bumper DODGE RAM 2003 Service Workshop Manual

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the crossmember and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the transmission mount nuts and
tighten to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the transmission support.
(5) Install the transfercase skid plate. (Refer to 13
- FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION)
TRAILER HITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the rear bumper. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/REAR BUMPER -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the hitch bolts. (Fig. 34)
(3) Disconnect all wire harness support push pins.(4) Remove the rear two cargo box bolts and loosen
the remaining bolts. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/CARGO BOX - REMOVAL)
(5) Using a suitable lifting device, lift and support
the rear of the cargo box and remove the hitch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the hitch onto the frame rails and make
sure the locators on the inside of the hitch brackets
are engaged with the holes in the top of the frame
rails properly.
(2) Lower the cargo box and install the rear bolts.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/CARGO BOX -
INSTALLATION)
(3) Install the hitch bolts and tighten to 170 N´m
(125 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect all wire harness support push pins.
(5) Install the rear bumper. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/REAR BUMPER - INSTAL-
LATION)
Fig. 33 REAR CROSSMEMBER - 4WD
1 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT
2 - TORSION BAR
3 - CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (3 PER SIDE)
4 - REAR CROSSMEMBER
5 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT NUTS (2)
Fig. 34 TRAILER HITCH
1 - HITCH
2 - HITCH BOLTS (4)
3 - BUMPER BRACKET BOLTS (4)
4 - BUMPER SUPPORT BRACKETS
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 25
TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER (Continued)

TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Support the skid plate and remove the bolts.
(Fig. 35)
(3) Remove the skid plate.
(4) Support the skid plate crossmember and
remove the bolts.
(5) Remove the skid plate crossmember.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the skid plate crossmember and install
the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the skid plate and install the bolts.
(4) Tighten the bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
FRONT TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front bumper. (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the bolts and remove the tow hook
assembly. (Fig. 36)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the tow hook assembly and bolts hand
tight.
(2) Install the front bumper. (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
INSTALLATION)
(3) Tighten the tow hook bolts to 68 N´m (50 ft.
lbs.).
Fig. 35 TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE
1 - CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (4)
2 - SKID PLATE CROSSMEMBER
3 - SKID PLATE
4 - SKID PLATE BOLTS (4)
Fig. 36 FRONT TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY
1 - BUMPER CENTER SUPPORT BRACKET
2 - BOLTS (6)
3 - TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY
13 - 26 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION.........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................17
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................18BUSHING
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gears (Fig. 1) is made
up of two main components, the pinon shaft and the
rack. The gear cannot be adjusted or internally ser-
viced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear
must be replaced as an assembly.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(1) Lock the steering wheel.(2) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Remove and discard the steering coupler pinch
bolt.
(5) Remove the power steering hoses from the rack
& pinion.
(6) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(7) Remove the tie rod end nuts and separate tie
rod ends from the knuckles with Special tool 8677
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - REMOV-
AL).
(9) Remove the rack & pinion mounting bolts. (Fig.
2) & (Fig. 3)
(10) Remove the rack & pinion from the vehicle.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - OUTER TIE ROD ENDS
2 - MOUNTING BUSHINGS
3 - BELLOWS
Fig. 2 STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS
1 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS 4X4
19 - 16 GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR

INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before installing gear inspect bushings and
replace if worn or damaged.
NOTE: In the frame there is two holes for the
mounting of the steering gear one is slotted and
one is round, When tightening the gear to specifi-
cations make sure to tighten the mounting bolt with
the hole first to avoided movement of the steering
gear.
(1) Install the gear on the front crossmember and
tighten the mounting bolts to 319 N´m (235 ft. lbs.).
(Fig. 4) & (Fig. 3).
(2) Slide the shaft coupler onto the gear. Install
newpinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.).
(3) Clean and dry the tie rod end studs and the
knuckle tapers.
(4) Install the tie rod ends into the steering knuck-
les and tighten the nuts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) thenan additional 90É. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINK-
AGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the pressure power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 32 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(6) Install the return power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 71 N´m (52 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Install the front skid plate (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE
- INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(10) Fill the system with fluid, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Adjust the toe position. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
Fig. 3 STEERING GEAR 4X2
1-SWAYBAR
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
5 - LEFT INNER & RIGHT OUTER (TIE ROD ENDS)
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR 4X4
1 - FRONT AXLE
2 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING NUTS & BUSHINGS
DRGEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 17
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

NOTE: The air supply which is used must be free of
moisture and dirt. Use a pressure of 30 psi to test
clutch operation.
Apply air pressure at each port. If the clutch is
functioning, a soft thump will be heard as the clutch
is applied. The clutch application can also be felt by
touching the appropriate element while applying air
pressure. As the air pressure is released, the clutch
should also release.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONVERTER
HOUSING FLUID LEAK
When diagnosing converter housing fluid leaks,
two items must be established before repair.
(1) Verify that a leak condition actually exists.
(2) Determined the true source of the leak.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may not
be leaks at all. They may only be the result of residual
fluid in the converter housing, or excess fluid spilled dur-
ing factory fill or fill after repair. Converter housing
leaks have several potential sources. Through careful
observation, a leak source can be identified before remov-
ing the transmission for repair. Torque converter seal
leaks tend to move along the drive hub and onto the rear
of the converter. Pump cover seal tend to run down the
cover and the inside surface of the bellhousing.
Some leaks, or suspected leaks, may be particu-
larly difficult to locate. If necessary, a Mopart
approved dye may be used to locate a leak.
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAK POINTS
Possible sources of converter leaks are:
(1) Leaks at the weld joint around the outside
diameter weld (Fig. 7).
(2) Leaks at the converter hub weld (Fig. 7).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum trans-
mission case and valve body can be repaired by the
use of Heli-CoilsŸ, or equivalent. This repair con-
sists of drilling out the worn-out damaged threads.
Then tap the hole with a special Heli-CoilŸ tap, or
equivalent, and installing a Heli-CoilŸ insert, or
equivalent, into the hole. This brings the hole back to
its original thread size.
Heli-CoilŸ, or equivalent, tools and inserts are
readily available from most automotive parts suppliers.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle
(3) Remove any necessary skid plates. (Refer to 13
- FRAMES & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - REMOVAL)(4) Mark propeller shaft and axle companion
flanges for assembly alignment.
(5) Remove the rear propeller shaft
(6) Remove the front propeller shaft, if necessary.
(7)
Remove the engine to transmission collar (Fig. 8).
(8) Remove the exhaust support bracket from the
rear of the transmission.
Fig. 7 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE ASSEMBLY
2-STATOR
3 - CONVERTER HUB
4 - O-RING
5 - IMPELLER ASSEMBLY
6 - CONVERTER CLUTCH PISTON
7 - TURBINE HUB
Fig. 8 Transmission Collar
1 - ENGINE
2 - ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION COLLAR
3 - TRANSMISSION
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 495
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(27) Install the engine collar (Fig. 59) onto the
transmission and the engine. Tighten the bolts to 54
N´m (40 ft.lbs.).(28) Align and connect propeller shaft(s).
(29) Adjust gearshift cable if necessary.
(30) Install any skid plates removed previously.
(Refer to 13 - FRAMES & BUMPERS/FRAME/
TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION)
(31) Lower vehicle.
(32) Fill transmission with MopartATF +4, Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid.
Fig. 59 Transmission Collar
1 - ENGINE
2 - ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION COLLAR
3 - TRANSMISSION
21 - 512 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (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.
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV241 GENII 21 - 593
TRANSFER CASE - NV241 GENII (Continued)

REAR EXTENSION
(1) Install new seal in rear extension housing seal
with Installer D-163 and Handle C-4171..
(2) Apply bead of MopartGasket Maker, or equiv-
alent, to mating surface of rear extension housing.
Keep sealer bead width to maximum of 3/16 inch. Do
not use excessive amount of sealer as excess could be
displaced into output bearing.
(3) Align and install rear extension on retainer
(Fig. 80).
(4) Apply MopartSilicone Sealer to threads of rear
extension housing bolts. Then install and tighten
bolts to 16-24 N´m (12-18 ft. lbs.) torque.
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 - NV241 GENII
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Plug, Detent 16-24 12-18 -
Plug, Drain/Fill 40-45 30-40 -
Bolt, Extension Housing 16-24 12-18 -
Bolt, Case Half 20-27 15-24 -
Screw, Oil Pump 12-16 8-12 -
Nut, Range Lever 27-34 20-25 -
Sector Support 27-42 20-30 -
Nuts, Mounting 30-41 20-30 -
Position Sensor 20-34 16-25 -
Fig. 80 Install Rear Extension Bolts
1 - EXTENSION HOUSING
2 - TRANSFER CASE
21 - 614 TRANSFER CASE - NV241 GENIIDR
TRANSFER CASE - NV241 GENII (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)

(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)