DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - SHIFT LEVER
(1) Move shift lever into 2H position.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Loosen shift rod lock bolt at trunnion.
(4) Check shift rod fit in trunnion. Be sure rod
does not bind in trunnion. Lubricate the shift rod
and trunnion if necessary.
(5) Verify that transfer case shift lever is in 2H
detent position. The 2H detent position on the trans-
fer case shift arm is the second position from full for-
ward.(6) Align the adjustment locating hole on the lower
shifter lever with the adjustment channel on the
shifter bracket assembly (Fig. 90).
(7) Insert an appropriately sized pin through into
the adjustment channel and through the locating
hole to hold the shifter in the correct position.
(8) Tighten shift rod lock bolt to 10 N´m (90 in.
lbs.) torque.
(9) Remove the locating pin from the adjustment
channel and locating hole.
(10) Check shift linkage operation. Be sure trans-
fer case shifts into and operates properly in all
ranges.
Fig. 90 Transfer Case Shifter
1 - SHIFTER BOOT
2 - SHIFTER KNOB
3 - SHIFTER CONSOLE4 - SHIFTER MECHANISM
5 - ALIGNMENT PIN
6 - TRANSFER CASE
21 - 622 TRANSFER CASE - NV241 GENIIDR
SHIFT LEVER (Continued)

TRANSFER CASE - NV271
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANSFER CASE - NV271
DESCRIPTION........................623
OPERATION..........................623
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER
CASE - NV271.......................624
REMOVAL............................625
DISASSEMBLY........................625
CLEANING...........................635
INSPECTION.........................635
ASSEMBLY...........................637
INSTALLATION........................649
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSFER CASE - NV271.............649
SPECIAL TOOLS
TRANSFER CASE NV271/NV273.........650
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL AND DUST BOOT
REMOVAL............................652INSTALLATION........................652
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID DRAIN AND
REFILL............................652
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL............................653
INSTALLATION........................653
POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................654
OPERATION..........................654
REMOVAL............................654
INSTALLATION........................654
SHIFT LEVER
REMOVAL............................655
INSTALLATION........................656
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - SHIFT LEVER..........657
TRANSFER CASE - NV271
DESCRIPTION
The NV271 transfer case is a part-time transfer
case with a low-range gear system. It provides three
operating ranges plus a NEUTRAL position. The low
range position provides a gear reduction ratio of
2.72:1 for increased low speed torque capability.
The gear cases and extension are all of aluminum
(Fig. 1). Drive sprockets and an interconnecting drive
chain are used to transmit engine torque to the front/
rear propeller shafts. The mainshaft, input gear and
front output shaft are supported by ball and needle
bearings.
IDENTIFICATION
An identification tag (Fig. 2) is attached to the rear
case of every transfer case. The tag provides the
transfer case model number, assembly number, serial
number, and low range ratio.
The transfer case serial number also represents
the date of build.
OPERATION
OPERATING RANGE
Transfer case operating ranges are:
²2H (2-wheel drive)
²4H (4-wheel drive)
²4LO (4-wheel drive low rangeThe 2H range is for use on any road surface at any
time.
The 4H and 4LO ranges are for off road use only.
They are not for use on hard surface roads. The only
exception being when the road surface is covered by
ice and snow.
The low range reduction gear system is operative
in 4LO range only. This range is for extra pulling
power in off road situations. Low range reduction
ratio is 2.72:1.
Fig. 1 Transfer Case - Front View
1 - TRANSFER CASE
2 - MANUAL LEVER
3 - POSITION SENSOR
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 623

SHIFT MECHANISM
The transfer case is operated by an adjustable floor
mounted shift linkage. The transfer case shift lever
is directly attached to the shift sector. The sector
operates the range and mode forks within the trans-
fer case.A straight line shift pattern is used with a NEU-
TRAL detent. Lever range positions are imprinted in
the shift knob.
SHIFTING
The transfer case can be shifted between the 2H
and 4H operating ranges while the vehicle is in
motion. The vehicle must have the transmission
placed in NEUTRAL, or the clutch depressed in the
case of a manual transmission, and be moving less
than 2-3 MPH when shifting into and out of the 4L
operating range.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER CASE -
NV271
Before beginning repair on a suspected transfer
case malfunction, check all other driveline compo-
nents beforehand.
The actual cause of a problem may be related to
such items as: front hubs, axles, propeller shafts,
wheels and tires, transmission, or clutch instead. If
all other driveline components are in good condition
and operating properly, refer to the Diagnosis Chart
for further information.
DIAGNOSIS CHART
Condition Possible Cause Correction
Transfer Case difficult to shift or will
not shift into desired range.1) Vehicle speed too great to permit
shifting.1) Stop vehicle and shift into
desired range. Or, reduce speed to
below 3-4 km/h (2-3 mph) before
attempting the shift.
2) If vehicle was operated for an
extended period in 4H on a dry
paved surface, the driveline torque
load may be causing a bind.2) Stop vehicle and shift the
transmission into neutral. Shift the
transfer case to 2H and operate
vehicle in 2H on dry paved
surfaces.
3) Transfer case external shift
linkage binding.3) Lubricate, repair, or replace
linkage bushings, or tighten loose
components as necessary.
4) Insufficient or incorrect lubricant. 4) Drain and refill to edge of fill hole
with MoparTATF +4, Automatic
Transmission fluid.
5) Internal components binding,
worn, or damaged.5) Disassemble the transfer case
and replace worn or damaged
components as necessary.
Transfer Case noisy in all operating
ranges.1) Insufficient or incorrect lubricant. 1) Drain and refill to edge of fill hole
with MoparTATF +4, Automatic
Transmission fluid.
Fig. 2 Transfer Case - Rear View
1 - TRANSFER CASE
2 - IDENTIFICATION TAG
21 - 624 TRANSFER CASE - NV271DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

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)

(4) Remove the companion flange from the front
output shaft. It may be necessary to use Flange
puller 8992 to remove the companion flange.
(5) Use a suitable chisel or pry tool to remove the
rear extension housing dust boot (Fig. 4).
(6) Use a suitable chisel or pry tool to remove the
rear extension housing seal.(7) Remove rear extension bolts (Fig. 5).
(8) Remove rear extension housing (Fig. 6). Tap
extension once or twice with a plastic mallet to break
sealer bead and loosen it.
Fig. 3 Remove Companion Flange Nut
1 - HOLDER 6719
2 - BOLTS
Fig. 4 Remove Extension Housing Dust Boot
1 - EXTENSION HOUSING
2 - DUST BOOT
Fig. 5 Remove Extension Housing Bolts
1 - EXTENSION HOUSING
2 - BOLTS
Fig. 6 Remove Extension Housing
1 - REAR CASE HALF
2 - EXTENSION HOUSING
21 - 626 TRANSFER CASE - NV271DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

OIL PUMP AND REAR CASE
(1) Disengage the oil pump pick-up tube (Fig. 7)
from the oil pump.
NOTE: The oil pump pick-up tube seals to the oil
pump with an o-ring. Verify that the o-ring was
removed with the tube and is in good condition.
Replace the o-ring if necessary.
(2) Remove the oil pump (Fig. 8).(3) Remove rear case-to-front case bolts (Fig. 9).
(4) Remove the rear output shaft bearing inner
snap-ring (Fig. 10) from the output shaft using suit-
able snap-ring pliers.
Fig. 10 Remove Rear Bearing Inner Snap-Ring
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - REAR CASE HALF
3 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 7 Disengage The Oil Pick-up From Oil Pump
1 - OIL PUMP
2 - OIL PICK-UP TUBE
Fig. 8 Remove Oil Pump
1 - REAR CASE HALF
2 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT
3 - OIL PUMP
Fig. 9 Remove Case Half Bolts
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - REAR CASE HALF
3 - BOLTS
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 627
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

(5) Remove the rear output shaft bearing inner
snap-ring (Fig. 11) from the output shaft.
(6) Loosen rear case with pry tool to break sealer
bead. Insert tool at each end of case (Fig. 12).(7) Unseat rear case from alignment dowels.
(8) Remove the rear case from the front case (Fig.
13).
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT AND DRIVE CHAIN
(1) Remove the oil pick-up tube (Fig. 14) and
screen from the front case half.
Fig. 14 Remove Oil Pick-Up Tube and Screen
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - OIL SCREEN
3 - PICK-UP TUBE
Fig. 11 Remove Rear Bearing Inner Snap-Ring
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - REAR CASE HALF
3 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 12 Separate Front and Rear Case Halves
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - REAR CASE HALF
Fig. 13 Remove Rear Case Half
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - REAR CASE HALF
21 - 628 TRANSFER CASE - NV271DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

(2) Remove the shift rail spring (Fig. 15).
(3) Remove the front output shaft drive sprocket
retaining ring (Fig. 16).
(4) Remove the rear output shaft drive sprocket
retaining ring (Fig. 17).(5) Pull front sprocket (Fig. 18), rear sprocket, and
chain upward until clear of the front and rear output
shaft sprocket splines.
(6) Remove chain and sprockets as an assembly.
Fig. 15 Remove Shift Rail Spring
1 - SHIFT RAIL
2 - SPRING
Fig. 16 Remove Front Output Shaft Sprocket
Retaining Ring
1 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 17 Remove Rear Output Shaft Sprocket
Retaining Ring
1 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 18 Remove Drive Chain and Sprockets
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - CHAIN
3 - DRIVE SPROCKETS
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 629
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

SHIFT FORKS AND MAINSHAFT
(1) Shift transfer case into NEUTRAL.
(2) Remove nut that retains the shift lever to sec-
tor shaft. Then remove shift lever (Fig. 19) and
spacer from the shaft.
(3) Remove the sector support with Socket 9033.
(4) Remove the transfer case position sensor (Fig.
20).(5) Loosen detent plug (Fig. 21).
(6) Remove detent plug, spring, and plunger (Fig.
22). Note that the plug has an O-ring seal. Remove
and discard this seal.
Fig. 19 Remove Manual Shift Lever
1 - SHIFT SECTOR
2 - SECTOR SUPPORT
3 - MANUAL SHIFT LEVER
Fig. 20 Remove Position Sensor
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - POSITION SENSOR
Fig. 21 Loosen the Detent Plug
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - DETENT PLUG
Fig. 22 Remove Detent plug, Spring, and Plunger
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - DETENT PLUG
3 - SPRING
4 - PLUNGER
21 - 630 TRANSFER CASE - NV271DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

(7) Using a screw mounted in a slide hammer,
remove the front output shaft seal.
(8) Remove the front output shaft snap-ring (Fig.
23).
(9) Remove front output shaft from bearing in case
(Fig. 24).(10) Pull mainshaft assembly out of input gear,
mode sleeve, and case (Fig. 25).
(11) Remove mode fork, mode sleeve, and shift rail
as assembly (Fig. 26). Note which way the sleeve fits
in the fork (long side of sleeve goes to front or the
points on the sleeve teeth go to the rear of case).
Fig. 23 Remove Front Output Shaft Bearing Inner
Snap-Ring
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 24 Remove Front Output Shaft
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 25 Remove Mainshaft Assembly
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - MAINSHAFT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 26 Remove Mode Fork, Sleeve, and Shift Rail
Assembly
1 - SHIFT RAIL
2 - MODE FORK
3 - MODE SLEEVE
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 631
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)