transfer case DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G User Guide

Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
and transfer case (if equipped), add as needed.
²Check Filter MinderŸ. Replace air cleaner
filter element if necessary.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front sus-
pension components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Tire Rotation
²Rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12 000 km).
Engine Oil Change Chart Notes
²LTier 1 EPA (250 hp or 305 hp) Engines Only
(see engine data label for your engine type)
²² California LEV (235 hp) Engines Only (see
engine data label for your engine type)
Schedule ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your
vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É
F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
²Off-road or desert operation.
Miles 3,750 7,500 11,250 15,000 18,750
(Kilometers) (6 000) (12 000) (18 000) (24 000) (30 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 22,500 26,250 30,000 33,750 37,500
(Kilometers) (36 000) (42 000) (48 000) (54 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
Miles 41,250 45,000 48,750 52,500 56,250
(Kilometers) (66 000) (72 000) (78 000) (84 000) (90 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
0 - 14 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 60,000 63,750 67,500 71,250 75,000
(Kilometers) (96 000) (102 000) (108 000) (114 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.XX
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.XX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
Miles 78,750 82,500 86,250 90,000 93,750
(Kilometers) (126 000) (132 000) (138 000) (144 000) (150 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect fan hub.X
Inspect damper.X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 97,500 100,000 101,250 105,000 108,750 112,500
(Kilometers) (156 000) (160 000) (162 000) (168 000) (174 000) (180 000)
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXX
Flush and replace engine
coolant.X
Inspect drive belt, replace as
required.X
Inspect water pump weep
hole for blockage.X
Replace fuel filter element.
Clean the water in fuel sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking
brake if necessary.X
Miles 116,250 120,000 123,750 127,500 131,250 135,000
(Kilometers) (186 000) (192 000) (198 000) (204 000) (210 000) (216 000)
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.X² XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXX
Clean engine air filter canister.X
Adjust valve lash clearance.X
Inspect drive belts, replace as
required.X
Drain and refill transfer case
fluid (4X4).X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep
hole for blockage.XX
Replace fuel filter element.
Clean the water in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking
brake if necessary.XX
Drain and refill automatic
transmission fluid. Replace
filter and adjust bands.X
0 - 16 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²LTier 1 EPA (250 hp or 305 hp) Engines Only
(see engine data label for your engine type)
²² California LEV (235 hp) Engines Only (see
engine data label for your engine type)Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Schedule ªAº
Miles 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500
(Kilometers) (12 000) (24 000) (36 000) (48 000) (60 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X²XL²X²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage X X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect drive belts, replace as necessary. X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Inspect fan hub.X
Inspect damper.X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Miles 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000
(Kilometers) (72 000) (84 000) (96 000) (108 000) (120 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Check transfer case fluid level. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60
months, regardless of mileage.X
Inspect drive belts, replace as necessary. X X
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage X X X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.XX
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensorX
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 82,500 90,000 97,500 100,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (132 000) (144 000) (156 000) (160 000) (168 000)
[Months] [66] [72] [78] [84]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X² XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not
done at 60 mos.X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for
blockage.XX
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water
in fuel sensor.XX
Inspect front wheel bearings. X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if
necessary.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.X
Miles 112,500 120,000 127,500 135,000 142,500 150,000
(Kilometers) (181 000) (193 000) (205 000) (217 000) (229 000) (241 000)
[Months] [90] [96] [102] [108] [114] [150]
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.X² XL²X²XL²X² XL²
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXXXX X
Flush and replace engine
coolant, if it has been 160
000 km (100, 000 miles) or 60
months since last change.X
Inspect drive belt, replace as
required.XX
Drain and refill transfer case
fluid (4X4).X
Check tranfer case fluid level
(4X4).X
Inspect fan hub. X X
Inspect damper. X X
Inspect water pump weep
hole for blockage.XXX
Replace fuel filter element.
Clean the water in fuel
sensor.XXX
0 - 18 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4X4
(1) Install the stabilizer link to the vehicle.
(2) Install the lower nut and Tighten to 102 N´m
(75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the retainers, grommets and upper nut
and Tighten to 38 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 4X2
(1) Install the stabilizer link to the vehicle (Fig.
29).
(2) Install the lower nut and Tighten to 102 N´m
(75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the retainers, grommets and upper nut
and Tighten to 38 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
TORSION BAR
DESCRIPTION
The front of the bar connects to the back side of
the lower suspension arm. The rear end of the bar is
mounted in a anchor that rests in the frame cross-
member.
OPERATION
The torsion bars are used to control ride height
and ride quality. The vehicle height is adjusted
through an anchor adjustment bolt that increases or
decreases the wind up of the torsion bar. Increasing
or decreasing the bar angle changes the wind up of
the suspension arms.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: The left and right side torsion bars are
NOT interchangeable. The bars are identified and
stamped R or L, for right or left. The bars do not
have a front or rear end and can be installed with
either end facing forward.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle with the front
suspension hanging.
(2) Remove the transfer case skid plate (Refer to
13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER
CASE SKID PLATE - REMOVAL).
NOTE: Count and record the number of turns for
installation reference.
(3) Mark the adjustment bolt setting.
(4) Install Special Tool - 8686 to the anchor arm
and the cross member (Fig. 30).(5) Increase the tension on the anchor arm tool
until the load is removed from the adjustment bolt
and the adjuster nut (Fig. 30).
(6) Turn the adjustment bolt counterclockwise to
remove the bolt and the adjuster nut..
(7) Remove the Special Tool - 8686, allowing the
torsion bar to unload (Fig. 30).
(8) Remove torsion bar and anchor. Remove anchor
from torsion bar (Fig. 31).
(9) Remove all foreign material from torsion bar
mounting in anchor and suspension arm.
(10) Inspect adjustment bolt, bearing and swivel
for damage.
Fig. 30 LOADING/UNLOADING TORSION BAR
1 - SPECIAL TOOL ± 8686
2 - CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 31 TORSION BAR
1 - ANCHOR
2 - SWIVEL
3 - TORSION BAR
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 - 26 FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
STABILIZER LINK (Continued)

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The left and right side torsion bars are
NOT interchangeable. The bars are identified and
stamped R or L, for right or left. The bars do not
have a front or rear end and can be installed with
either end facing forward.
(1) Insert torsion bar ends into anchor and suspen-
sion arm.
(2) Position the anchor in the frame crossmember.
(3) Install Special Tool - 8686 to the anchor and
the crossmember (Fig. 30).
(4) Increase the tension on the anchor in order to
load the torsion bar.
(5) Install the adjustment bolt and the adjuster
nut.
(6) Turn adjustment bolt clockwise the recorded
amount of turns.
(7) Remove tool - 8686 from the torsion bar cross-
member (Fig. 30).
(8) Install the transfer case skid plate (Refer to 13
- FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION).
(9) Lower vehicle and adjust the front suspension
height (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(10) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT
NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrication
fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle
before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2) Remove the front tires.(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the frame and
then zero the dial indicator.
(4) Position dial indicator plunger on the topside of
the upper ball joint (Fig. 32).
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the ball joint
(Fig. 32).
NOTE: Use care not to pry or tear the ball joint
boot, when checking the free play.
(5) Position a pry bar between the steering
knuckle and the upper control arm. Pry upwards on
the upper control arm (Fig. 32).
(6) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the upper control arm since the upper ball joint is
integral to the arm (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/UPPER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL).
(7) If the upper ball joint is within specs reinstall
the front tires (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 32 UPPER BALL JOINT PLAY
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
3-PRYBAR
4 - KNUCKLE
5 - BALL JOINT BOOT
DRFRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 27
TORSION BAR (Continued)

DRIVELINE VIBRATION
Drive Condition Possible Cause Correction
Propeller Shaft Noise 1) Undercoating or other foreign
material on shaft.1) Clean exterior of shaft and wash
with solvent.
2) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 2) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
3) Loose or bent U-joint yoke or
excessive runout.3) Install new yoke.
4) Incorrect driveline angularity. 4) Measure and correct driveline
angles.
5) Rear spring center bolt not in
seat.5) Loosen spring u-bolts and seat
center bolt.
6) Worn U-joint bearings. 6) Install new U-joint.
7) Propeller shaft damaged or out
of balance.7) Installl new propeller shaft.
8) Broken rear spring. 8) Install new rear spring.
9) Excessive runout or unbalanced
condition.9) Re-index propeller shaft, test,
and evaluate.
10) Excessive drive pinion gear
shaft runout.10) Re-index propeller shaft and
evaluate.
11) Excessive axle yoke deflection. 11) Inspect and replace yoke if
necessary.
12) Excessive transfer case runout. 12) Inspect and repair as necessary.
Universal Joint Noise 1) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 1) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
2) Lack of lubrication. 2) Replace as U-joints as
necessary.
PROPELLER SHAFT BALANCE
If propeller shaft is suspected of being out of bal-
ance, use the following procedure.
NOTE: Indexing propeller shaft 180É relative to the
yoke may eliminate some vibrations.
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Clean all foreign material from the propeller
shaft and universal joints.
(3) Inspect propeller shaft for missing balance
weights, broken welds and bent areas.If propeller
shaft is bent, it must be replaced.
(4) Inspect universal joints for wear and properly
installed.
(5) Check propeller shaft bolt torques.
(6) Remove wheels and install lug nuts to retain
brake rotors.
(7) Mark and number the shaft six inches from the
pinion yoke end at four positions 90É apart.
(8) Run and accelerate vehicle until vibration
occurs. Note the intensity and speed the vibration
occurred. Stop the engine.(9) Install a screw clamp at position 1 (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 CLAMP SCREW AT POSITION 1
1 - CLAMP
2 - SCREWDRIVER
3 - 2 PROPELLER SHAFTDR
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)

(10) Start engine and check vibration. If there is
little or no change move the clamp to the next posi-
tions. Repeat the vibration test.
NOTE: If there is no difference in vibration at this
positions, the vibration may not be the propeller
shaft.
(11) If vibration decreased, install a second clamp
(Fig. 2) and repeat the test.
(12) If additional clamp causes an additional vibra-
tion, separate the clamps 1/2 inch above and below
the mark. Repeat the vibration test (Fig. 3).
(13) Increase distance between the clamp screws
and repeat test, until the least amount of vibration is
noticed. Bend the slack end of the clamps so screws
will not loosen.
(14) If vibration remains unacceptable, repeat the
procedure to the front end of the propeller shaft.
(15) Install wheels and lower vehicle.PROPELLER SHAFT RUNOUT
(1) Clean propeller shaft surface, where dial indi-
cator will contact the shaft.
(2) Install dial indicator perpendicular to the shaft
surface.
(3) Measure runout at the center and ends of the
shaft away from weld areas, so weld process does not
affect measurements.
(4) Refer to Runout Specifications chart.
(5) If runout is out of specification, index the shaft
180É and take shaft runout measurements again.
(6) If runout is now within specifications, mark
shaft and yokes for proper orientation.
(7) If runout is not within specifications, verify
runout of the transmission/transfer case and axle are
within specifications. Correct as necessary and mea-
sure propeller shaft runout again.
(8) Replace propeller shaft if the runout still
exceeds the limits.
RUNOUT SPECIFICATIONS
Front of Shaft 0.030 in. (0.76 mm)
Center of Shaft 0.015 in. (0.38 mm)
Rear of Shaft 0.030 in. (0.76 mm)
note:
Measure front/rear runout approximately 3 inches (76
mm) from the weld seam at each end of the shaft
tube for tube lengths over 30 inches. For tube lengths
under 30 inches, the maximum allowed runout is
0.020 in. (0.50 mm) for the full length of the tube.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
PROPELLER SHAFT ANGLE
This procedure applies to front and rear propeller
shafts.
NOTE: To obtain output angle (A) on the front pro-
peller shaft equipped with a C/V joint, place incli-
nometer on machined surface of the C/V joint.
(1) Place vehicle in Neutral.
(2) Raise vehicle and support the axles as level as
possible.
(3) Remove universal joint snap rings if equipped,
so Inclinometer 7663 base sits flat.
(4) Rotate shaft until transmission/transfer case
output yoke bearing is facing downward.
NOTE: Always take measurements from front to
rear and on the same side of the vehicle.
(5) Place inclinometer on yoke bearing cap or pin-
ion flange ring (A) parallel to the shaft (Fig. 4). Cen-
ter bubble in sight glass and record measurement.
Fig. 2 TWO CLAMP SCREWS
Fig. 3 CLAMP SCREWS SEPARATED
1-1¤2INCH
DRPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 3
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)