2003 DODGE RAM service

Inspect the shift fork wear pads (Fig. 41). 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.
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 threads, sprocket teeth, and bear-
ing surfaces. Minor nicks on the teeth can be
smoothed with an oilstone. Use 320-400 grit emery to
smooth minor scratches on the shaft bearing sur-
faces. Rough threads on the shaft can be chased if
necessary. Replace the shaft if the threads are dam-
aged, bearing surfaces are scored, or if any sprocket
teeth 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. 42)
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. 43) 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) Using Installer 6436 and Handle C-4171 (Fig.
44), remove front output shaft bearing.
(4) Start front output shaft bearing in case. Then
seat bearing with Handle C-4171 and Installer 6953.
(5) Install front output shaft bearing retaining
ring.
Fig. 41 Shift Fork And Wear Pad Locations
1 - RANGE FORK
2 - MODE FORK
3 - WEAR PADS (SERVICEABLE)
4 - WEAR PADS (SERVICEABLE)
Fig. 42 Low Range Annulus Gear
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - LOW RANGE ANNULUS GEAR
21 - 670 TRANSFER CASE - NV243DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV243 (Continued)

SHIFT FORKS/HUBS/SLEEVES
Check condition of the shift forks and mode fork
shift rail (Fig. 40). Minor nicks on the shift rail can
be smoothed with 320-400 grit emery cloth.
Inspect the shift fork wear pads (Fig. 41). 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.
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 threads, sprocket teeth, and bear-
ing surfaces. Minor nicks on the teeth can be
smoothed with an oilstone. Use 320-400 grit emery to
smooth minor scratches on the shaft bearing sur-
faces. Rough threads on the shaft can be chased if
necessary. Replace the shaft if the threads are dam-
aged, bearing surfaces are scored, or if any sprocket
teeth 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. 42)
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
Fig. 40 Shift Forks
1 - RANGE FORK
2 - MODE FORK AND RAIL
3 - MODE SPRING
Fig. 41 Shift Fork And Wear Pad Locations
1 - RANGE FORK
2 - MODE FORK
3 - WEAR PADS (SERVICEABLE)
4 - WEAR PADS (SERVICEABLE)
Fig. 42 Low Range Annulus Gear
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - LOW RANGE ANNULUS GEAR
21 - 700 TRANSFER CASE - NV273DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

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 snap-ring from
the front case half with suitable snap-ring pliers.
(2) Remove the input shaft bearing from the front
case half with Installer 6953 and Handle C-4171
(Fig. 43).
(3) Install the input shaft bearing into the front
case half with Installer 8151 inverted on Handle
C-4171 (Fig. 44).
(4) Install the input shaft bearing snap-ring into
the front case half with suitable snap-ring pliers.
(5) Remove the front output shaft front bearing
snap-ring from the front case half.
(6) Using Installer 6953 and Handle C-4171 (Fig.
45), remove the front output shaft front bearing.
Fig. 45 Remove Front Output Shaft Front Bearing
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - HANDLE C-4171
3 - INSTALLER 6953
Fig. 43 Remove Input Gear Bearing
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - HANDLE C-4171
3 - INSTALLER 6953
Fig. 44 Install Input Gear Bearing
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - HANDLE C-4171
3 - INSTALLER 8151 (INVERTED)
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV273 21 - 701
TRANSFER CASE - NV273 (Continued)

METHOD 2 (RELOCATE TIRE ON WHEEL)
NOTE: Rotating the tire on wheel is particularly
effective when there is runout in both tire and
wheel.
(1) Remove tire from wheel and mount wheel on
service dynamic balance machine.
(2) Check wheel radial runout (Fig. 2) and lateral
runout (Fig. 3).
²STEEL WHEELS: Radial runout 0.031 in., Lat-
eral runout 0.031 in. (maximum)
²ALUMINUM WHEELS: Radial runout 0.020 in.,
Lateral runout 0.025 in. (maximum)
(3) If point of greatest wheel lateral runout is near
original chalk mark, remount tire 180 degrees.
Recheck runout, Refer to match mounting procedure.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE ROTATION
Tires on the front and rear axles operate at differ-
ent loads and perform different steering, driving, and
braking functions. For these reasons, the tires wear
at unequal rates. They may also develop irregular
wear patterns. These effects can be reduced by rotat-
ing the tires according to the maintenance schedule
in the Owners Manual. This will improve tread life,
traction and maintain a smooth quiet ride.
The recommended method of tire rotation is (Fig.
4) & (Fig. 5). Other methods can be used, but may
not provide the same tire longevity benefits.
CAUTION: 3500 Dual rear tires have a new tire rota-
tion pattern. This is to accommodate the asymmet-rical design of the ON/OFF road tires and the use of
the outlined white letter (OWL) tires. When replac-
ing a flat, the spare tire may have to be remounted
on the rim or installed at a different location to
maintain the correct placement of the asymmetrical
design or the (OWL).
Fig. 1 Checking Tire/Wheel/Hub Runout
1 - RADIAL RUNOUT
2 - LATERAL RUNOUT
Fig. 2 Radial Runout
1 - MOUNTING CONE
2 - SPINDLE SHAFT
3 - WING NUT
4 - PLASTIC CUP
5 - DIAL INDICATOR
6 - WHEEL
7 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 3 Lateral Runout
1 - MOUNTING CONE
2 - SPINDLE SHAFT
3 - WING NUT
4 - PLASTIC CUP
5 - DIAL INDICATOR
6 - WHEEL
7 - DIAL INDICATOR
22 - 2 TIRES/WHEELSDR
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - MATCH MOUNTING
Wheels and tires are match mounted at the factory.
This means that the high spot of the tire is matched
to the low spot on the wheel rim. Each are marked
with a bright colored temporary label on the out-
board surface for alignment. The wheel is also
marked permanently on the inside of the rim in the
tire well. This permanent mark may be a paint dot
or line, a permanent label or a stamped impression
such as an X. An optional location mark is a small
spherical indentation on the vertical face of the out-
board flange on some non styled base steel wheels.
The tire must be removed to locate the permanent
mark on the inside of the wheel.
Before dismounting a tire from its wheel, a refer-
ence mark should be placed on the tire at the valve
stem location. This reference will ensure that it is
remounted in the original position on the wheel.
(1) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
vehicle and mount on a service dynamic balance
machine.
(2) Measure the total runout on the center of the
tire tread rib with a dial indicator. Record the indi-
cator reading. Mark the tire to indicate the high spot.
Place a mark on the tire at the valve stem location
(Fig. 6).(3) Break down the tire and remount it 180
degrees on the rim (Fig. 7).
(4) Measure the total indicator runout again. Mark
the tire to indicate the high spot.
(5) If runout is still excessive, the following proce-
dures must be done.
Fig. 4 TIRE ROTATION PATTERN - SINGLE REAR
WHEEL (SRW)
Fig. 5 TIRE ROTATION PATTERN - DUAL REAR
WHEELS (DRW)
Fig. 6 First Measurement On Tire
1 - REFERENCE MARK
2 - 1ST MEASUREMENT
HIGH SPOT MARK TIRE AND RIM
3 - WHEEL
4 - VALVE STEM
Fig. 7 Remount Tire 180 Degrees
1 - VALVE STEM
2 - REFERENCE MARK
DRTIRES/WHEELS 22 - 3
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)

²If the high spot is within 101.6 mm (4.0 in.) of
the first spot and is still excessive, replace the tire.
²If the high spot is within 101.6 mm (4.0 in.) of
the first spot on the wheel, the wheel may be out of
specifications. Refer to Wheel and Tire Runout.
²
If the high spot is NOT within 101.6 mm (4.0 in.)
of either high spot, draw an arrow on the tread from
second high spot to first. Break down the tire and
remount it 90 degrees on rim in that direction (Fig. 8).This procedure will normally reduce the runout to an
acceptable amount, if not replace the rim.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND WHEEL
BALANCE
It is recommended that a two plane service
dynamic balancer be used when a tire and wheel
assembly require balancing. Refer to balancer opera-
tion instructions for proper cone mounting proce-
dures. Typically use front cone mounting method for
steel wheels. For aluminum wheel use back cone
mounting method without cone spring.
NOTE: Static should be used only when a two plane
balancer is not available.
NOTE: Cast aluminum and forged aluminum wheels
require coated balance weights and special align-
ment equipment.
Wheel balancing can be accomplished with either
on or off vehicle equipment. When using on-vehicle
balancing equipment, remove the opposite wheel/tire.
Off-vehicle balancing is recommended.
For static balancing, find the location of the heavy
spot causing the imbalance. Counter balance wheel
directly opposite the heavy spot. Determine weight
required to counter balance the area of imbalance.
Place half of this weight on theinnerrim flange and
the other half on theouterrim flange (Fig. 9).
Fig. 8 Remount Tire 90 Degrees In Direction of
Arrow
1 - 2ND HIGH SPOT ON TIRE
2 - 1ST HIGH SPOT ON TIRE
Fig. 9 Static Unbalance & Balance
1 - HEAVY SPOT
2 - CENTER LINE OF SPINDLE
3 - ADD BALANCE WEIGHTS HERE4 - CORRECTIVE WEIGHT LOCATION
5 - TIRE OR WHEEL TRAMP, OR WHEEL HOP
22 - 4 TIRES/WHEELSDR
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)

WHEELS
DESCRIPTION
Original equipment wheels are designed for the
specified Maximum Vehicle Capacity.
All models use steel or aluminum drop center
wheels.
Aluminum wheels require special balance weights
and alignment equipment.
(1) On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels,
The rim is an eight stud hole pattern wheel. The
wheels have a flat mounting surface (Fig. 18). The
slots in the wheel must be aligned to provide access
to the valve stem (Fig. 19).
OPERATION
The wheel (Fig. 20) has raised sections between
the rim flanges and the rim well. Initial inflation of
the tire forces the bead over these raised sections. In
case of tire failure, the raised sections hold the tire
in position on the wheel until the vehicle can be
brought to a safe stop.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WHEEL INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive run out
²Dents or cracks
²Damaged wheel lug nut holes
²Air Leaks from any area or surface of the rim
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they should be equivalent in
load carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset,
pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE. USED WHEELS ARE NOT RECOM-
MENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF THE WHEEL
MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREATMENT OR
VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD FAIL WITH-
OUT WARNING.
Fig. 18 FLAT FACE WHEEL
1 - FLAT FACE
2 - VALVE STEM
Fig. 19 DUAL REAR WHEELS
1 - WINDOW OPENINGS (5)
2 - INBOARD VALVE STEM
3 - OUTBOARD VALVE STEM
Fig. 20 Safety Rim
1 - FLANGE
2 - RIDGE
3 - WELL
DRTIRES/WHEELS 22 - 11

STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL
REPLACEMENT
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
applications. They must be replaced with equivalent
parts. Do not use replacement parts of lesser quality
or a substitute design. All aluminum and some steel
wheels have wheel stud nuts which feature an
enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is necessary to
ensure proper retention of the aluminum wheels.
NOTE: Do not use chrome plated lug nuts with
chrome plated wheels.
Before installing the wheel, be sure to remove any
build up of corrosion on the wheel mounting surfaces.
Ensure wheels are installed with good metal-to-metal
contact. Improper installation could cause loosening
of wheel nuts (Fig. 21). This could affect the safety
and handling of your vehicle.
To install the wheel, first position it properly on
the mounting surface (Fig. 21). All wheel nuts should
then be tightened just snug. Gradually tighten them
in sequence to the proper torque specification, (Fig.
22) (Fig. 23).Never use oil or grease on studs or
nuts.
Wheels must be replaced if they have:
²Excessive runout
²Bent or dented
²Leak air through welds
²Have damaged bolt holes
Wheel repairs employing hammering, heating, or
welding are not allowed.Original equipment wheels are available through
your dealer. Replacement wheels from any other
source should be equivalent in:
²Load carrying capacity
²Diameter
²Width
²Offset
²Mounting configuration
Failure to use equivalent replacement wheels may
affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Replacement withusedwheels is not recommended.
Their service history may have included severe treat-
ment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DUAL REAR WHEEL
INSTALLATION
Dual rear wheels use a special heavy duty lug nut
wrench. It is recommended to remove and install
dual rear wheels only when the proper wrench is
available. The wrench is also use to remove wheel
Fig. 21 WHEEL INSTALLATION 8-LUG SHOWN
1 - CENTER CAP
2 - LUG NUT
3 - TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY
4 - WHEEL STUDS
Fig. 22 8-LUG TIGHTENING PATTERN
Fig. 23 TYPICAL 6 - LUG NUT TIGHTENING
PATTERN
22 - 12 TIRES/WHEELSDR
WHEELS (Continued)