OEM 2000 Dodge Ram 3500 Crankshaft

2000 Dodge Ram 3500 Crankshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Identify and Replace a Crankshaft with Undersize Journals on 2000 Dodge Ram 3500?

  A: To indicate a crankshaft with undersized journals, 1/4 inch letters will appear on the counterweight of the No.3 journal, showing R2 for the No.2 rod journal, M4 for the No.4 main journal and R3 M2 for both the No.3 rod journal and No.2 main journal being 0.025 mm (0.001 in) undersize. Replacing the crankshaft also means changing all main and connecting rod bearings, so you don't have to worry about selecting specific ones. Before taking out the crankshaft, open the oil pan, remove the oil pump from the rear main bearing cap and remove the vibration damper and timing chain cover. Remove the bearing caps and bearings one set at a time before you lift the crankshaft from the block. Take out the crankshaft rear and front oil seals. Examine the connecting rod and main journal areas for too much wear, taper and signs of scoring, so the taper does not surpass 0.025 mm or 0.001 inch and journal grinding should be less than 0.305 mm or 0.012 inch below the usual journal diameter. After grinding, file away any rough areas in the oil hole openings and guarantee all the oil passages are crystal clear. Wash away all traces of Loctite 518 and sealant from where the cylinder block and rear cap meet and add a drop of Loctite before installing the rear cap. Put a bit of oil on the upper seal lips and replace the rear oil seal with the white side facing the back of the engine; then set the crankshaft in place. Apply a little oil to the new lower seal lips and put the new lower rear bearing oil seal into the bearing cap so that the white paint is at the rear. On each side of the rear main bearing cap, apply a little 5 mm (0.20 in) of Loctite 518, steer clear of the rubber seal and directly join the bearing cap to the cylinder block. Set the bearing cap in place using the cap slot, alignment dowel and cap bolts, without removing extra material after assembly and no more than two strikes on the rear cap for proper setup. Apply clean oil and oil all the bolt heads, slide in the main bearing caps, alternately tighten all cap bolts to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.). Attach the oil pump and use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant at the bearing cap to block joint for sealing. Apply enough sealant until some squeeze out and clean the oil pan seal groove with a wipe. After that, put in the front crankshaft oil seal and immediately place the oil pan.