frame DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

Condition Possible Cause Correction
Noisy in, or jumps out of, four wheel
drive low range.1) Transfer case not completely
engaged in 4L position.1) With the transmission in
NEUTRAL, or the clutch depressed
in the case of a manual
transmission and the vehicle moving
under 3-4 km/h (2-3 mph), shift the
transfer case to NEUTRAL and then
shift into the 4L position.
2) Shift linkage out of adjustment. 2) Adjust linkage.
3) Shift linkage loose or binding. 3) Tighten, lubricate, or repair
linkage as necessary.
4) Range fork damaged, inserts
worn, or fork is binding on the shift
rail.4) Disassemble unit and repair as
necessary.
5) Low range gear worn or
damaged.5) Disassemble unit and repair as
necessary.
Lubricant leaking from output shaft
seal or vent.1) Transfer case overfilled. 1) Drain lubricant to the correct
level.
2) Vent closed or restricted. 2) Clear or replace vent as
necessary.
3) Output shaft seals damaged or
installed incorrectly.3) Replace seal as necessary.
Check to ensure that another
component, the propeller shaft slip
yoke for example, is not causing
damage to seal.
Abnormal tire wear. 1) Extended operation on hard, dry
surfaces in the 4H position.1) Operate vehicle in the 2H
position on hard, dry surfaces.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove skid plate, if equipped. (Refer to 13 -
FRAMES & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - REMOVAL)
(3) Position drain oil container under transfer
case.
(4) Remove transfer case drain plug and drain
lubricant into container.
(5) Disconnect vent hose and transfer case position
sensor connector.
(6) Disconnect shift rod from grommet in transfer
case shift lever, or from floor shift arm whichever
provides easy access. Use channel lock style pliers to
press rod out of lever grommet.
(7) Support transmission with jack stand.
(8) Mark front and rear propeller shafts for assem-
bly reference.
(9) Remove front and rear propeller shafts. (Refer
to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER
SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - REMOVAL)(10) Support transfer case with suitable jack.
Secure transfer case to jack with safety chains.
(11) Remove nuts attaching transfer case to trans-
mission.
(12) Move transfer case assembly rearward until
free of transmission output shaft.
(13) Lower jack and move transfer case from
under vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
Position transfer case in a shallow drain pan.
Remove drain plug and drain any remaining lubri-
cant remaining in case.
COMPANION FLANGE AND EXTENSION HOUSING
(1) Install two bolts 180É apart into the front out-
put shaft companion flange.
(2) Place holder over the bolts and against the
companion flange (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove and discard the front companion flange
nut.
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 625
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

(7) Install the front companion flange onto the
front output shaft.
(8) Install two bolts 180É apart into the front out-
put shaft companion flange.
(9) Place holder over the bolts and against the
companion flange (Fig. 90).
(10) Install a new front companion flange nut.
Tighten the companion flange nut to 176-271 N´m
(130-200 ft.lbs.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Align and seat transfer case on transmission.
Be sure transfer case input gear splines are aligned
with transmission output shaft. Align splines by
rotating transfer case rear output shaft yoke if nec-
essary. Do not install any transfer case attaching
nuts until the transfer case is completely seated
against the transmission.
(2) Install and tighten transfer case attaching
nuts. Tighten nuts to 30-41 N´m (20-30 ft.lbs.).
(3) Remove jack stand from under transmission.
(4) Align and connect propeller shafts. (Refer to 3 -
DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER
SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(5) Connect vent hose and transfer case position
sensor connector.
(6) Connect shift rod to transfer case lever or floor
shift arm. Use channel lock style pliers to press rod
back into lever grommet.
(7) Adjust shift linkage, if necessary.(8) Fill transfer case with recommended transmis-
sion fluid and install fill plug.
(9) Install skid plate, if equipped. (Refer to 13 -
FRAMES & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION)
(10) Lower vehicle
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSFER CASE - NV271
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Plug, Detent 16-25 12-18 -
Plug, Drain/Fill 20-34 15-25 -
Bolt, Extension Housing 27-34 20-25 -
Bolt, Case Half 27-34 20-25 -
Nut, Range Lever 27-34 20-25 -
Sector Support 27-34 20-25 -
Nuts, Mounting 30-41 20-30 -
Position Sensor 20-34 15-25 -
Nut, Companion Flange 176-271 130-200 -
Fig. 90 Install Companion Flange Nut
1 - HOLDER 6719
2 - BOLTS
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 649
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the glass run channels. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the glass support and place the glass
into the bottom of the door.
(3) Separate the glass run weatherstrip from the
rear of the window opening.
(4) Remove the inner belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
INNER BELT WEATHERSTRIP - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the glass from the window opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the glass through the window opening
and pace the glass into the bottom of the door.
(2) Install the inner belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
INNER BELT WEATHERSTRIP - INSTALLATION)
(3) Stuff the glass run weatherstrip into the win-
dow frame.
(4) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(5) Install the glass run channels. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL -
INSTALLATION)
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the front glass run channel. (Refer to
23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL
- REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the latch actuator rod. (Fig. 2)
(3) Remove the nuts and remove the handle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the latch and install the nuts.
(2) Connect the latch actuator rod.
(3) Install the front glass run channel. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL -
INSTALLATION)
GLASS RUN CHANNEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the window regulator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/WINDOW REGULATOR -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the bottom screws and loosen the top
screws from bolt channels. (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4)(3) Slide the channels up to disengage from the
keyhole slots.
(4) Separate the glass run weatherstrip from the
channel and remove the channels.
Fig. 2 EXTERIOR HANDLE
1 - LATCH ACTUATOR ROD
2-LATCH
3 - NUTS (2)
Fig. 3 FRONT RUN CHANNEL
1 - BOLTS
2 - FRONT RUN CHANNEL
23 - 30 DOORS - REARDR

EXTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY SIDE MOLDINGS
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................36
BODY ISOLATORS
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................37
CARGO BOX
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
CARGO BOX - TIE DOWN
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
COWL GRILLE
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
FUEL FILL DOOR
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39GRILLE
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
GRILLE FRAME
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................41
REAR WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
SIDE VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................44
REAR FENDER
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
BODY SIDE MOLDINGS
REMOVAL
NOTE: Body side moldings are attached to the body
panels with adhesive tape.
(1) Apply a length of masking tape on the body
panel, parallel to the top edge of the molding and to
one end to use as a guide for installation, if neces-
sary.
(2) If temperature is below 21ÉC (70ÉF) warm
molding with a heat lamp or gun. Do not exceed 52ÉC
(120ÉF) when heating molding.
(3) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
remove and discard the molding from the outside of
the body panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean all residue from the body side
molding attachment area of the body panel.(2) Wipe area with a clean lint free cloth moist-
ened with a 50% solution of water and alcohol and
wipe dry immediately with a dry lint free cloth.
(3) Apply new body side molding using the guide
tape on the body panel and apply consistent and uni-
form pressure of approximately 40 p.s.i. over the
entire surface of the molding.
BODY ISOLATORS
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen all cab to frame mounting bolts (six
standard cab, eight quad cab). (Fig. 1)
(2) Remove the mounting bolts and rebound cush-
ions
(3) Using a floor jack and block of wood under the
cab sill, lift the body to gain access to the isolators.
(4) Remove the isolators.
(5) Install new isolators and repeat steps one
through 4, for the opposite side.
23 - 36 EXTERIORDR

INSTALLATION
(1) For the rear isolators install the rebound cush-
ions, washers, reinforcement plates and bolts. (Fig. 1)
(2) Install the remaining rebound cushions and
bolts.
(3) Tighten the bolts to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
CARGO BOX
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the fuel fill hose and vent hose.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
FUEL TANK - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the tail lamp wire harness.
(3) Remove the cargo box bolts. (Fig. 2) or (Fig. 3)
(4) Remove the cargo box.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the cargo box and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect the fuel fill and vent hoses. (Refer to
14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL TANK
- INSTALLATION)
(4) Connect the tail lamp wire harness.CARGO BOX - TIE DOWN
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the bolts and remove the tie down
cleat. (Fig. 4)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the tie down cleat and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 1 BODY ISOLATORS - TYPICAL
1 - CAB SILL
2 - ISOLATORS
3 - REBOUND CUSHION
4 - WASHER (REAR ISOLATOR ONLY)
5 - BOLTS
6 - REINFORCEMENT PLATE (REAR ISOLATOR ONLY)
Fig. 2 SHORT CARGO BOX
1 - CARGO BOX
2 - FRAME
3 - BOLTS (3 PER SIDE)
Fig. 3 LONG CARGO BOX
1 - CARGO BOX
2 - FRAME
3 - BOLTS (4 PER SIDE)
DREXTERIOR 23 - 37
BODY ISOLATORS (Continued)

FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the antenna, if equipped. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/ANTENNA BODY & CABLE -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the battery tray, if required. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the inside and lower bolts. (Fig. 6)
(7) Remove the two bolts below the headlamp.
(8) Remove the hinge support bolt at the cowl.
(9) Remove the three bolts along the fender rail.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the three bolts along the upper fender
rail and tighten to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the upper hinge support bolt at the cowl
and tighten to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the two bolts below the headlamp and
tighten to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the inside and lower bolts and tighten
to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.).
(5) Check the fender positioning and adjust as
required by adding shims. (Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND FLUSH - SPECIFI-
CATIONS)
(6) Install the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(7) Install the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the battery tray, if required. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the antenna, if required. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/ANTENNA BODY & CABLE -
INSTALLATION)
FUEL FILL DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Open fill door and remove the bolts. (Fig. 7)
(2) Remove the door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fuel fill door.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 9 N´m (80 in.
lbs.).
GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open the hood.
(2) Remove the six lower screws. (Fig. 8)
(3) Remove the six upper nuts and separate the
grille from the grille frame.
Fig. 6 FRONT FENDER
1 - HOOD HINGE SUPPORT BOLT (1)
2 - HOOD HINGE
3 - INNER BOLT (1)
4 - FRONT BOLTS (2)
5 - LOWER BOLT INSERT
6 - FENDER
7 - UPPER BOLTS (3)Fig. 7 FUEL FILL DOOR
1 - FUEL FILL DOOR
2 - BOLTS (2)
DREXTERIOR 23 - 39

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the grille onto the grille frame.
(2) Install the six upper nuts.
(3) Install the six lower screws.
GRILLE FRAME
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/GRILLE - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the screws and remove the grille
frame. (Fig. 9)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the grille frame and install the six
screws.
(2) Install the grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/GRILLE - INSTALLATION)
FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the three screws at the fender. (Fig.
10)(2) Remove the electrical connector push pin fas-
tener.
(3) Remove the five inside screws and remove the
splash shield.
Fig. 8 GRILLE
1 - NUTS (6)
2 - HOOD
3 - GRILLE
4 - GRILLE FRAME
5 - SCREWS (6)
Fig. 9 GRILLE FRAME
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE FRAME
3 - SCREWS (6)
Fig. 10 FRONT SPLASH SHIELD
1 - FENDER RAIL
2 - FENDER
3 - SCREWS (8)
4 - WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
23 - 40 EXTERIORDR
GRILLE (Continued)

LATCH STRIKER /
SECONDARY CATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and remove the secondary release
handle. (Fig. 4)
(2) Remove the two bolts and remove the striker/
catch assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the latch striker/secondary catch and
install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the release handle and connect to the
secondary catch.
(4) Check the hood fit and adjust if required.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL
NOTE: The support cylinders can be replaced one
at a time.
(1) Open the hood and support.
NOTE: Lift the clips only enough to release the ball
studs. (Fig. 6)
(2) Using a small flat bladed tool, or equivalent,
release the upper retaining clips while pulling the
ball socket away from the ball stud. (Fig. 5)
CAUTION: Do not pull the supports from the middle
while removing.
(3) Pulling at the ends only, remove the support
cylinder.
Fig. 4 HOOD LATCH STRIKER/SECONDARY CATCH
1 - GRILLE
2 - LATCH STRIKER/SECONDARY CATCH
3 - BOLTS (2)
4 - SECONDARY CATCH RELEASE HANDLE
5 - GRILLE FRAME
Fig. 5 UPPER SUPPORT CYLINDER REMOVAL -
TYPICAL
1 - BALL SOCKET
2 - RETAINING CLIP
3 - FLAT BLADED TOOL
4 - BALL STUD
23 - 48 HOODDR

SUN VISOR SUPPORT
REMOVAL
(1) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, pry
down the release clip and remove the hook. (Fig. 19)
INSTALLATION
(1) Snap the visor support into the sheet metal
and seat the release clip fully.
BODY VENT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cab back panel trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/REAR CAB BACK PANEL TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(2) While holding the vent, press the tabs to
release the vent into the cab back panel. (Fig. 20)
(3) Twist the vent and remove through the vent
hole.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the vent into the vent hole in the cab
back panel.
(2) Twist the vent and pull it into the hole frame
and seat the tabs fully.
(3) Install the cab back panel trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/REAR CAB BACK PANEL TRIM -
INSTALLATION)
REAR DOOR SILL TRIM COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, pry up
the sill trim and remove. (Fig. 21)
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the sill trim and seat the attachment
clips fully.
Fig. 19 VISOR SUPPORT
1 - VISOR SUPPORT
2 - HEADLINER
3 - RELEASE CLIP
Fig. 20 BODY VENT
1 - RETAINER TABS
2 - BODY VENT
3 - CAB BACK PANEL
Fig. 21 REAR DOOR SILL TRIM
1 - SILL TRIM
2 - REAR DOOR SILL
23 - 72 INTERIORDR

SEATS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CENTER SEAT
REMOVAL.............................76
INSTALLATION.........................77
CENTER ARMREST / SEAT BACK
REMOVAL.............................77
INSTALLATION.........................78
CENTER SEAT BACK INERTIA HINGE COVER
REMOVAL.............................78
INSTALLATION.........................78
CENTER SEAT BACK HINGE
REMOVAL.............................79
INSTALLATION.........................80
CENTER SEAT BACK LID
REMOVAL.............................80
INSTALLATION.........................80
CENTER SEAT CUSHION
REMOVAL.............................80
INSTALLATION.........................80
CENTER SEAT CUSHION COVER
REMOVAL.............................81
INSTALLATION.........................81
UNDER SEAT STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL.............................81
INSTALLATION.........................81
UNDER SEAT STORAGE BIN COVERING
REMOVAL.............................81
INSTALLATION.........................81
UNDER SEAT STORAGE BIN LATCH
REMOVAL.............................81
INSTALLATION.........................81
HEADREST
REMOVAL.............................82
INSTALLATION.........................82
HEADREST SLEEVE
REMOVAL.............................82INSTALLATION.........................82
SEAT - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................82
INSTALLATION.........................82
SEAT BACK CUSHION / COVER - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................83
INSTALLATION.........................83
SEAT CUSHION / COVER - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................83
INSTALLATION.........................83
SEAT TRACK
REMOVAL.............................83
INSTALLATION.........................83
SEAT - REAR
REMOVAL.............................84
INSTALLATION.........................84
SEAT BACK - REAR
REMOVAL.............................84
INSTALLATION.........................84
SEAT BACK CUSHION / COVER - REAR
REMOVAL.............................85
INSTALLATION.........................85
SEAT CUSHION / COVER - REAR
REMOVAL.............................85
INSTALLATION.........................85
SEAT CUSHION FRAME - REAR
REMOVAL.............................85
INSTALLATION.........................85
SEAT BACK REAR - FOOTMANS LOOP
BRACKETS
REMOVAL.............................85
INSTALLATION.........................85
CENTER SEAT
REMOVAL
NOTE: Do not reuse the seat fasteners, always
replace with new ones.
(1) Remove and discard the front bolts. (Fig. 1)
(2) Position the seats forward, remove the rear
bolts and discard.
(3) Disconnect the 12v power supply electrical con-
nector, if equipped. (Fig. 2)(4) Fold the seat backs forward and roll the seat
assembly back in the vehicle.
(5) Remove the nuts attaching the center seat to
the drivers seat and the passenger seat and discard.
(Fig. 3)
(6) Roll the seat assembly forward and remove the
center seat portion.
23 - 76 SEATSDR