4WD DODGE RAM 2001 Service Owner's Guide

STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
POWER STEERING SYSTEM...............2
POWER STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE . . . 4COLUMN................................6
GEAR.................................14
PUMP.................................31
LINKAGE - 2WD.........................38
LINKAGE - 4WD.........................40
STEERING
DESCRIPTION
The power steering system consist of a steering col-
umn, steering gear and hydraulic pump. The gear is
mounted to the frame rail and attaches to the steer-
ing linkage. The pump is a constant flow rate and
displacement vane-type pump. The pump supplies
hydraulic fluid pressure to the power steering gear
(Fig. 1).
Vehicles equipped with trailer tow option have a
power steering pump oil cooler.
OPERATION
The gear acts as a rolling thread between the
worm shaft and rack piston. The worm shaft is sup-
ported by a thrust bearing at the lower end and a
bearing assembly at the upper end. When the worm
shaft is turned from input from the steering column
the rack piston moves. The rack piston teeth mesh
with the pitman shaft. Turning the worm shaft, turns
the pitman shaft, which turns the steering linkage.
Fig. 1 Power Steering Gear & Pump
1 - HYDRAULIC PUMP ASSEMBLY
2 - RETURN LINE HOSE ASSEMBLY
3 - FITTINGS
4 - STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY (RECIRCULATING BALL GEAR
SHOWN)
5 - PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY
BR/BESTEERING 19 - 1

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

REAR ADAPTER HOUSING - 4WD
(1) Locate dimples in face of rear seal (Fig. 26).
With a slide hammer mounted screw remove seal by
inserting screw into seal at dimple locations (Fig. 27).(2) Remove rear bearing snap ring from output
shaft with snap ring pliers (Fig. 28).
(3) Lift rear adapter housing upward and off
geartrain (Fig. 29).
(4) Remove bearing retainer bolts and remove rear
bearing retainer and rear bearing (Fig. 30). Use ham-
mer handle to push or tap bearing out of housing if
needed.
(5) Examine condition of bearing bore, counter-
shaft rear bearing race and idler shaft notch in rear
housing. Replace housing if race, bore or notch are
worn or damaged.
Fig. 26 Dimples In Seal Face - 4WD
1 - LOCATION OF DIMPLES
2 - SEAL FACE
Fig. 27 Rear Seal - 4WD
1 - SLIDE HAMMER
2 - REMOVER TOOL
3 - REAR SEAL
Fig. 28 Rear Bearing Snap Ring - 4WD
1 - HEAVY DUTY SNAP RING PLIERS
2 - REAR BEARING SNAP RING
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 29 Rear Adapter Housing
1 - REAR ADAPTER HOUSING
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT
BR/BEMANUAL - NV3500 21 - 11
MANUAL - NV3500 (Continued)

(7) Install rear housing onto geartrain (Fig. 92)
and verify bearing retainer pilot stud is in correct
bolt hole in housing. Be sure countershaft and output
shaft bearings are aligned in housing and on counter-
shaft.
NOTE: It may be necessary to lift upward on coun-
tershaft slightly to ensure that the countershaft rear
bearing engages to the countershaft before the rear
output shaft bearing engages the housing.
(8) Seat rear housing on output shaft rear bearing
and countershaft. Use plastic or rawhide mallet to
tap housing into place.
(9) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
housing bolt threads, bolt shanks and under bolt
heads (Fig. 93).
(10) Start first two bolts in retainer (Fig. 94). It
may be necessary to move retainer rearward (with
pilot stud) in order to start bolts in retainer.
(11) Remove Alignment Pin 8120 and install last
retainer bolt (Fig. 94).
(12) Tighten all three retainer bolts to 30-35 N´m
(22-26 ft. lbs.).
ADAPTER HOUSING - 4WD
(1) Install rear bearing in adapter housing. Use
wood hammer handle or wood dowel to tap bearing
into place.
(2) Position rear bearing retainer in adapter hous-
ing (Fig. 95).
Fig. 92 Rear Housing - 2WD
1 - REAR HOUSING
2 - SHIFT FORKS AND GEARTRAIN
Fig. 93 Housing Bolts
1 - MOPAR GASKET MAKER (OR LOCTITE 518)
2 - RETAINER AND HOUSING BOLTS
3 - APPLY SEALER TO UNDERSIDE OF BOLT HEAD, SHANK
AND THREADS
Fig. 94 Pilot Stud Tool And Retainer Bolts - 2WD
1 - BEARING RETAINER BOLT
2 - PIN 8120
21 - 32 MANUAL - NV3500BR/BE
MANUAL - NV3500 (Continued)

(3) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
threads, bolt shanks and under hex heads of bearing
retainer bolts (Fig. 93).
(4) Apply liberal quantity of petroleum jelly to
countershaft rear bearing and bearing race.
(5) Install countershaft rear bearing in bearing
race (Fig. 91).
NOTE: Large diameter side of the roller retainer
faces the countershaft and the small diameter side
faces the race and housing (Fig. 91).
(6) Apply extra petroleum jelly to hold counter-
shaft rear bearing in place when housing is installed.
(7) Apply light coat of petroleum jelly to shift shaft
bushing/bearing in adapter housing (Fig. 91).
(8) Install adapter housing on geartrain.
(9) Install rear bearing snap ring on output shaft
(Fig. 96).
(10) Lubricate lip of new rear seal (Fig. 97) with
MopartDoor Ease, or transmission fluid.
(11) Installnewrear seal in adapter housing bore
with Installer C-3860-A. Verify seal is seated in hous-
ing bore (Fig. 97).
SHIFT SHAFT, SHAFT LEVER AND BUSHING AND
SHIFT SOCKET
(1) Verify that all synchro sleeves are in Neutral
position (centered on hub).
CAUTION: Transmission synchros must all be in
Neutral position for reassembly. Otherwise the
housings, shift forks and gears can be damaged
during installation of the two housings.
Fig. 95 Adapter Housing - 4WD
1 - BEARING RETAINER
2 - RETAINER BOLT
3 - IDLER SHAFT NOTCH
4 - COUNTERSHAFT BEARING RACE
5 - REAR BEARING
Fig. 96 Rear Bearing Snap Ring - 4WD
1 - SNAP RING PLIERS
2 - SNAP RING
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 97 Rear Seal
1 - REAR SEAL
2 - SEAL LIP
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT
BR/BEMANUAL - NV3500 21 - 33
MANUAL - NV3500 (Continued)

ADAPTER HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Mark the propeller shafts and yokes for instal-
lation reference and remove the shafts.
(3) Support transmission with a transmission jack.
(4) Remove engine rear support. Refer to Group 9
Engine for procedures.
(5) Remove transfer case.
(6) Remove adapter housing seal with a pry tool or
slide hammer mounted screw (Fig. 128).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install adapter housing seal with Installer
C-3860-A and Handle C-4171.
(2) Install transfer case.
(3) Install propeller shafts with reference macks
aligned.
(4) Fill transfer case and transmission to proper
level.
(5) Remove support and lower vehicle.
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Mark the propeller shaft and yoke for installa-
tion reference.
(3) Remove the propeller shaft.
(4) On light duty 4X2 vehicles, remove extension
housing seal (Fig. 129) using Remover C-3985-B.
(5) On heavy duty 4X2 vehicles, remove extension
housing seal with a pry tool or a slide hammer
mounted screw.(6) On light duty transmissions, remove the exten-
sion housing bushing with Remover 6957.
(7) On heavy duty transmissions, remove the
extension housing bushing with Remover 8155.
INSTALLATION
(1) On light duty transmissions, install housing
bushing with Installer 6951 and Handle C-4171 (Fig.
130).
(2) On heavy duty transmissions, install housing
bushing with Installer 8156 and Handle C-4171.
(3) On light duty transmissions, install housing
seal with Installer C-3972-A and Handle C-4171 (Fig.
131).
(4) On heavy duty transmissions, install housing
seal with Installer 8154 and Handle C-4171.
(5) Install propeller shaft with reference marks
aligned.
(6) Check and fill transmission.
Fig. 128 Adapter Housing - 4WD
1 - ADAPTER HOUSING
2 - SEAL
Fig. 129 Extension Housing - 2WD
1 - EXTENSION HOUSING
2 - SEAL
Fig. 130 Extension Housing Bushing
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
3 - EXTENSION HOUSING
BR/BEMANUAL - NV4500 21 - 87

INTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INTERIOR
CAUTION..............................118
A-PILLAR GRAB HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................119
INSTALLATION..........................119
A-PILLAR TRIM
REMOVAL.............................119
INSTALLATION..........................119
COWL TRIM COVER
REMOVAL.............................119
INSTALLATION..........................120
B-PILLAR TRIM
REMOVAL.............................120
INSTALLATION..........................120
REAR CLOSURE PANEL TRIM
REMOVAL.............................120
INSTALLATION..........................121
REAR FLOOR STOWAGE TRAY
REMOVAL.............................121
INSTALLATION..........................121
DOOR SILL TRIM
REMOVAL.............................121
INSTALLATION..........................121
SHIFT BOOT - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
REMOVAL.............................122
INSTALLATION..........................122
4WD FLOOR SHIFT BOOT
REMOVAL.............................122
INSTALLATION..........................122
CENTER CONSOLE
REMOVAL.............................122INSTALLATION..........................122
CARPETS AND FLOOR MATS
REMOVAL.............................123
INSTALLATION..........................123
ASSIST HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................124
INSTALLATION..........................124
COAT HOOK
REMOVAL.............................124
INSTALLATION..........................125
HEADLINER
REMOVAL.............................125
INSTALLATION..........................125
BODY VENT
REMOVAL.............................126
INSTALLATION..........................126
REAR VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL.............................126
INSTALLATION..........................126
SUN VISOR
REMOVAL.............................127
INSTALLATION..........................127
QUARTER TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL.............................127
INSTALLATION..........................128
C-PILLAR TRIM
REMOVAL.............................128
INSTALLATION..........................128
INTERIOR
CAUTION
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove interior trim
panels/moldings without first removing the neces-sary adjacent panels. To avoid damaging the pan-
els, ensure that all the screws and clips are
removed before attempting to remove an interior
trim panel/molding. Trim panels are somewhat flex-
ible but can be damaged if handled improperly.
23 - 118 INTERIORBR/BE

SHIFT BOOT - MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
REMOVAL
(1) Using a trim stick, pry the corner of the shift
boot up expose the fasteners.
(2) Remove the screws attaching the shift boot to
the console.
(3) Remove the insert from the shift knob, remove
nut attaching knob to the lever, and remove the shift
knob.
(4) Lift floor shift boot off shifter.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install shift boot over the shift lever, position
boot on console and install the fasteners attaching
boot to concole.
(2) Install the shift knob, shift knob nut, and
tighten to 27.1 N´m (20 ft.lbs) torque.
(3) Install the shift knob insert.
4WD FLOOR SHIFT BOOT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove insert from shift knob.
(2) Remove nut attaching shift knob to shift lever.
(3) Remove shift knob.
(4) Using a trim stick, disengage retainers attach-
ing boot to shifter base (Fig. 9). Automatic transmis-
sion vehicle shown, manual transmission similar.
(5) Lift floor shift boot off shift lever.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place shift boot over shifter.
(2) Engage retainers attaching boot to shifter base.
(3) Position shift knob on shift lever.
(4) Install nut attaching shift knob to shift lever.
(5) Install insert on shift knob.
CENTER CONSOLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the transfer case shift boot, if
equipped. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/SHIFT
BOOT/TRANSFER CASE - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the tranmission shifter boot. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/SHIFT BOOT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screws attaching the console to
mounting brackets (Fig. 10).
(4) Lift the console upward.
(5) Disengage wire harness connector, if equipped.
(6) Separate console from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position console in vehicle.
(2) Engage wire harness connector, if equipped.
(3) Position the console on the floor.
Fig. 9 4WD Transfer Case Shift BootÐAutomatic
Transmission
1 - KNOB
2 - BOOT
3 - RETAINER
4 - BASE
5 - NUT
6 - INSERT
Fig. 10 Floor Console W/Cup Holder
1 - CUP HOLDER
2 - FLOOR CONSOLE
23 - 122 INTERIORBR/BE