Symptoms
Fluid leaking from the output seals or the case seam, chain noise in 4WD, or a case that jumps out of gear. Torque King says a stretched NP208 chain can sag enough to wear a hole in the aluminum case.
The fix, step by step
- Drain the case and remove the driveshafts, linkage, vacuum switch (on CAD trucks) and mounting nuts, then drop it out.
- Split the case, check the chain stretch and the oil pump, and replace all the bearings and seals.
- Torque King warns that the NP208's small thrust bearings are especially sensitive to low or contaminated oil.
- Refill with ATF, the fluid owners and the manual call for in these chain-drive cases.
Tools & part numbers
- Transmission jack
- snap-ring pliers
- seal drivers
- RTV or gaskets
Where to buy the parts
QU50924 NP208 bearing & seal kit (1981–87 Ramcharger)Torque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
QU50129 NP241D bearing, seal & gasket kit (1988–93 Ramcharger)Torque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
Transfer case drive chain, 1990 RamchargerRockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Dodge Ramcharger (1981–1993) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.