4X4 DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Repair Manual

(2) Install the upper steering coupling shaft seal
by pushing it in securing the four tangs to the panel
(Fig. 16).
NOTE: Note: A new steering coupling shaft pinch
bolt for the upper and lower shafts must be used.
(3) Install the steering coupler shaft to the column
(Fig. 17).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt use new bolt and
tighten to 57 N.m (42 ft.lbs).
(5) Install the shaft to the lower coupler (Fig. 17).
(6) Install the lower pinch bolt use new bolt and
tighten to 57 N.m (42 ft.lbs).
(7) Unlock the steering wheel.
(8) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
LOWER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4 HD
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(3) Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the
straight position.
(4) Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
(5) Mark both coupler connections for proper
installation.
(6) Remove and discard the upper coupler pinch
bolt.
(7) Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch
bolt.
(8) Remove the lower steering shaft coupler (Fig.
18).
REMOVAL - 4X4 HD
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.(3) Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the
straight position.
(4) Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
(5) Remove and discard the upper coupler pinch
bolt (Fig. 20).
(6) Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch
bolt (Fig. 19).
(7) Remove the lower steering shaft coupler (Fig.
20).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4
HD
(1) Install the coupler to the steering rack & pin-
ion using the marks made in the removal process.
Fig. 18 LOWER STEERING COUPLER
Fig. 19 LOWER COUPLER PINCH BOLT
1 - INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
2 - LOWER COUPLING BOLT
3 - STEERING GEAR
19 - 14 COLUMNDR
UPPER STEERING COUPLING (Continued)

(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft
using the marks made in the removal process.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION - 4X4 HD
(1) Install the coupler to the steering gear.
(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Disable and remove the driver's side air-
bag.(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Partially remove the steering wheel bolt and
leave the bolt in the column.
(3) Install puller CJ98-1 or equivalent using the
top of the bolt to push on. (Fig. 21)
(4) Remove and discard the steering wheel bolt.
(5) Remove the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt (a
new bolt must be used)
(1) Install steering wheel to the column
NOTE: Be certain that the steering wheel mounting
bolt is tightened to the proper torque specification
to ensure proper clockspring operation.
(2) Install the new steering wheel bolt. Tighten the
bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the driver's side air bag. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 20 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
1 - UPPER COUPLING BOOT AND BOLT
2 - INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
3 - LOWER COUPLING BOLT
4 - STEERING GEAR
Fig. 21 STEERING WHEEL PULLER
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL CJ98-1
DRCOLUMN 19 - 15
LOWER STEERING COUPLING (Continued)

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION.........................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................19BUSHING
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gears (Fig. 1) is made
up of two main components, the pinon shaft and the
rack. The gear cannot be adjusted or internally ser-
viced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear
must be replaced as an assembly.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(1) Lock the steering wheel.(2) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Remove and discard the steering coupler pinch
bolt.
(5) Remove the power steering hoses from the rack
& pinion.
(6) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(7) Remove the tie rod end nuts and separate tie
rod ends from the knuckles with Special tool 8677
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE -
REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the rack & pinion mounting bolts. (Fig.
2) & (Fig. 3)
(10) Remove the rack & pinion from the vehicle.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - OUTER TIE ROD ENDS
2 - MOUNTING BUSHINGS
3 - BELLOWS
Fig. 2 STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS
1 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS 4X4
DRGEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 17

INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before installing gear inspect bushings and
replace if worn or damaged.
NOTE: In the frame there is two holes for the
mounting of the steering gear one is slotted and
one is round, When tightening the gear to specifi-
cations make sure to tighten the mounting bolt with
the hole first to avoided movement of the steering
gear.
(1) Install the gear on the front crossmember and
tighten the mounting bolts to 319 N´m (235 ft. lbs.).
(Fig. 4) & (Fig. 3).
(2) Slide the shaft coupler onto the gear. Install
newpinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.).
(3) Clean and dry the tie rod end studs and the
knuckle tapers.
(4) Install the tie rod ends into the steering knuck-
les and tighten the nuts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) thenan additional 90É. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINK-
AGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the pressure power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 32 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(6) Install the return power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 71 N´m (52 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Install the front skid plate (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE
- INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(10) Fill the system with fluid, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Adjust the toe position. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
Fig. 3 STEERING GEAR 4X2
1-SWAYBAR
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
5 - LEFT INNER & RIGHT OUTER (TIE ROD ENDS)
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR 4X4
1 - FRONT AXLE
2 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING NUTS & BUSHINGS
19 - 18 GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

(3) Remove rubber spline seal from end of main-
shaft (Fig. 9). The seal is used to prevent lubricant
loss during shipping and does not have to be replaced
if damaged.
FIFTH GEAR NUT
(1) Remove extension/adapter housing.
(2) Loosen fifth gear clamp nut clamping screw
approximately 1 1/2 turns.
(3) Install Wrench 6743 on fifth gear nut (Fig. 10).
NOTE: Wrench only fits one way on nut. Make sure
wrench is fully engaged in nut slots and is not cocked.
(4)Install Socket 6993 4X2 or Socket 6984 4X4 with
breaker bar to hold mainshaft and remove fifth gear nut.
NOTE: Wedge breaker bar handle against workbench.
Purpose of socket wrench and breaker bar is to pre-
vent mainshaft from turning while nut is loosened.
(5) Remove fifth gear nut, then remove belleville
washer from mainshaft.
FIFTH GEAR
(1) Remove fifth gear shift fork roll pins (Fig. 11).
Drive roll pins out from the bottom of fork.
(2) Remove fifth gear clutch hub and gear snap
ring from countershaft (Fig. 12).
(3) Remove countershaft fifth gear clutch gear and
stop ring.
(4) Tap off fifth gear shift fork and gear assembly
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.
Fig. 10 FIFTH GEAR NUT
1 - WRENCH
2 - FIFTH GEAR NUT
3 - SPLINE SOCKET
Fig. 9 MAINSHAFT SPLINE SEAL
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - RUBBER SPLINE SEAL
Fig. 11 FIFTH GEAR SHIFT FORK ROLL PINS
1 - ROLL PINS
2 - FIFTH GEAR SHIFT FORK
Fig. 12 FIFTH GEAR CLUTCH GEAR SNAP RING
1 - CLUTCH GEAR RING
2 - FIFTH SYNCHRO CLUTCH GEAR
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 47
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(7) Remove countershaft fifth gear needle bearing
assembly (Fig. 13).
(8) Remove coned shape rear bearing thrust
washer from countershaft (Fig. 14).
NOTE: Note washer bore locating notch for assem-
bly reference.
(9) Remove thrust washer locating pin from coun-
tershaft.(10) Remove mainshaft fifth gear with Puller Set
6444 and Jaw 6459 or 6820. Position first Jaw on
gear (Fig. 15).
(11) Assemble Puller Flange 6444-1and Puller
Rods 6444-3 4X2 or 6444-4 4X4 (Fig. 16). Slide
assembly onto output shaft and seat flange in notch
of jaw.
Fig. 13 COUNTERSHAFT FIFTH GEAR NEEDLE
BEARING
1 - NEEDLE BEARING
2 - COUNTERSHAFT
Fig. 14 COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING THRUST
WASHER
1 - THRUST WASHER
2 - THRUST WASHER PIN
Fig. 15 JAW ON MAINSHAFT FIFTH GEAR
1 - MAINSHAFT FIFTH GEAR
2-JAW
3 - MAINSHAFT
Fig. 16 PULLER FLANGE
1-JAW
2 - PULLER FLANGE
21 - 48 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(18) Remove mainshaft rear bearing, with Puller
Flange 6444-1 and Puller Rods 6444-3 for 4X2 or
6444-4 for 4X4.
(19) Position the first Jaw 6445 on the bearing
cone and seat Puller Flange 6444-1 in notch of jaw
(Fig. 57).
(20) Install second Jaw 6445 on the bearing cone
and puller flange. Slide Collar 6444-8 over jaws to
hold them in place.
(21) Install Puller 6444 on the puller rods and
secure with nuts (Fig. 58). Tighten puller bolt to the
remove bearing.
Fig. 57 MAINSHAFT REAR BEARING PULLER
1 - REAR BEARING
2 - FLANGE
3-JAW
4 - COLLAR5 - MAINSHAFT
6 - PULLER
7 - RODS
8-JAW
21 - 60 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(8) Assemble and install fifth synchro clutch gear
and stop ring in fifth gear hub (Fig. 124). Verify
parts are seated in fifth gear hub.
(9) Install clutch gear snap ring (Fig. 125).
(10) Align roll pin holes in shift fork with notches
in shift lug rail. Then install roll pins from top side
of fork (Fig. 122).
NOTE: Roll pins only fit one way due to small
shoulder at one end of each pin.
FIFTH GEAR NUT
(1) Install belleville washer onto the mainshaft.
(2) Install fifth gear nut over the mainshaft.
(3) Tighten the clamp bolt until the gap in the
clamp nut assembly is closed.
(4) Back the clamp bolt off one full turn.(5) Place 10-15 drops of Loctite 272 onto the main-
shaft threads where the fifth gear nut will be
engaged.
(6) Install fifth gear nut on mainshaft (Fig. 126).
(7) Hold mainshaft Socket 6993 4X2 or Socket
6984 4X4 while installing the fifth gear nut.
(8) Tighten fifth gear nut as much as possible with
Wrench 6743, long handle ratchet, breaker bar and
applicable socket wrench (Fig. 127).
(9) Lock mainshaft gears by shifting all synchro
sleeves into engaged position.
Fig. 124 FIFTH SYNCHRO CLUTCH GEAR AND
STOP RING
1 - STOP RING
2 - CLUTCH GEAR
Fig. 125 FIFTH SYNCHRO CLUTCH SNAP RING
1 - CLUTCH GEAR RING
2 - FIFTH SYNCHRO CLUTCH GEAR
Fig. 126 FIFTH GEAR NUT
1 - FIFTH GEAR
2 - FIFTH GEAR NUT
Fig. 127 FIFTH GEAR NUT
1 - WRENCH
2 - FIFTH GEAR NUT
3 - SOCKET
21 - 78 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

(3) Remove crossover detent plug, spring and
plunger from the extension/adapter housing (Fig. 13).
(4) Remove bolt and washer holding the crossover
cam to the extension/adapter housing (Fig. 14).
(5) Remove crossover cam from the extension/
adapter housing.(6) Remove back-up lamp switch from the exten-
sion/adapter housing.
(7) Remove countershaft rear bearing race from
the extension/adapter housing with Remover L-4518
(Fig. 15).
NOTE: Tag all countershaft pre-load shims from
between the bearing race and the housing (Fig. 16).
(8) Remove crossover cam bushing from the exten-
sion/adapter housing with Remover 8240.
(9) On 4X2 vehicles, remove extension housing
seal with a pry tool or a slide hammer and screw.
(10) On 4X4 vehicles, remove adapter housing seal
with a pry tool or a slide hammer and screw.
Fig. 13 CROSSOVER CAM DETENT PLUG
1 - DETENT PLUG
2 - EXTENSION HOUSING
Fig. 14 CROSSOVER CAM BOLT
1 - CROSSOVER CAM
2 - BOLT
3 - EXTENSION HOUSING
Fig. 15 COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING RACE
1 - REMOVER
Fig. 16 COUNTERSHAFT REAR BEARING RACE
AND SHIM
1 - PRE-LOAD SHIM
2 - BEARING RACE
21 - 94 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)

OUTPUT SHAFT BEARINGS
(1) Remove snap-ring holding the pocket bearing
onto the output shaft.
(2) Remove pocket bearing from the output shaft
with Sleeve 6444-8, Jaws 8234, Puller Rods 6444-4
and the remainder of Puller 6444 (Fig. 33).
(3) Remove snap-ring holding the rear output shaft
bearing onto the output shaft.
(4) Use Collar 6444-8, Jaws 8271 and Puller Rods
6444-3 for 4X2 vehicles or Puller Rods 6444-4 for 4X4
vehicles with the remainder of Puller 6444 to remove
the rear output shaft bearing from the output shaft.
(5) Remove rear output shaft thrust washer from
the output shaft.
INPUT SHAFT
(1) Remove fifth gear blocker ring from the input
shaft (Fig. 34).
(2) Remove fifth gear friction cone from the input
shaft (Fig. 35).
Fig. 33 OUTPUT SHAFT POCKET BEARING
1 - PULLER
2-JAWS
Fig. 34 FIFTH GEAR BLOCKER RING
1 - FIFTH GEAR BLOCKER RING
2 - INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 35 FIFTH GEAR FRICTION CONE
1 - FRICTION CONE
2 - INPUT SHAFT
21 - 100 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)