Description

Mitsubishi Motors R4AW3, V4AW3 1997 Service Manual

If you’ve ever stared at a transmission teardown with a pile of unlabeled springs and a bent copy of some aftermarket manual that says ‘tighten to snug’, you know the feeling. That’s not a manual, that’s a liability. The Mitsubishi Motors R4AW3, V4AW3 1997 Service Manual is the real deal – factory-issued, 138 pages of what Mitsubishi actually printed for their own techs. No shortcuts, no translation errors. This is what you need on the bench when you’re staring at a valve body with 15 different springs and no idea which goes where.

Valve Body Spring Identification: Factory Data You Can Trust

The VALVE BODY SPRING IDENTIFICATION table on page 23B-1-5 gives you free length, outer diameter, and coil count for every spring in the upper and lower valve bodies. I’ve seen guys use a caliper and try to match by eye – that’s how you get shift flare or a 2-3 bind. Mitsubishi printed this table so you don’t guess. You match the spring, you install it, you move on. That table has saved me from ordering the wrong snap ring more than once.

Does This Manual Cover the Transfer Case?

Yes. Sections 18 through 27 walk through the transfer case, including the 4WD synchronizer, center differential, and output shafts. If you’re rebuilding a Montero or pickup with this Transmission, you need the transfer specs. The manual covers transfer input gear, counter shaft gear, and the synchronizer assembly. Page numbers in the 18-27 range. Don’t assume your aftermarket book has that – most don’t. For related chassis info, check the Mitsubishi Montero 1992-1995 Service Manual Body & Chassis – Section: Alphabetic.

8 Sections Dedicated to Clutch Packs and Planetary Gears

Starting at section 6 with the overdrive planetary gear and overdrive direct clutch, then direct clutch, forward clutch, front planetary gear, and so on. Each section includes disassembly, inspection, and assembly with snap ring and spacer adjustment tables. You get the exact thicknesses for selective snap rings – not a range, the actual part numbers. That’s what lets you set end play without buying three different kits. If you need the manual transmission variant, see the Mitsubishi Motors R5M3, V5M3 2000 Service Manual – Factory Transmission Specs.

Get the Right Torque Specs – Page 23B-1-8

Torque specifications are listed in a dedicated table. They give you ft-lb and in-lb for every fastener: valve body bolts, oil pump cover, transfer case mounting, bellhousing. I’ve seen stripped threads on the oil pump because someone used an impact on a 6mm bolt. The spec is printed. Use it. Also check the SEALANTS section on page 23B-1-9 – they tell you which Loctite or Three Bond to apply where. For an Automotive Industry Overview on transmission evolution, but this manual sticks to what’s needed.

Gear Ratio Table: What It Tells You

The GEAR RATIO TABLE on page 23B-1-2 lists ratios for each gear. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, reverse – and the planetary gear set ratios. If you’re swapping in a different final drive or checking for a slipping gear, this is your reference. The TRANSMISSION MODEL TABLE on the same page tells you which vehicles used the R4AW3 and V4AW3. Unlike a Manual Transmission, this automatic has more electronics, but the mechanical side is pure factory spec.

Other manuals that share platform knowledge: the Mitsubishi Motors LASER TALON 1990 Service Manual may also share some transfer case parts for early models.

FAQ

Can I use this manual to rebuild the valve body?

Yes. Sections 15-17 cover upper and lower valve body disassembly and spring identification.

What about the transfer case – is it included?

Yes, it’s in sections 18 through 27. You get the transfer case plate, input gear, counter shaft gear, 4WD synchronizer, center differential case, and all output shafts. The manual also includes torque specs for the transfer case mounting bolts and the snap ring adjustment for the synchronizer hub. If you’re working on a four-wheel-drive vehicle with this transmission, you need that data – aftermarket manuals often leave it out or give incorrect end-play values. I’d trust the factory page over a third-party scan any day.

This is the only document that gives you the OEM data for the R4AW3 and V4AW3 transmissions. Stop hunting through forums and PDFs of copied copies. Access the Factory Manual from AutoRepairManuals and get the real specs on your bench.