2003 DODGE RAM AUX

FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various ªspecialº additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additivesmust not be used.The use of trans-
mission ªsealersº should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
OPERATION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
The automatic transmission fluid is selected based
upon several qualities. The fluid must provide a high
level of protection for the internal components by
providing a lubricating film between adjacent metal
components. The fluid must also be thermally stable
so that it can maintain a consistent viscosity through
a large temperature range. If the viscosity stays con-
stant through the temperature range of operation,
transmission operation and shift feel will remain con-
sistent. Transmission fluid must also be a good con-
ductor of heat. The fluid must absorb heat from the
internal transmission components and transfer that
heat to the transmission case.
FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
2DESCRIPTIONSPECIFICATION
FUEL TANK
Short Box (Lt. Duty) 98 L (26 gal.)*
Long Box (Lt. Duty) 132 L (35 gal.)*
ENGINE OIL WITH FILTER
3.7L 4.7 L (5.0 qts.)
4.7L 5.6 L (6.0 qts.)
5.7L 6.6 L (7.0 qts.)
5.9L 4.7 L (5.0 qts.)
8.0L 6.6 L (7.0 qts.)
5.9L DIESEL 10.4 L (11.0 qts.)
2DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
COOLING SYSTEM
3.7L 15.4 L (16.2 qts.)**
4.7L 15.4 L (16.2 qts.)**
5.7L 15.4L (16.2 qts.)**
5.9L 15.5 L (16.3 qts.)**
8.0L 24L (24.3 qts.)**
5.9L Diesel Engine 28L (29.5 qts.)**
POWER STEERING
Power steering fluid capacities are dependent on engine/
chassis options as well as steering gear/cooler options.
Depending on type and size of internal cooler, length and
inside diameter of cooler lines, or use of an auxiliary cooler,
these capacities may vary. Refer to 19, Steering for proper
fill and bleed procedures.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Fill - 46RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 46RE 9-9.5L (19-20 pts.)L
Service Fill - 45RFE/
545RFE4X2 - 5.2 L (11.0 pts.)
4X4 - 6.2 L (13.0 pts.)
O-haul - 45RFE/545RFE 14-16 L (29-33 pts.)L
LDry fill capacity Depending on type and size of internal
cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or use of
an auxiliary cooler, these figures may vary. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC/FLUID -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NV3500 4X2 2.3 L (4.8 pts.)
NV3500 4X4 2.0 L (4.2 pts.)
NV4500 3.8 L (8.0 pts.)
NV5600 4.5 L (9.5 pts.)
TRANSFER CASE
NV241 GENII 1.6 L (3.4 pts.)
NV243 1.6 L (3.4 pts.)
NV271 1.89 L (4.0 pts.)
NV273 1.89 L (4.0 pts.)
FRONT AXLE   .03 L (1 oz)
C205F 1.66 L (3.5 pts.)
9 1/4 AA 2.25 L (4.75 pts.)
REAR AXLE   .03 L (1 oz)
9 1/4 2.32 L (4.9 pts.)***
10 1/2 AA 2.25 L (4.75 pts.)
11 1/2 AA 3.62 L (7.65 pts)
*** With Trac-Lok add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Limited Slip Additive.
** Includes 0.9L (1.0 qts.) for coolant reservoir.
*Nominal refill capacities are shown. A variation may be
observed from vehicle to vehicle due to manufacturing
tolerance and refill procedure.
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 5
FLUID TYPES (Continued)

REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR
DESCRIPTION.........................38
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK.............................38
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................39
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS (3500)
REMOVAL.............................40INSTALLATION.........................40
SHOCK
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
SPRING
DESCRIPTION.........................41
OPERATION...........................41
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
SPRING TIP INSERTS
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
REAR
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension is comprised of:
²Shock Absorbers
²Jounce Bumpers
²Stabilizer Bar (optional)
²Leaf Springs
²Auxiliary Leaf Spring (3500 series)
²Auxiliary Spring Bumpers (3500 series)
²Drive Axle
CAUTION: A vehicle should always be loaded so
the vehicle weight center-line is located immedi-
ately forward of the rear axle. Correct vehicle load-
ing provides proper front tire-to-road contact. This
results in maximum vehicle handling stability and
safety. Incorrect vehicle weight distribution can
cause excessive tire tread wear, spring fatigue or
failure, and erratic steering.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be
tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is
important to have the springs supporting the weight
of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If
springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle
ride comfort could be affected and premature bush-
ing wear may occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deterio-
rate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check
for broken and shifted leafs, loose and missing clips,
and broken center bolts. Refer to Spring and Shock
Absorber Diagnosis chart for additional information.
2 - 38 REARDR

SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SPRING SAGS 1. Broken leaf. 1. Replace spring.
2. Spring fatigue. 2. Replace spring.
SPRING NOISE 1. Loose spring clamp bolts. 1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings. 2. Replace bushings.
3. Worn or missing spring tip inserts. 3. Replace spring tip inserts.
SHOCK NOISE 1. Loose mounting fastener. 1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings. 2. Replace shock.
3. Leaking shock. 3. Replace shock.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber
Lower Nut135 100 Ð
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut135 100 Ð
Spring Clamp U-Bolts
Nuts149 110 Ð
Spring
Front & Rear Bolt & Nut163 120 Ð
Spring
Spring Rear Shackle Nuts163 120 Ð
Jounce Bumper
Bolts40 30 Ð
Auxialiary Spring Bumpers 41 30 Ð
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the spring from the vehicle.
(2) Make small relief cuts in the flared up end of
the bushing metal being careful not to cut the spring.
Use a punch to bend the flared bushing metal down
for push out.
(3) Position the spring eye in a press.
(4) Press the bushing out with an appropriate size
driver.
INSTALLATION
(1) Press new bushing into the spring eye with an
appropriate size driver. The bushing should be cen-
tered in the spring eye.
(2) Stake the outermetal of the bushing in a mini-
mum of six points to retain the bushing.
(3) Install the spring on the vehicle.
DRREAR 2 - 39
REAR (Continued)

JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the two bolts securing the jounce
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 1).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the jounce bumper.
(2) Install the two bolts securing the jounce
bumper to the bracket. Tighten the bolts to 40 N´m
(30 ft. lbs.).
AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS
(3500)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut securing the auxiliary spring
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 2).
(2) Remove the auxiliary spring bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the auxiliary spring bumper.
(2) Install the nut securing the auxiliary spring
bumper to the bracket (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut to 61
N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
SHOCK
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and support the axle.
(2) Remove the upper shock bolt and nut (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
(4)
Remove the rear shock absorber from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the shock absorber in the brackets.
(2) Install the bolts through the brackets and the
shock. Install the flag nut on the top bolt and nut on
lower bolt.
(3) Tighten the upper and lower bolt/nuts Tighten
to 135 N.m (100 ft. lbs.)
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
Fig. 1 JOUNCE BUMPER
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - JOUNCE BUMPER
Fig. 2 AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPER (3500)
1 - NUTS
2 - AUXILIARY SPRING BUMPERS
Fig. 3 SHOCK ABSORBER
1 - NUT
2 - AXLE
3 - SHOCK ABSORBER
2 - 40 REARDR

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE OR LOOSEN THE
RADIATOR CAP WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM HOT
AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM
THE COOLANT OR HIGH PRESSURE STEAM CAN
OCCUR.
For 3.7L / 4.7L/5.9L engines, remove the radiator
cap from the coolant degas bottle to add coolant.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. In.
Lbs. Lbs.
Automatic Belt Tensioner to
BlockÐBolts 41 30 Ð
Automatic Belt Tensioner
PulleyÐBolt 61 45 Ð
Block HeaterÐBolt 2 Ð 17
Generator/Compressor
Mounting BracketÐBolts
# 1 and 2 54 40 Ð
# 3 40 30 Ð
Fan Shroud to Radiator
MountingÐBolts6Ð55
Radiator to Support - Bolts 8.5 Ð 75
Fan Blade to Viscous Fan
DriveÐBolts24 18 Ð
Idler PulleyÐBolt 54 40 Ð
Thermostat HousingÐBolts
- All Except 5.9L13 Ð 112
Thermostat HousingÐBolts
- 5.9L23 16 Ð
Power Steering Oil Cooler
Ð Bolts6Ð55
Transmission Auxiliary Oil
CoolerÐBolts 6 Ð 55
Transmission Oil Cooler
Tube Nuts31.5 24 Ð
Coolant Bottle Ð Bolts 8.5 Ð 75
Transmission Oil Cooler to
Transmission - 5.9L/46RE -
Tube Nuts 31.5 24 Ð
Transmission Oil Cooler to
Transmission - 3.7L/4.7L/
45RFE - Tube Nuts20 18 Ð
Water PumpÐBolts 24 18 Ð
Water Pump Ð Bolts - 4.7L 58 43 Ð
SPECIFICATIONS -
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
3.7/4.7L Engine 15.4L (16.2 qts.)- to the
middle of the cold fill
range
5.7L Engine 15.4L (16.2 qts.)- to the
middle of the cold fill
range
5.9L Engine 15.5L (16.3 qts.)- to the
MIN mark after 3 warm
up, cool down cycles
8.0L Engine 24L (25.3 qts.)
5.9L Diesel Engine 28L (29.5 qts.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
COOLING
Pliers Constant Pressure Hose Clamp - 6094
3/8º Quick Connect Release Tool - 6935
SPANNER WRENCHÐ6958
7 - 20 COOLINGDR
COOLING (Continued)

ers are supplied as standard equipment on diesel
engine powered models when equipped with an auto-
matic transmission.
The main water-to-oil transmission oil cooler is
mounted to a bracket on the intake side of the engine
(Fig. 4).
The air-to-oil cooler is located in front of and to the
left side of the radiator (Fig. 5).
OPERATION
The transmission oil is routed through the main
cooler first, then the auxiliary cooler where addi-
tional heat is removed from the transmission oil
before returning to the transmission. The cooler has
an internal thermostat that controls fluid flow
through the cooler. When the transmission fluid is
cold (less then operating temperature), the fluid is
routed through the cooler bypass. When the trans-
mission fluid reaches operating temperatures and
above, the thermostat closes off the bypass allowing
fluid flow through the cooler. The thermostat is ser-
vicable.
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐAIR TO OIL COOLER
(1) Remove Charge Air Cooler (Refer to 11 -
EXHAUST SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM/
CHARGE AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING -
REMOVAL).(2) Place a drain pan under the oil cooler.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Disconnect the oil cooler quick-connect fittings
from the transmission lines.
(5) Remove the charge air cooler-to-oil cooler bolt
(Fig. 6).
(6) Remove two mounting nuts.
(7) Remove the oil cooler and line assembly
towards the front of vehicle. Cooler must be rotated
and tilted into position while removing.
REMOVALÐWATER TO OIL COOLER
CAUTION: If a leak should occur in the water-to-oil
cooler mounted to the side of the engine block,
engine coolant may become mixed with transmis-
sion fluid. Transmission fluid may also enter engine
cooling system. Both cooling system and transmis-
sion should be drained and inspected in case of oil
cooler leakage.
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Remove starter (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(3) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Disconnect coolant lines from cooler.
Fig. 4 Transmission Water-To-Oil CoolerÐDiesel
EngineÐTypical
1 - TRANSMISSION WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
Fig. 5 Auxiliary Transmission Oil CoolerÐDiesel
Engine
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - RADIATOR
3 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
4 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
7 - 74 TRANSMISSIONDR
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

(5) Disconnect transmission oil lines from cooler.
Plug cooler lines to prevent oil leakage.
(6) Remove cooler bracket to transmission bolt.
(7) Remove two cooler bracket to cooler bolts.
(8) Remove cooler assembly from vehicle. (Fig. 7)
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONÐAIR TO OIL COOLER
(1) Carefully position the oil cooler assembly to the
vehicle.
(2) Install two nuts and one bolt. Tighten to 11
N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect the quick-connect fittings to the trans-
mission cooler lines.
(4) Install Charge Air Cooler (Refer to 11 -
EXHAUST SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM/
CHARGE AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Start the engine and check all fittings for
leaks.(6) Check the fluid level in the automatic trans-
mission (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 47RE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position oil cooler on cylinder block.
(2) Install two mounting bolts to cooler at the cyl-
inder block. Torque bolts to 77N´m (57 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install cooler bracket to transmission adapter
bolt. Tighten to 24N´M (18 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect transmission oil lines to cooler.
(5) Connect coolant hoses to cooler.
(6) Install starter motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(7) Connect battery negative cables.
(8) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Check transmission oil level and fill as neces-
sary (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 47RE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 6 Auxiliary Transmission Oil CoolerÐDiesel
Engine
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - RADIATOR
3 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
4 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
Fig. 7 Transmission Water-To- Oil CoolerÐDiesel
1 - TRANSMISSION WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
DRTRANSMISSION 7 - 75
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX
Component Page
4WD Switch......................... 8W-30
A/C Compressor Clutch Relay............ 8W-42
A/C Compressor Clutch................. 8W-42
A/C Pressure Transducer................ 8W-42
A/C-Heater Control.................... 8W-42
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor......... 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Motor................. 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Relay................. 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Switch................ 8W-30
Airbag Control Modules................ 8W-43
Airbags............................. 8W-43
Ambient Temperature Sensor............ 8W-49
Amplifier Audio....................... 8W-47
Auto Shut Down Relay................. 8W-30
Automatic Day/Night Mirror............. 8W-49
Auxiliary Battery..................... 8W-20
Backup Lamp Switch.................. 8W-51
Battery Temperature Sensor............. 8W-30
Battery............................. 8W-20
Blend Door Actuator................... 8W-42
Blower Motor Resistor Block............. 8W-42
Blower Motor......................... 8W-42
Brake Lamp Switch.................... 8W-33
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
Solenoid........................... 8W-40
Camshaft Position Sensor............... 8W-30
Capacitor............................ 8W-30
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp/Cargo
Lamp.......................... 8W-44, 51
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp-
Aftermarket..................... 8W-33, 51
Cigar Lighter Outlet................... 8W-41
Circuit Breaker....................... 8W-10
Clearance Lamps...................... 8W-50
Clockspring................. 8W-33, 41, 43, 47
Clutch Interlock Brake Switch........... 8W-21
Coil On Plugs........................ 8W-30
Compass/Mini-Trip Computer............ 8W-49
Condenser Fan Relay.................. 8W-42
Condenser Fan....................... 8W-42
Controller Antilock Brake............ 8W-34, 35
Crankshaft Position Sensor.............. 8W-30
Cylinder Lock Switch-Driver............. 8W-61
Cylinder Lock Switch-Passenger.......... 8W-61
Data Link Connector................... 8W-18
Data Link Connector-Engine............. 8W-18
Dome Lamp.......................... 8W-44
Door Ajar Switches.................... 8W-40
Door Lock Motor/Ajar Switches........ 8W-40, 61
Door Lock Switch-Passenger............. 8W-61
Driver Door Module.............. 8W-60, 61, 62
Electric Brake Provision............. 8W-33, 54Component Page
Electronic Throttle Control Module........ 8W-30
Engine Control Module................. 8W-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor....... 8W-30
Engine Oil Pressure Switch.............. 8W-30
EVAP/Purge Solenoid.................. 8W-30
Evaporator Temperature Sensor.......... 8W-42
Fender Lamps........................ 8W-51
Fog Lamp Relay...................... 8W-50
Fog Lamps.......................... 8W-50
Front Control Module.................. 8W-10
Fuel Heater Relay..................... 8W-30
Fuel Heater.......................... 8W-30
Fuel Injectors........................ 8W-30
Fuel Injector Packs.................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Module.................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Motor..................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Relay...................... 8W-30
Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor............... 8W-30
Fuses............................... 8W-10
Fusible Link......................... 8W-10
Grounds............................ 8W-15
Generator........................... 8W-20
Glove Box Lamp And Switch............. 8W-44
Headlamp Switch.................. 8W-40, 50
Headlamps.......................... 8W-50
Heated Mirror Relay................... 8W-62
Heated Seat Cushions.................. 8W-63
Heated Seat Switches.................. 8W-63
Horn Relay.......................... 8W-41
Horn Switch......................... 8W-41
Horns.............................. 8W-41
Idle Air Control Motor............ 8W-30, 30-36
Ignition Coils......................... 8W-30
Ignition Switch....................... 8W-10
Inlet Air Temperature/Pressure Sensor..... 8W-30
Input Speed Sensor.................... 8W-31
Instrument Cluster.................... 8W-40
Intake Air Heater Relays............... 8W-30
Intake Air Temperature Sensor........... 8W-30
Intake Air Temperature/Manifold Absolute
Pressure Sensor..................... 8W-30
Integrated Power Module............... 8W-10
Knock Sensors........................ 8W-30
Leak Detection Pump.................. 8W-30
License Lamps....................... 8W-51
Lift Pump Motor...................... 8W-30
Line Pressure Sensor................ 8W-30, 31
Lumbar Motors....................... 8W-63
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor........ 8W-30
Mode Door Actuators................... 8W-42
Multi-Function Switch............ 8W-40, 52, 53
Output Speed Sensor................... 8W-31
DR8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX 8W - 02 - 1