Transmission 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)

(17) Install the rear output shaft bearing (Fig. 55)
into the rear case using Installer 8152 and Handle
C-4171.
(18) Install the rear output shaft bearing snap-
ring into the rear case half.
INPUT AND PLANETARY GEAR
(1) Lubricate gears and thrust washers with rec-
ommended transmission fluid.
(2) Install bottom thrust washer (Fig. 56) in low
range gear planetary. Be sure washer tabs are prop-
erly aligned in gear notches.(3) Install input gear in low range gear (Fig. 57).
Be sure input gear is fully seated.
(4) Install remaining thrust washer (Fig. 58) in
low range gear and on top of input gear.
Fig. 56 Install Bottom Input Gear Thrust Plate
1 - PLANETARY
2 - THRUST PLATE
Fig. 58 Install Input Gear Thrust Plate
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - THRUST PLATE
Fig. 55 Install Rear Output Shaft Bearing
1 - REAR CASE HALF
2 - HANDLE C-4171
3 - INSTALLER 8152
Fig. 57 Install Input Gear From Planetary
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - LOW RANGE PLANETARY
21 - 640 TRANSFER CASE - NV271DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

SHIFT FORKS AND MAINSHAFT
(1) Lubricate mainshaft splines with recommended
transmission fluid.
(2) Coat the interior of the drive sprocket hub with
ATF+4 and install the drive sprocket drive hub (Fig.
63) onto the mainshaft.(3) Install the mode hub (Fig. 64) onto the main-
shaft.
(4) Install the mode hub retaining ring (Fig. 65)
onto the mainshaft.
(5) Install the clutch gear (Fig. 66) onto the output
shaft. Verify that the pointed ends of the clutch gear
teeth are pointing to the front of the mainshaft.
Fig. 64 Install Mode Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
Fig. 63 Install the Drive Sprocket Drive Hub
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET DRIVE HUB
Fig. 65 Install Mode Hub Retaining Ring
1 - MAINSHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
3 - RETAINING RING
Fig. 66 Install Clutch Gear
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - CLUTCH GEAR
3 - MODE HUB
21 - 642 TRANSFER CASE - NV271DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV271 (Continued)

(6) Lubricate sector shaft with transmission fluid
and install shift sector in case (Fig. 67). Position slot
in sector so it will be aligned with shift fork pin
when shift forks are installed.
(7) Apply LoctiteŸ 242, or equivalent, to the
threads of the sector support to replentish the factory
applied patch. Install the shift sector support.
Tighten the sector support with Socket 9033 to 27-34
N´m (20-25 ft.lbs.).
(8) Assemble and install range fork and hub (Fig.
68). Be sure hub is properly seated in low range gear
and engaged to the input gear.
(9) Align and insert range fork pin in shift sector
slot.
(10) Install mode fork and shift rail onto the mode
sleeve.(11) Install the mode fork, sleeve, and shift rail
into the transfer case (Fig. 69).
(12) Install mainshaft into the transfer case (Fig.
70). Guide mainshaft through the mode and range
sleeves and into the input gear.
Fig. 67 Install Shift Sector
1 - SHIFT SECTOR
Fig. 68 Install Range Fork And Hub Assembly
1 - RANGE HUB
2 - RANGE FORK
Fig. 69 Install Mode Fork, Sleeve, and Shift Rail
Assembly
1 - SHIFT RAIL
2 - MODE FORK
3 - MODE SLEEVE
Fig. 70 Install Mainshaft Assembly
1 - FRONT CASE HALF
2 - MAINSHAFT ASSEMBLY
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV271 21 - 643
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)

IDENTIFICATION
A circular ID tag is attached to the rear case of
each transfer case (Fig. 1). The ID 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
The input gear is splined to the transmission out-
put shaft. The input gear drives the mainshaft
through the planetary assembly and range sleeve.
The front output shaft is operated by a drive chain
that connects the shaft to a drive sprocket on the
mainshaft. The drive sprocket is engaged/disengaged
by the mode fork, which operates the mode sleeve
and hub. The sleeve and hub are not equipped with a
synchronizer mechanism for shifting.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER CASE - NV243
DIAGNOSIS CHART
Condition Possible Cause Correction
Transfer case difficult to shift or will
not shift into desired range.1) Transfer case electronically
controlled shift system malfunction.1) Verify proper operation per the
appropriate diagnostic manual.
2) If vehicle was operated for an
extended period in 4HI mode on
dry surface, driveline torque load
may cause difficulty.2) Drive the vehicle in a straight line
and momentarily release the
accelerator. The transfer case can
then be shifted to the desired mode.
3) Insufficient or incorrect lubricant. 3) Drain and refill transfer case with
the correct quantity of MoparTAT F
+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
4) Internal transfer case
components binding, worn, or
damaged.4) Repair or replace components as
necessary.
Transfer case noisy in all drive
modes.1) Insufficient or incorrect lubricant. 1) Drain and refill transfer case with
the correct quantity of MoparTAT F
+4, type 9602, Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
2) Internal transfer case
components binding, worn, or
damaged.2) Repair or replace components as
necessary.
Fig. 1 Fill/Drain Plug And I.D. Tag Locations -
Typical
1 - I.D. TAG
2 - FILL PLUG
3 - DRAIN PLUG
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV243 21 - 659
TRANSFER CASE - NV243 (Continued)

Condition Possible Cause Correction
Transfer case noisy while in, or
jumps out of, 4LO mode.1) Transfer case not completely
engaged in 4LO position.1) While rolling 2-3 MPH and the
transmission in NEUTRAL, or clutch
depressed on vehicles equipped
with a manual transmission, shift
transfer case to the 2WD or 4HI
position, and then back into the 4LO
position.
2) Range fork damaged, inserts
worn, or fork is binding on the shift
rail.2) Repair or replace components as
necessary.
3) Low range gear worn or
damaged.3) Repair or replace components as
necessary.
Lubricant leaking from transfer case
seals or vent.1) Transfer case overfilled. 1) Drain lubricant to the correct
level.
2) Transfer case vent closed or
restricted.2) Clean or replace vent as
necessary.
3) Transfer case seals damaged or
installed incorrectly.3) Replace suspect seal.
Abnormal tire wear. 1) Extended operation in 4HI mode
on dry surfaces,1) Operate vehicle in 2WD mode on
dry surfaces.
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transfer case into 2WD.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Drain transfer case lubricant.
(4) Mark front and rear propeller shafts for align-
ment reference.
(5) Support transmission with jack stand.
(6) Remove the transfer case skid plate, if
equipped.
(7) Disconnect front and rear propeller shafts at
transfer case.
(8) Disconnect transfer case shift motor and mode
sensor wire connectors.
(9) Disconnect transfer case vent hose.
(10) Support transfer case with transmission jack.
(11) Secure transfer case to jack with chains.
(12) Remove nuts attaching transfer case to trans-
mission (Fig. 2).
(13) Pull transfer case and jack rearward to disen-
gage transfer case.
(14) Remove 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.
Fig. 2 Remove Transfer Case - Typical
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - TRANSFER CASE
3 - MODE SENSOR CONNECTOR
21 - 660 TRANSFER CASE - NV243DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV243 (Continued)

INPUT AND PLANETARY GEAR
(1) Lubricate gears and thrust washers (Fig. 51)
with recommended transmission fluid.
(2) Install first thrust washer in low range gear
(Fig. 51). Be sure washer tabs are properly aligned in
gear notches.
(3) Install input gear in low range gear. Be sure
input gear is fully seated.
(4) Install remaining thrust washer in low range
gear and on top of input gear. Be sure washer tabs
are properly aligned in gear notches.
(5) Install retainer on input gear and install snap-
ring.
(6) Align and install low range/input gear assem-
bly in front case (Fig. 52). Be sure low range gear
pinions are engaged in annulus gear and that input
gear shaft is fully seated in front bearing.
(7) Install snap-ring to hold input/low range gear
into front bearing (Fig. 53).
(8) Install a new input gear seal using Installer
8841 and Handle C-4171.
Fig. 51 Input/Low Range Gear Components
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - RETAINER PLATE
3 - INPUT GEAR
4 - LOW RANGE GEAR
5 - THRUST WASHERS
Fig. 52 Install Input Planetary Assembly
1 - FRONT CASE
2 - INPUT PLANETARY ASSEMBLY
Fig. 53 Install Input Gear Retaining Ring
1 - INPUT GEAR
2 - RETAINING RING
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV243 21 - 673
TRANSFER CASE - NV243 (Continued)

SHIFT FORKS AND MAINSHAFT
(1) Lubricate mainshaft splines with recommended
transmission fluid.
(2) Install the mode hub (Fig. 54) onto the output
shaft.
(3) Install the mode hub retaining ring (Fig. 55)
onto the output shaft.(4) Install the sprocket hub (Fig. 56) onto the out-
put shaft.
(5) Install the clutch gear (Fig. 57) onto the output
shaft.
(6) Install the drive sprocket (Fig. 58) onto the out-
put shaft.
Fig. 54 Install Mode Hub
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - MODE HUB
Fig. 55 Install Mode Hub Retaining Ring
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - RETAINING RING
3 - MODE HUB
Fig. 56 Install Sprocket Hub
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - SPROCKET HUB
Fig. 57 Install Clutch Gear
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - CLUTCH GEAR
3 - MODE HUB
21 - 674 TRANSFER CASE - NV243DR
TRANSFER CASE - NV243 (Continued)

(7) Install the drive sprocket thrust washer (Fig.
59) onto the output shaft.
(8) Install the drive sprocket retaining ring (Fig.
60) onto the output shaft.(9) Lubricate sector shaft with transmission fluid
and install shift sector in case (Fig. 61). Position slot
in sector so it will be aligned with shift fork pin
when shift forks are installed.
(10) Install the shift sector o-ring.
Fig. 58 Install Drive Sprocket
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - DRIVE SPROCKET
Fig. 59 Install Drive Sprocket Thrust Washer
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - THRUST WASHER
3 - DRIVE SPROCKET
Fig. 60 Install The Drive Sprocket Retaining Ring
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - RETAINING RING
3 - DRIVE SPROCKET
Fig. 61 Install Shift Sector
1 - SHIFT SECTOR
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV243 21 - 675
TRANSFER CASE - NV243 (Continued)