings on reaction shaft support
hub. Verify that seal rings are hooked together and
that front clutch thrust washer is properly positioned
(Fig. 50). Use petroleum jelly to hold thrust washer
in place if necessary.
(24) Lubricate oil pump body seal with petroleum
jelly. Lubricate pump shaft seal lip with petroleum
jelly.
(25) Thread two Pilot Stud Tools C-3288-B into
bolt holes in oil pump bore flange (Fig. 51).
(26) Align and install oil pump gasket (Fig. 51).(27) Install oil pump (Fig. 52). Align and position
pump on pilot studs. Slide pump down studs and
work it into front clutch hub and case by hand. Then
install 2 or 3 pump bolts to hold pump in place.
(28) Remove pilot stud tools and install remaining
oil pump bolts. Tighten bolts alternately in diagonal
pattern to 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
(29) Measure input shaft end play (Fig. 53).
NOTE: If end play is incorrect, transmission is
incorrectly assembled, or the intermediate shaft
thrust washer is incorrect. The intermediate shaft
thrust washer is selective.
(a) Attach Adapter 8266-6 to Handle 8266-8.
(b) Attach dial indicator C-3339 to Handle
8266-8.
(c) Install the assembled tool onto the input
shaft of the transmission and tighten the retaining
screw on Adapter 8266-6 to secure it to the input
shaft.
(d) Position the dial indicator plunger against a
flat spot on the oil pump and zero the dial indica-
tor.
(e) Move input shaft in and out and record read-
ing. End play should be 0.56-2.31 mm (0.022-0.091
in.). Adjust as necessary.
(30) Install accumulator piston and inner and
outer springs (Fig. 54).
(31) Verify that valve body solenoid harness is
secured in 3-4 accumulator housing cover plate.
(32) Install valve body as follows:
Fig. 50 Reaction Shaft Support Seal Rings And
Front Clutch Thrust Washer
1 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT HUB
2 - FRONT CLUTCH THRUST WASHER
3 - SEAL RINGS
Fig. 51 Installing Pilot Studs And Oil Pump Gasket
1 - OIL PUMP GASKET
2 - PILOT STUD TOOLS C-3288-B
Fig. 52 Installing Oil Pump
1 - OIL PUMP
2 - PILOT STUD TOOL
3 - PILOT STUD TOOL
21 - 342 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Check torque converter hub and hub drive
notches for sharp edges burrs, scratches, or nicks.
Polish the hub and notches with 320/400 grit paper
and crocus cloth if necessary. The hub must be
smooth to avoid damaging pump seal at installation.
(2) Lubricate pocket in the rear oil pump seal lip
with transmission fluid.
(3) Lubricate converter pilot hub of the crankshaft
with a light coating of MopartHigh Temp Grease.
(4) Align and install converter in oil pump.
(5) Carefully insert converter in oil pump. Then
rotate converter back and forth until fully seated in
pump gears.
(6) Check converter seating with steel scale and
straightedge (Fig. 56). Surface of converter lugs
should be 1/2 in. to rear of straightedge when con-
verter is fully seated.
(7) Temporarily secure converter with C-clamp.
(8) Position transmission on jack and secure it
with chains.
(9) Check condition of converter driveplate.
Replace the plate if cracked, distorted or damaged.
Also be sure transmission dowel pins are seated
in engine block and protrude far enough to
hold transmission in alignment.
(10) Raise transmission and align converter with
drive plate and converter housing with engine block.
(11) Move transmission forward. Then raise, lower
or tilt transmission to align converter housing with
engine block dowels.(12) Carefully work transmission forward and over
engine block dowels until converter hub is seated in
crankshaft.
(13) Install bolts attaching converter housing to
engine.
(14) Install rear support. Then lower transmission
onto crossmember and install bolts attaching trans-
mission mount to crossmember.
(15) Remove engine support fixture.
(16) Install crankshaft position sensor. (Refer to 14
- FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/CRANKSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR - INSTALLATION)
(17) Install new plastic retainer grommet on any
shift linkage rod or lever that was disconnected.
Grommets should not be reused. Use pry tool to
remove rod from grommet and cut away old grom-
met. Use pliers to snap new grommet into lever and
to snap rod into grommet at assembly.
(18) Connect gearshift and throttle cable to trans-
mission.
(19) Connect wires to park/neutral position switch,
transmission solenoid(s) and oxygen sensor. Be sure
transmission harnesses are properly routed.
CAUTION: It is essential that correct length bolts be
used to attach the converter to the driveplate. Bolts
that are too long will damage the clutch surface
inside the converter.
(20) Install torque converter-to-driveplate bolts.
On models with 10.75 in. converter, tighten bolts to
31 N´m (270 in. lbs.). On models with 12.2 in. con-
verter, tighten bolts to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
(21) Install converter housing access cover.
(22) Install starter motor and cooler line bracket.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING/STARTER
MOTOR - INSTALLATION)
(23) Connect cooler lines to transmission.
(24) Install transmission fill tube. Install new seal
on tube before installation.
(25) Install exhaust components.
(26) Align and connect propeller shaft. (Refer to 3 -
DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER
SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(27) Adjust gearshift linkage and throttle valve
cable if necessary.
(28) Lower vehicle.
(29) Fill transmission with MopartATF +4, type
9602, Automatic Transmission fluid.
Fig. 56 Checking Converter Seating - Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
21 - 344 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

(2) Install new seals in the clutch retainer lower
groove and on the outer diameter of the retainer hub.
Be sure lip of each seal faces interior of clutch
retainer.
(3) Lubricate lips of the retainer seals with liberal
quantity of MopartDoor Ease. Then lubricate
retainer hub, bore, and piston with light coat of
transmission fluid.
(4) Install clutch piston in retainer (Fig. 89). Use
twisting motion to seat piston in bottom of retainer.
CAUTION: Never push the clutch piston straight in.
This will fold the seals over causing leakage and
clutch slip.
(5) Position spring in clutch piston (Fig. 90).
(6) Position spring retainer on top of piston spring.
Make sure retainer is properly installed (Fig. 85).(7) Compress piston spring and retainer with Com-
pressor Tool C-3575-A (Fig. 86). Then install new
snap ring to secure spring retainer and spring.
(8) Install clutch plates and discs. Install steel
plate then disc until all plates and discs are
installed. The front clutch uses 5 clutch discs and
plates in a 44RE transmission.
(9) Install pressure plate and waved snap-ring.
Clearance should be 1.70 to 3.40 mm (0.067 to
0.134 in.). If clearance is incorrect, clutch discs,
plates, pressure plates and snap ring may have to be
changed.
FRONT SERVO
DESCRIPTION
The kickdown servo (Fig. 91) consists of a two-land
piston with an inner piston, a piston rod and guide,
and a return spring. The dual-land piston uses seal
rings on its outer diameters and an O-ring for the
inner piston.
OPERATION
The application of the piston is accomplished by
applying pressure between the two lands of the pis-
ton. The pressure acts against the larger lower land
to push the piston downward, allowing the piston rod
to extend though its guide against the apply lever.
Release of the servo at the 2-3 upshift is accom-
plished by a combination of spring and line pressure,
acting on the bottom of the larger land of the piston.
Fig. 89 Front Clutch Piston Installation
1 - CLUTCH PISTON
2 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
Fig. 90 Clutch Piston Spring Installation
1 - RETAINER
2 - CLUTCH SPRING
3 - PISTON
Fig. 91 Front Servo
1 - VENT
2 -PISTON ROD
3 - PISTON
4 - SPRING
5 - RELEASE PRESSURE
6 - APPLY PRESSURE
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 377
FRONT CLUTCH (Continued)

(6) Install new thrust washer on hub of reaction
shaft support. Lubricate washer with transmission
fluid or petroleum jelly.
(7) If reaction shaft seal rings are being replaced,
install new seal rings on support hub (Fig. 108).
Lubricate seal rings with transmission fluid or petro-
leum jelly after installation. Squeeze each ring until
ring ends are securely hooked together.
CAUTION: The reaction shaft support seal rings will
break if overspread, or twisted. If new rings are
being installed, spread them only enough for instal-
lation. Also be very sure the ring ends are securely
hooked together after installation. Otherwise, the
rings will either prevent pump installation, or break
during installation.
(8) Install reaction shaft support on pump housing
(Fig. 109).
(9) Align reaction support on pump housing. Use
alignment marks made at disassembly. Or, rotate
support until bolt holes in support and pump housing
are all aligned (holes are offset for one-way fit).(10) Install all bolts that attach support to pump
housing. Then tighten bolts finger tight.
(11) Tighten support-to-pump bolts to required
torque as follows:
(a) Reverse pump assembly and install it in
transmission case. Position pump so bolts are fac-
ing out and are accessible.
(b) Secure pump assembly in case with 2 or 3
bolts, or with pilot studs.
(c) Tighten support-to-pump bolts to 20 N´m (15
ft. lbs.).
(d) Remove pump assembly from transmission
case.
(12) Install new oil seal in pump with Special Tool
C-4193 and Tool Handle C-4171 (Fig. 110). Be sure
seal lip faces inward.
(13) Install new seal ring around pump housing.
Be sure seal is properly seated in groove.
(14) Lubricate lip of pump oil seal and O-ring seal
with transmission fluid.
Fig. 108 Hub Seal Ring Position
1 - SEAL RINGS
2 - SUPPORT HUB
Fig. 109 Assembling Reaction Shaft Support And
Pump Housing
1 - PUMP HOUSING
2 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
Fig. 110 Pump Oil Seal Installation
1 - PUMP BODY
2 - PUMP SEAL
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4193
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 383
OIL PUMP (Continued)

(9) Mark annulus gear and output shaft for assem-
bly alignment reference (Fig. 143). Use punch or
scriber to mark gear and shaft.
(10) Remove snap-ring that secures annulus gear
on output shaft (Fig. 144). Use two screwdrivers to
unseat and work snap-ring out of groove as shown.
(11) Remove annulus gear from output shaft (Fig.
145). 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
Fig. 143 Marking Annulus Gear And Output Shaft
For Assembly Alignment
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - HAMMER
3 - PUNCH
Fig. 144 Annulus Gear Snap-Ring Removal
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - ANNULUS GEAR
3 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 145 Annulus Gear Removal
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - ANNULUS GEAR
21 - 394 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)

the clutch plates if worn, heavily scored, or cracked.
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 dam-
aged.
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, type 9602, transmission fluid. Allow
discs to soak for 10-20 minutes.
(2) Install new pilot bushing and clutch hub bush-
ing in output shaft if necessary (Fig. 146). Lubricate
bushings with petroleum jelly, or transmission fluid.
(3) Install annulus gear on output shaft, if
removed. Then install annulus gear retaining snap-
ring (Fig. 147).
Fig. 146 Output Shaft Pilot Bushing
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT HUB
2 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH HUB BUSHING
3 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PILOT BUSHING
Fig. 147 Annulus Gear Installation
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT FRONT BEARING
3 - ANNULUS GEAR
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 395
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)

GEAR CASE
(1) Position park pawl and spring in case and
install park pawl shaft. Verify that end of spring
with 90É bend is hooked to pawl and straight end of
spring is seated against case.
(2) Install pawl shaft retaining bolt. Tighten bolt
to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install park lock reaction plug. Note that plug
has locating pin at rear (Fig. 164). Be sure pin is
seated in hole in case before installing snap-ring.
(4) Install reaction plug snap-ring (Fig. 165). Com-
press snap ring only enough for installation; do not
distort it.(5) Install new seal in gear case. On 4x4 gear case,
use Tool Handle C-4171 and Installer C-3860-A to
seat seal in case. On4x2gear case, use same Han-
dle C-4171 and Installer C-3995-A to seat seal in
case.
(6) Verify that tab ends of rear bearing locating
ring extend into access hole in gear case (Fig. 166).
(7) Support geartrain on Tool 6227-1 (Fig. 167). Be
sure tool is securely seated in clutch hub.
(8) Install overdrive gear case on geartrain (Fig.
167).
Fig. 166 Correct Rear Bearing Locating Ring
Position
1 - CASE ACCESS HOLE
2 - TAB ENDS OF LOCATING RING
Fig. 167 Overdrive Gear Case Installation
1 - GEARTRAIN ASSEMBLY
2 - GEAR CASE
Fig. 164 Reaction Plug Locating Pin And Snap-Ring
1 - REACTION PLUG SNAP-RING (DO NOT OVERCOMPRESS
TO INSTALL)
2 - LOCATING PIN
3 - PARK LOCK REACTION PLUG
Fig. 165 Reaction Plug And Snap-Ring Installation
1 - REACTION PLUG SNAP-RING
2 - SNAP-RING PLIERS
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 401
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)

(9) Expand front bearing locating ring with snap-
ring pliers (Fig. 168). Then slide case downward until
locating ring locks in bearing groove and release
snap-ring.
(10) Install locating ring access cover and gasket
in overdrive unit case (Fig. 169).
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
(1) Install overdrive clutch reaction ring first.
Reaction ring is flat with notched ends (Fig. 170).
(2) Install wave spring on top of reaction ring (Fig.
171). Reaction ring and wave ring both fit in same
ring groove. Use screwdriver to seat each ring
securely in groove. Also ensure that the ends of the
two rings are offset from each other.
NOTE: The 44RE transmission has 4 overdrive
clutch discs and 3 plates.(3) Assemble overdrive clutch pack.
(4) Install overdrive clutch reaction plate first.
NOTE: The reaction plate is the same thickness as
the pressure plate in a 44RE transmission.
(5) Install first clutch disc followed by first clutch
plate. Then install remaining clutch discs and plates
in same order.
(6) Install clutch pack pressure plate.
(7) Install clutch pack wire-type retaining ring
(Fig. 172).
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SPACER SELECTION
(1) Place overdrive unit in vertical position. Mount
it on blocks, or in workbench with appropriate size
mounting hole cut into it. Be sure unit is facing
upward for access to direct clutch hub. Also be sure
output shaft is not loaded and internal components
are moved rearward for accurate measurement.
(2) Determine correct thickness intermediate shaft
spacer as follows:
(a) Insert Special Tool 6312 through sun gear,
planetary gear and into pilot bushing in output
shaft. Be sure tool bottoms against planetary
shoulder.
Fig. 168 Seating Locating Ring In Rear Bearing
1 - EXPAND BEARING LOCATING RING WITH SNAP-RING
PLIERS
2 - ACCESS HOLE
Fig. 169 Locating Ring Access Cover And Gasket
Installation
1 - TORXŸ SCREWDRIVER (T25)
2 - ACCESS COVER SCREWS
Fig. 170 Overdrive Clutch Reaction Ring Installation
1 - REACTION RING
2 - CLUTCH HUB
Fig. 171 Overdrive Clutch Wave Spring Installation
1 - WAVE SPRING
21 - 402 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)