OEM Dodge Ram 3500 Van Crankshaft

Dodge Ram 3500 Van Crankshaft Parts and Q&A

• Crankshaft
  R4790759AB
  Q: How is a crankshaft with undersize journals identified and what are the steps for replacing it on Dodge Ram 3500 Van?

  A:

  An undersize journal crankshaft will be marked with 1/4 inch letters on the No.8 crankshaft counterweight. Examples include R2 for a 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) undersize No.2 rod journal, M4 for a 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) undersize No.4 main journal and R3 M2 for undersize No.3 rod journal and No.2 main journal. When a crankshaft is being replaced, it is important to also change all main and connecting rod bearings with new bearings so no special fitting is needed. Before you lift the crankshaft, remove the oil pan and pump from the rear main bearing cap, then take out the bearing caps and bearings one at a time. Take the oil seals from the rear and front of the crankshaft out. Check the connecting rod and main journals for severe wear, taper or scoring. Make sure the maximum taper permitted is 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) and that journal grinding on these parts is not greater than 0.305 mm (0.012 inch) from their standard diameter, not including the thrust faces of the No.2 main bearing or notching crank pin or bearing fillets. Elbow grease and remove shards from each oil hole, while thoroughly clearing out all oil passages to allow final polishing in the direction the engine rotates. Following this, get rid of any residue from Loctite 518 and sealant from the cylinder block and rear cap mating surface and then apply a Loctite drop and put the rear cap into place. Prior to installing, clean both sides of the cylinder block rear cap and ensure there is no rubbish in the seal groove. Oil the new upper seal lips, put the new rear oil seal in sideways with the white paint facing the engine and seat the crankshaft into the block. Run it lightly with oil and install the rear oil seal into the bearing cap, be sure to position the white paint towards the rear of the gearbox. Remove the bearing cap from the article, put 5 mm (0.20 inches) of Loctite 518 on both sides of the bearing cap, keep the seal away from the compound and immediately reattach the cap to the cylinder block. Position the bearing cap with the cap slot, alignment dowel and cap bolts so that, after assembly, any excess material is left and you hit the rear cap only two times for proper engagement. Clean and apply oil to every cap bolt, install all sets of bearing caps and use an alternating pattern to tighten each cap bolt to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.) torque. Apply the oil pump and use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant at the bearing cap seal to prevent oil leaks from the joint. Be sure to apply enough sealant that it squeezes out just a little and after that, wipe the oil pan seal ring clean of any extra sealant. Next, set the front crankshaft oil seal and immediately place the oil pan in.