vin DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

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 the
driver is up-shifting or down-shifting). The synchro-
nizer 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 fric-
tion 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 syn-
chronizer 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
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. 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 recommendations 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.
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 housing will be from the hous-
ing oil seals. Leaks at component 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 drip-
ping from the clutch housing after extended opera-
tion. If the leak is severe, it may also contaminate
the clutch disc causing the disc to slip, grab and or
chatter.
HARD SHIFTING
Hard shifting is usually caused by a low lubricant
level, improper or contaminated lubricants. The con-
sequence of using non-recommended lubricants isnoise, 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
generally 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) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(2) Remove shift boot screws from floorpan and
slide boot upward on the shift lever.
(3) Remove shift lever extension from shift tower
and lever assembly.
(4) Remove shift tower bolts (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 SHIFT TOWER
1 - SHIFT TOWER
2 - SHIFTER
3 - BOLTS
21 - 44 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

IDENTIFICATION
The transmission has two identification tags
attached to the driver side upper clutch housing (Fig.
2). One tag provides the transmission part number.
The second tag provides sequencing and build date
information. The information on the tags are essen-
tial to correct parts ordering.
OPERATION
The driver selects a particular gear by moving the
shift lever to the desired gear position. As the shift
lever moves the selected shift rail, the shift fork
attached to that rail begins to move. The fork is posi-
tioned in a groove in the outer circumference of the
synchronizer sleeve. As the shift fork moves the syn-
chronizer 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 friction cone and eventually will
slide over the teeth, locking the gear to the main-
shaft or countershaft through the synchronizer.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
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. A correct lubricant level
check can only be made when the vehicle is level.
Also allow the lubricant to settle for a minute or sobefore checking. These recommendations 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.
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 housing will be from the hous-
ing oil seals. Leaks at component 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 drip-
ping from the clutch housing after extended opera-
tion. If the leak is severe, it may also contaminate
the clutch disc causing the disc to slip, grab and or
chatter.
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
generally 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) Shift transmission into Neutral.
Fig. 2 IDENTIFICATION TAG LOCATION
1 - IDENTIFICATION TAGS
21 - 90 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)

(2) Remove screws attaching shift boot to floorpan.
Then slide boot upward on the shift lever.
(3) Remove the bolts holding the shift tower to the
isolator plate and transmission gear case.
(4) Remove the shift tower and isolator plate from
the transmission gear case.
(5) Raise and support vehicle.
(6) Remove skid plate, if equipped.
(7) Mark propeller shaft/shafts and axle yokes for
installation reference.
(8) Remove propeller shaft.
(9) Disconnect and remove exhaust system as nec-
essary.
(10) Disconnect wires at backup light switch.
(11) Support engine with adjustable safety stand
and wood block.
(12) If transmission is to be disassembled for
repair, remove drain bolt at bottom of PTO cover and
drain lubricant from transmission (Fig. 3).
(13) Remove clutch slave cylinder splash shield, if
equipped.
(14) Remove clutch slave cylinder bolts and move
cylinder aside for clearance.
(15)
Remove wire harness from clips on transmission.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Remove bolts/nuts mounting transmission to
the rear mount.
(2) Support and secure transmission with safety
chains to a transmission jack.
(3) Remove rear crossmember bolts and pry out
crossmember.
(4) Remove transmission clutch housing bolts at
the engine block.
(5) Slide transmission and jack rearward until
input shaft clears clutch disc and pressure plate.
(6) Lower transmission jack and remove transmis-
sion from under vehicle.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Disconnect transfer case shift linkage at trans-
fer case range lever.
(2) Support and secure transfer case with safety
chains to a transmission jack.
(3) Remove transfer case mounting nuts.
(4) Move transfer case rearward until input gear
clears transmission mainshaft.
(5) Lower transfer case assembly and move it from
under vehicle.
(6) Support and secure transmission with safety
chains to a transmission jack.
(7) Remove bolts/nuts attaching transmission
mount to rear crossmember.
(8) Remove rear crossmember bolts and pry out
crossmember.
(9) Remove transmission clutch housing bolts at
the engine block.
(10) Move transmission rearward until input shaft
clears clutch disc.
(11) Lower transmission and remove it from under
vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
NOTE: Use Fixture 8241 for moving and handling
the transmission. The fixture supports the transmis-
sion at the center of gravity in order to ease mount-
ing the transmission into the build fixture.
(1)
Mount the transmission into Fixture 8230 (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 NV5600 DRAIN BOLT
1 - PTO COVER
2 - DRAIN BOLT
Fig. 4 TRANSMISSION FIXTURE
1 - FIXTURE
2 - TRANSMISSION
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 21 - 91
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)

(10) Remove geartrain from the clutch housing and
install the geartrain into Support Stand 8246 (Fig.
30).
(11) Remove Fixture 8232 from the output shaft
and the countershaft.
(12) Separate the countershaft from the output
shaft.
(13) Separate the output shaft from the input
shaft. Hold the 5-6 synchro together while removing
the output shaft to prevent the synchro sleeve from
being dislodged from the synchro hub.
COUNTERSHAFT BEARINGS
(1) Remove snap-ring holding the front counter-
shaft bearing onto the countershaft.
(2) Remove front countershaft bearing with Collar
6444-8, Jaws 6451, Puller Rods 6444-4 and Puller
6444 (Fig. 31).
(3) Remove rear countershaft bearing with Collar
6444-8, Jaws 6447, Puller Rods 6444-4, Puller 6444
and suitable press button (Fig. 32).
Fig. 30 GEARTRAIN FIXTURE
1 - FIXTURE
2 - SUPPORT STAND
Fig. 31 FRONT COUNTERSHAFT BEARING
1 - PULLER
2-JAWS
Fig. 32 REAR COUNTERSHAFT BEARING
1 - PULLER
2-JAWS
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 21 - 99
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)

(5) Install countershaft into the Support Stand
8246 and verify that all gears are meshed with their
mates on the output shaft (Fig. 78).
(6) Install Fixture 8232 to the output shaft and
countershaft.
(7) Install Holding Tool 8242 onto the 5-6 synchro
and tighten the screw to hold the 5-6 synchro
together during the remainder of the installation pro-
cedure.
(8) Attach a engine crane or equivalent to Fixture
8232 and move the geartrain from the Support Stand
8246 to the clutch housing (Fig. 79).
(9) Install shift forks and rails onto the geartrain
(Fig. 80).
NOTE: The closest shift arm to the geartrain is for
Reverse. The next is 5-6, then 3-4 and then 1-2
when moving out from the geartrain.
(10) Install geartrain and shift rails into the clutch
housing. Lower the geartrain and rails into the hous-
ing slowly while guiding input shaft through input
shaft seal. Avoid any binds on the shift rails, forks
and synchros as the rails enter their bushings.
Fig. 78 COUNTERSHAFT WITH OUTPUT SHAFT
1 - COUNTERSHAFT
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT
3 - SUPPORT STAND
Fig. 79 GEARTRAIN FIXTURE
1 - FIXTURE
2 - SUPPORT STAND
Fig. 80 SHIFT RAILS INSTALLED
1 - SHIFT RAILS
21 - 116 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION -
48RE
DESCRIPTION
The 48RE (Fig. 1) is a four speed fully automatic
transmissions with an electronic governor. The 48RE
is equipped with a lock-up clutch in the torque con-
verter. First through third gear ranges are provided
by the clutches, bands, overrunning clutch, and plan-
etary gear sets in the transmission. Fourth gear
range is provided by the overdrive unit that contains
an overdrive clutch, direct clutch, planetary gear set,
and overrunning clutch.
The transmission contains a front, rear, and direct
clutch which function as the input driving compo-
nents. It also contains the kickdown (front) and thelow/reverse (rear) bands which, along with the over-
running clutch and overdrive clutch, serve as the
holding components. The driving and holding compo-
nents combine to select the necessary planetary gear
components, in the front, rear, or overdrive planetary
gear set, transfer the engine power from the input
shaft through to the output shaft.
The valve body is mounted to the lower side of the
transmission and contains the valves to control pres-
sure regulation, fluid flow control, and clutch/band
application. The oil pump is mounted at the front of
the transmission and is driven by the torque con-
verter hub. The pump supplies the oil pressure nec-
essary for clutch/band actuation and transmission
lubrication.
21 - 132 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR

IDENTIFICATION
Transmission identification numbers are stamped
on the left side of the case just above the oil pan gas-
ket surface (Fig. 2). Refer to this information when
ordering replacement parts.
GEAR RATIOS
The 48RE gear ratios are:
1st.................................2.45:1
2nd................................1.45:1
3rd................................1.00:1
4th.................................0.69:1
Rev.................................2.20:1
OPERATION
The application of each driving or holding compo-
nent is controlled by the valve body based upon the
manual lever position, throttle pressure, and gover-
nor pressure. The governor pressure is a variable
pressure input to the valve body and is one of the
signals that a shift is necessary. First through fourth
gear are obtained by selectively applying and releas-
ing the different clutches and bands. Engine power is
thereby routed to the various planetary gear assem-
blies which combine with the overrunning clutch
assemblies to generate the different gear ratios. The
torque converter clutch is hydraulically applied and
is released when fluid is vented from the hydraulic
circuit by the torque converter control (TCC) solenoid
on the valve body. The torque converter clutch is con-
trolled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The
torque converter clutch engages in fourth gear, and
in third gear under various conditions, such as when
the O/D switch is OFF, when the vehicle is cruising
on a level surface after the vehicle has warmed up.
The torque converter clutch can also be engaged in
the MANUAL SECOND gear position if high trans-
mission temperatures are sensed by the PCM. The
torque converter clutch will disengage momentarily
when an increase in engine load is sensed by the
PCM, such as when the vehicle begins to go uphill or
the throttle pressure is increased. The torque con-
verter clutch feature increases fuel economy and
reduces the transmission fluid temperature.
Since the overdrive clutch is applied in fourth gear
only and the direct clutch is applied in all ranges
except fourth gear, the transmission operation for
park, neutral, and first through third gear will be
described first. Once these powerflows are described,
the third to fourth shift sequence will be described.
1 - TORQUE CONVERTER 10 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
2 - INPUT SHAFT 11 - DIRECT CLUTCH
3 - OIL PUMP 12 - PLANETARY GEAR
4 - FRONT BAND 13 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
5 - FRONT CLUTCH 14 - OVERDRIVE OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
6 - REAR CLUTCH 15 - DIRECT CLUTCH SPRING
7 - PLANETARIES 16 - OVERDRIVE PISTON RETAINER
8 - REAR BAND 17 - OIL PAN
9 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH 18 - VALVE BODY
Fig. 2 Transmission Part Number And Serial
Number Location
1 - PART NUMBER
2 - BUILD DATE
3 - SERIAL NUMBER
21 - 134 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

REVERSE POWERFLOW
When the gear selector is moved into the
REVERSE position (Fig. 5), the front clutch and the
rear band are applied. With the application of the
front clutch, engine torque is applied to the sun gear,
turning it in a clockwise direction. The clockwise
rotation of the sun gear causes the rear planet pin-
ions to rotate against engine rotation in a counter-
clockwise direction. The rear band is holding the low
reverse drum, which is splined to the rear carrier.
Since the rear carrier is being held, the torque fromthe planet pinions is transferred to the rear annulus
gear, which is splined to the output shaft. The output
shaft in turn rotates with the annulus gear in a
counterclockwise direction giving a reverse gear out-
put. The entire transmission of torque is applied to
the rear planetary gearset only. Although there is
torque input to the front gearset through the sun
gear, no other member of the gearset is being held.
During the entire reverse stage of operation, the
front planetary gears are in an idling condition.
Fig. 5 Reverse Powerflow
1 - FRONT CLUTCH ENGAGED 5 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT 6 - INPUT SHAFT
3 - LOW/REVERSE BAND APPLIED 7 - FRONT CLUTCH ENGAGED
4 - INPUT SHAFT 8 - LOW/REVERSE BAND APPLIED
21 - 136 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

SECOND GEAR POWERFLOW
In DRIVE-SECOND (Fig. 7), the same elements
are applied as in MANUAL-SECOND. Therefore, the
power flow will be the same, and both gears will be
discussed as one in the same. In DRIVE-SECOND,
the transmission has proceeded from first gear to its
shift point, and is shifting from first gear to second.
The second gear shift is obtained by keeping the rear
clutch applied and applying the front (kickdown)
band. The front band holds the front clutch retainer
that is locked to the sun gear driving shell. With the
rear clutch still applied, the input is still on the front
annulus gear turning it clockwise at engine speed.Now that the front band is holding the sun gear sta-
tionary, the annulus rotation causes the front planets
to rotate in a clockwise direction. The front carrier is
then also made to rotate in a clockwise direction but
at a reduced speed. This will transmit the torque to
the output shaft, which is directly connected to the
front planet carrier. The rear planetary annulus gear
will also be turning because it is directly splined to
the output shaft. All power flow has occurred in the
front planetary gear set during the drive-second
stage of operation, and now the over-running clutch,
in the rear of the transmission, is disengaged and
freewheeling on its hub.
Fig. 7 Second Gear Powerflow
1 - KICKDOWN BAND APPLIED 6 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT 7 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED
3 - REAR CLUTCH ENGAGED 8 - KICKDOWN BAND APPLIED
4 - OUTPUT SHAFT 9 - INPUT SHAFT
5 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH FREE-WHEELING
21 - 138 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

DIRECT DRIVE POWERFLOW
The vehicle has accelerated and reached the shift
point for the 2-3 upshift into direct drive (Fig. 8).
When the shift takes place, the front band is
released, and the front clutch is applied. The rear
clutch stays applied as it has been in all the forward
gears. With the front clutch now applied, engine
torque is now on the front clutch retainer, which is
locked to the sun gear driving shell. This means that
the sun gear is now turning in engine rotation (clock-
wise) and at engine speed. The rear clutch is still
applied so engine torque is also still on the front
annulus gear. If two members of the same planetary
set are driven, direct drive results. Therefore, when
two members are rotating at the same speed and in
the same direction, it is the same as being locked up.
The rear planetary set is also locked up, given the
sun gear is still the input, and the rear annulus gear
must turn with the output shaft. Both gears are
turning in the same direction and at the same speed.
The front and rear planet pinions do not turn at all
in direct drive. The only rotation is the input from
the engine to the connected parts, which are acting
as one common unit, to the output shaft.
FOURTH GEAR POWERFLOW
Fourth gear overdrive range is electronically con-
trolled and hydraulically activated. Various sensor
inputs are supplied to the powertrain control module
to operate the overdrive solenoid on the valve body.
The solenoid contains a check ball that opens and
closes a vent port in the 3-4 shift valve feed passage.
The overdrive solenoid (and check ball) are not ener-
gized in first, second, third, or reverse gear. The vent
port remains open, diverting line pressure from the
2-3 shift valve away from the 3-4 shift valve. The
Tow/Haul control switch must be in the ON position
to transmit overdrive status to the PCM. A 3-4
upshift occurs only when the overdrive solenoid is
energized by the PCM. The PCM energizes the over-
drive solenoid during the 3-4 upshift. This causes the
solenoid check ball to close the vent port allowing
line pressure from the 2-3 shift valve to act directly
on the 3-4 upshift valve. Line pressure on the 3-4
shift valve overcomes valve spring pressure moving
the valve to the upshift position. This action exposes
the feed passages to the 3-4 timing valve, 3-4 quick
fill valve, 3-4 accumulator, and ultimately to the
overdrive piston. Line pressure through the timing
Fig. 8 Direct Drive Powerflow
1 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLIED 6 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH FREE-WHEELING 7 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH FREE-WHEELING
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT 8 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED
4 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED 9 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLIED
5 - OUTPUT SHAFT 10 - INPUT SHAFT
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 139
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)