DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

LINKAGE - 2WD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE - 2WD
DESCRIPTION...........................38
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................38
LUBRICATION.........................38REMOVAL..............................38
INSTALLATION...........................39
SPECIFICATIONS........................39
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................39
LINKAGE - 2WD
DESCRIPTION
Light duty (LD) and heavy duty (HD) steering link-
age is used with IFS suspensions. The linkage is
comprised of a idler arm, pitman arm, center link
and tie rod ends. Heavy duty linkage is used on 8800
and 10500 lb. GVW vehicles.
CAUTION: If any steering components are replaced
or serviced an alignment must be performed.
NOTE: When servicing the steering linkage, use
care to avoid damaging ball stud seals. Use Puller
C-3894±A or an appropriate puller to remove tie rod
ends (Fig. 1).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION
Periodic lubrication of the idler arm is required.
Refer to Lubrication And Maintenance for the recom-
mended maintenance schedule.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut from the tie-rod.
(2) Remove the tie-rod end ball studs from the
steering knuckles with an appropriate puller.
(3) Remove inner tie-rod ends from center link .
(4) Remove idler arm stud from center link with
an appropriate puller. Remove the idler arm bolt
from frame bracket.
(5) Remove pitman arm ball stud from center link.
(6) Mark the pitman arm and shaft positions for
installation reference. Remove pitman arm with
Puller C-4150A (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Tie Rod End
1 - CLAMP
2 - ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE
3 - PULLER TOOL C-3894±A
4 - SEAL
5 - TIE-ROD END
Fig. 2 Pitman Arm
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4150-A
3 - WRENCH
19 - 38 LINKAGE - 2WDBR/BE

INSTALLATION
(1) Position idler arm on the frame bracket and
tighten the bolt to specification.
(2) Center steering gear to alignment marks and
install pitman arm.
(3)
Install the lock washer and retaining nut on the
pitman shaft. Tighten the nut to 251 N´m (185 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install center link to ball studs and tighten
retaining nuts to specification.
(5) Install tie-rod ends into center link and tighten
the nuts to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.). Install new nuts.(6) Install tie-rod ends into steering knuckles and
tighten nuts to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(7) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to
the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe,
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retain-
ing bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.
(8) After adjustment, tighten the tie-rod adjust-
ment sleeve clamp bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Pitman Arm
Gear Nut250 185 Ð
Pitman Arm
Center Link Nut11 5 8 5 Ð
Idler Arm
Mounting Bolts271 200 Ð
Idler Arm
Center Link Nut88 65 Ð
Tie Rod
Knuckle Nut108 80 Ð
Tie Rod
Center Link Nut88 65 Ð
Tie Rod
Adjuster Clamp61 45 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING LINKAGE
Remover Ball Stud MB-991113
Puller Tie Rod C-3894-A
Remover Pitman C-4150A
BR/BELINKAGE - 2WD 19 - 39
LINKAGE - 2WD (Continued)

LINKAGE - 4WD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE - 4WD
DESCRIPTION...........................40
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................40
LUBRICATION.........................40REMOVAL..............................40
INSTALLATION...........................41
SPECIFICATIONS........................41
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................42
LINKAGE - 4WD
DESCRIPTION
The steering linkage is comprised of a tie rod end,
tie rod, drag link, steering damper and pitman arm
(Fig. 1).
CAUTION: If any steering components are replaced
or serviced an alignment must be performed.
NOTE: To avoid damaging ball stud seals, use
Puller C-3894±A or an appropriate puller to remove
tie rod ends (Fig. 2).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION
Periodic lubrication of the steering system compo-
nents is required. Refer to Lubrication And Mainte-
nance for the recommended maintenance schedule.
The following components must be lubricated:
²Tie rod
²Tie rod end
²Drag link
REMOVAL
(1) Remove steering damper mounting nuts and
bolts and remove damper.
(2) Remove tie rod nuts.
(3) Remove tie rod from drag link and left knuckle
with Puller C-4150A.
(4) Remove drag and nuts.
(5) Remove drag link from right knuckle and pit-
man arm with Puller C-4150A.
(6) Mark the pitman arm and shaft positions for
installation reference. Remove the nut and washer
from the pitman arm. Remove the pitman arm with
Puller C-4150A.
Fig. 1 Steering Linkage
1 - DRAG LINK
2 - PITMAN ARM
3 - STEERING GEAR
4 - TIE ROD END
5 - TIE ROD
6 - DAMPER
Fig. 2 Tie Rod End
1 - CLAMP
2 - ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE
3 - PULLER TOOL C-3894±A
4 - SEAL
5 - TIE-ROD END
19 - 40 LINKAGE - 4WDBR/BE

INSTALLATION
(1) Align reference marks and install pitman arm.
(2) Install the lock washer and retaining nut on
the pitman shaft and tighten nut to 251 N´m (185 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Install drag link to the pitman arm. Install the
nut and tighten to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install drag link to the right steering knuckle.
Install the nut and tighten to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install tie rod to the left steering knuckle and
drag link. Install the nuts and tighten to 108 N´m
(80 ft. lbs.).(6) Install steering damper on the axle. Tighten
nut to 95 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install steering damper on the tie rod. Tighten
nut to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(8) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to
the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe,
refer to Group 2 Suspension.
(9) After adjustment tighten tie rod adjustment
sleeve clamp bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retaining
bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Pitman Arm
Gear Shaft251 185 Ð
Drag Link
Pitman Arm108 80 Ð
Drag Link
Tie Rod88 65 Ð
Drag Link
Adjuster Clamp61 45 Ð
Tie Rod End
Knuckle108 80 Ð
Tie Rod End
Adjuster Clamp61 45 Ð
Steering Damper
Axle95 70 Ð
Steering Damper
Tie Rod81 60 Ð
BR/BELINKAGE - 4WD 19 - 41
LINKAGE - 4WD (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING LINKAGE
Remover Ball Stud MB-991113
Puller Tie Rod C-3894-A
Remover Pitman C-4150A
19 - 42 LINKAGE - 4WDBR/BE

TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
MANUAL - NV3500........................1
MANUAL - NV4500.......................44
MANUAL - NV5600.......................91
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE........134
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE........305AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE........477
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 47RE........648
TRANSFER CASE - NV231HD..............820
TRANSFER CASE - NV241LD..............855
TRANSFER CASE - NV241HD..............890
MANUAL - NV3500
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
MANUAL - NV3500
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................3
MANUAL TRANSMISSION.................3
REMOVAL...............................3
DISASSEMBLY............................5CLEANING..............................15
INSPECTION............................15
ASSEMBLY.............................17
INSTALLATION...........................40
SPECIFICATIONS........................41
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................41
MANUAL - NV3500
DESCRIPTION
The NV3500 is a medium-duty 5-speed, constant
mesh fully synchronized manual transmission. Fifth
gear is an overdrive range with a ratio of 0.73:1. The
NV3500 is available in two and four-wheel drive con-
figurations.
The transmission gear case consists of two alumi-
num housings (Fig. 1). The clutch housing is not a
removable component. It is an integral part of the
transmission front housing.
A combination of roller and ball bearings are used
to support the transmission shafts in the two hous-
ings. The transmission gears all rotate on caged type
needle bearings. A roller bearing is used between the
input and output shaft.
The transmission has a single shaft shift mecha-
nism with three shift forks all mounted on the shaft.
The shaft is supported in the front and rear housings
by bushings and one linear ball bearing. Internal
shift components consist of the forks, shaft, shift
lever socket, and detent components
GEAR RATIOS
Gear ratios is as follows:
GEAR RATIO
FIRST 4.02:1
SECOND 2.32:1
THIRD 1.40:1
FOURTH 1:1
FIFTH 0.73:1
REVERSE 3.55:1
OPERATION
The manual transmission receives power through
the clutch assembly from the engine. The clutch disc
is splined to the transmission input shaft and is
turned at engine speed at all times that the clutch is
engaged. The input shaft is connected to the trans-
mission countershaft through the mesh of fourth
speed gear on the input shaft and the fourth counter-
shaft gear. At this point, all the transmission gears
are spinning.
BR/BETRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE 21 - 1

Fig. 1 NV3500 Manual Transmission
21 - 2 MANUAL - NV3500BR/BE
MANUAL - NV3500 (Continued)

The driver selects a particular gear by moving the
shift lever to the desired gear position. This move-
ment moves the internal transmission shift compo-
nents to begin the shift sequence. As the shift lever
moves the selected shift rail, the shift fork attached
to that rail begins to move. The fork is positioned in
a groove in the outer circumference of the synchro-
nizer sleeve. As the shift fork moves the synchronizer
sleeve, the synchronizer begins to speed-up or slow
down the selected gear (depending on whether we are
up-shifting or down-shifting). The synchronizer does
this by having the synchronizer hub splined to the
mainshaft, or the countershaft in some cases, and
moving the blocker ring into contact with the gear's
friction cone. As the blocker ring and friction cone
come together, the gear speed is brought up or down
to the speed of the synchronizer. As the two speeds
match, the splines on the inside of the synchronizer
sleeve become aligned with the teeth on the blocker
ring and the friction cone and eventually will slide
over the teeth, locking the gear to the mainshaft, or
countershaft, through the synchronizer.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
A low transmission lubricant level is generally the
result of a leak, inadequate lubricant fill or an incor-
rect lubricant level check.
Leaks can occur at the mating surfaces of the gear
case, adaptor or extension housing, or from the front/
rear seals. A suspected leak could also be the result
of an overfill condition.
Leaks at the rear of the extension or adapter hous-
ing will be from the housing oil seals. Leaks at com-
ponent mating surfaces will probably be the result of
inadequate sealer, gaps in the sealer, incorrect bolt
tightening or use of a non-recommended sealer.
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 bezel screws and slide boot
upward on shift lever extension.
(4) Remove shift lever extension from the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(5) Remove bolts attaching shift tower and lever
assembly to rear case. Then remove shift tower and
lever assembly.
(6) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(7) Remove crankshaft position sensor. Retain sen-
sor attaching bolts.
(8) Remove skid plate, if equipped.
(9) Drain transmission lubricant if transmission
will be disassembled for service.
(10) Mark propeller shaft/shafts and yoke/yokes for
installation reference and remove propeller shaft/
shafts.
(11) Disengage harness from clips on transmission
housing.
(12) Support engine with adjustable jack stand
and wood block.
(13) Drain transmission lubricant if transmission
will be disassembled for service.
BR/BEMANUAL - NV3500 21 - 3
MANUAL - NV3500 (Continued)

TWO WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Remove nuts attaching rear mount to cross-
member (Fig. 2). Then remove insulator from exten-
sion housing if necessary.
(2) Remove bolts and nuts attaching crossmember
to frame rails. Rotate crossmember diagonally and
remove crossmember.
(3) Disconnect exhaust as necessary.
(4) Remove slave cylinder attaching nuts and
remove cylinder from clutch housing.
(5) Remove starter motor.
(6) Support and secure transmission with safety
chains to a transmission jack.
(7) Remove nuts/bolts attaching transmission front
housing to engine.
(8) Remove transmission dust shield.
(9) Move transmission rearward until input shaft
is clear of clutch disc and cover. Then lower jack and
remove transmission from under vehicle.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Disconnect transfer case shift linkage at trans-
fer case range lever.
(2) Remove bolts attaching shift linkage bracket to
transfer case and move linkage and bracket aside.
(3) Support transfer case with transmission jack.
(4) Remove nuts attaching transfer case to trans-
mission adapter housing.(5) Remove transfer case with aid of helper.
(6) Support engine with a jack stand and a wood
block.
(7) Remove nuts and bolts attaching support
bracket and cushions to fixed crossmember.
(8) Remove nuts and bolts attaching removable
crossmember to frame rails.
(9) Remove crossmember.
(10) Disconnect exhaust as necessary.
(11) Remove slave cylinder attaching nuts and
remove cylinder from clutch housing. Move cylinder
aside for working clearance.
(12) Remove clutch housing dust cover.
(13) On some models, it may be necessary to
remove front axle struts and oil filter for access and
removal clearance. Remove these components if nec-
essary.
(14) Support transmission with transmission jack.
Secure transmission to jack with safety chains.
(15) Remove bolts attaching transmission clutch
housing to engine block.
(16) Move transmission rearward until transmis-
sion input shaft is clear of clutch disc and cover.
Then lower jack and remove transmission from under
vehicle.
Fig. 2 Transmission Rear Support Brackets
21 - 4 MANUAL - NV3500BR/BE
MANUAL - NV3500 (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
FRONT HOUSING
(1) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(2) If lubricant was not drained out of transmis-
sion during removal, remove drain plug and drain
lubricant.
(3) Inspect drain plug magnet for debris.
(4) Remove backup light switch located on passen-
ger side of rear housing (Fig. 3).
(5) Remove shift tower bolts and remove tower and
lever assembly (Fig. 4).(6) Remove shift shaft lock bolt (Fig. 5). Bolt is
located at top of front housing just forward of shift
tower. Bolt is a shoulder bolt that secures the shift
shaft bushing and lever.
(7) Remove bolts attaching input shaft bearing
retainer to front housing and remove retainer.
NOTE: Use pry tool to carefully lift retainer and
break sealer bead (Fig. 6).
(8) Remove bearing retainer from input shaft (Fig.
7).
(9) Remove snap ring that secures input shaft in
front bearing (Fig. 8).
Fig. 3 Backup Light Switch
1 - BACKUP LIGHT SWITCH
Fig. 4 Shift Tower
1 - SHIFT TOWER AND LEVER ASSEMBLY
2 - SHIFT SOCKET
3 - SEAL
Fig. 5 Shift Shaft Lock Bolt
1 - SHIFT SHAFT LOCK BOLT
2 - SHAFT SOCKET
Fig. 6 Loosening Bearing
1-PRYTOOL
2 - INPUT SHAFT BEARING RETAINER
BR/BEMANUAL - NV3500 21 - 5
MANUAL - NV3500 (Continued)