(7) Disconnect the brake hose at the axle junction
block.Do not disconnect the wheel cylinder tub-
ing fittings.
(8) Disconnect the track bar at the axle bracket.
(9) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential. Raise the axle just enough to relieve
the axle weight from the springs.
(10) Remove the spring U-bolts from the plate
brackets.
(11) Loosen BUT DO NOT REMOVE the bolts that
attach the spring front pivot at the frame rail brack-
ets. This will allow the springs to pivot without bind-
ing on the bushings.
(12) Disconnect shackle from the springs and lower
the springs to the surface.
(13) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
(1) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(2) Raise the springs and install the spring shackle
bolts.Do not tighten at this time.
(3) Lower the axle and align the spring center
bolts with the locating holes in the axle pads and
plate brackets.
(4) Install the spring U-bolts through the plate
brackets and tighten to 122 Nzm (90 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
It is important that the springs support the
weight of the vehicle when the track bar is con-
nected. If the springs are not at their usual po-
sition, vehicle ride comfort could be affected.
(6) Connect the brake hose at the axle junction
block.
(7) Install the shock absorbers to the axle brackets
and tighten to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Connect the parking brake cables at the equal-
izer or backing plate.
(9) Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting.
(10) Align the reference marks and connect the
drive shaft to the axle yoke. Tighten the U-joint
clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Check differential lubricant and add if neces-
sary.
(12) Install the wheel and tire.
(13) Bleed the brakes.
(14) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.(15) Tighten the spring front pivot bolt/nut to 142
Nzm (105 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the spring shackle
bolt/nut to 135 Nzm (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(16) Tighten the track bar bolt at the axle bracket
to 142 Nzm (105 ft. lbs.) torque.
PINION SHAFT SEAL REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Mark the drive shaft yoke and pinion yoke for
installation alignment reference.
(4) Remove the drive shaft from the yoke.
(5) Rotate the pinion gear three or four times.
Make sure brakes are not dragging during this
procedure.
(6) Measure the amount of torque (in Newton-
meters or inch-pounds) necessary to rotate the pinion
gear with a torque wrench. Note the torque for in-
stallation reference.It must be known to properly
adjust the pinion gear bearing preload torque
after seal installation.
(7) Remove the pinion yoke nut and washer. Use
Remover C-452 and Wrench C-3281 to remove the
pinion yoke (Fig. 2).
(8) Mark the positions of the yoke and pinion gear
for installation alignment reference.
(9) Use Remover 7794A and slide hammer to re-
move the pinion gear seal (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the
lip of pinion seal. Install seal with Installer D-163
and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 4).
(2) Align the installation reference marks and in-
stall yoke on the pinion gear with Installer W-162-D.
(3) Install a new nut on the pinion gear.Tighten
the nut only enough to remove the shaft end
play.
Fig. 2 Pinion Yoke Removal
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 15
CAUTION: Exercise care during the bearing preload
torque adjustment. Do not over-tighten, or loosen
and then re-tighten the nut. Do not exceed the bear-
ing preload torque. The collapsible preload spacer
on the shaft will have to be replaced. The bearing
preload torque will be re-adjusted afterward.
(4) Install a socket and inch-pound torque wrench
on the pinion nut.
(5) Rotate the shaft with the torque wrench and
note the torque.
The required preload torque is equal to the
amount recorded during removal plus an addi-
tional 0.56 Nzm (5 in. lbs.).
(6) Use Flange Wrench C-3281 to retain the yoke
and shaft (Fig. 5). Tighten the shaft nut in very
small increments.(7) Continue tightening the shaft nut in small in-
crements until the correct bearing preload torque is
attained.
(8) Align the installation reference marks and at-
tach the drive shaft to the yoke.
(9) Add API grade GL 5 hypoid gear lubricant to
the differential housing, if necessary.
(10) Install wheel and tire assemblies.
(10) Lower the vehicle.
AXLE SHAFT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire.
(3) Remove the brake drum.
(4) Clean all the foreign material from housing
cover area.
(5) Loosen the housing cover bolts. Drain the lubri-
cant from the housing and the axle shaft tubes. Re-
move the housing cover.
(6) Rotate the differential case so that the pinion
mate gear shaft lock screw is accessible. Remove the
lock screw and the pinion mate gear shaft from the
case (Fig. 6).
(7) Force the axle shaft in toward the center of the
vehicle. Remove the axle shaft C-clip lock from the
axle shaft (Fig. 7).
(8) Remove the axle shaft. Use care to prevent
damage to the axle shaft bearing and seal, which will
remain in the axle shaft tube.
(9) Inspect axle shaft seal for leakage or damage.
Fig. 3 Seal Removal
Fig. 4 Pinion Seal Installation
Fig. 5 Tightening Pinion Shaft Nut
3 - 16 REAR SUSPENSION AND AXLESJ
(10) Inspect the roller bearing contact surface on
the axle shaft for signs of brinelling, spalling and pit-
ting.
(11) If any of these conditions exist, the axle shaft
and bearing or seal must be replaced.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the bearing bore and seal lip with
gear lubricant. Insert the axle shaft through the seal,
bearing, and engage it with the side gear splines.
Use care to prevent the shaft splines from dam-
aging the axle shaft seal lip.
(2) Insert the C-clip lock in the end of the axle
shaft. Push the axle shaft outward to seat the C-clip
lock in the side gear.
(3) Insert the mate shaft into the case and through
the thrust washers and pinion gears. Align the hole
in shaft with the hole in the differential case and in-
stall the lock screw with Loctiteton the threads.
Tighten the screw to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the cover and add fluid. Refer to the
Drain and Refill in this section.
AXLE SHAFT SEAL AND BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the axle shaft. Refer to the Removal
procedures in this Group.
(2) Remove the axle shaft seal from the end of the
axle shaft tube with a small pry bar.
(3) Remove the bearing if it appears damaged.
The seal and bearing can be removed at the same
time with the bearing removal tool.
(4) Remove the axle shaft bearing from the tube
(Fig. 8) with Bearing Removal Tool Set 6310 (T.Ar
960-02).
(5) Inspect the axle shaft tube bore for roughness
and burrs. Remove as necessary.
CAUTION: Inspect the housing bore for burrs. Re-
move them if they exist.
INSTALLATION
Do not install the original axle shaft seal. Al-
ways install a new seal.
(1) Wipe the bore in the axle shaft tube clean.
(2) Install axle shaft bearing with Installer 6436
and Handle C-4171. Ensure part number on the
bearing must go against the Installer.
(3) Install the new axle shaft seal (Fig. 9) with In-
staller 6437 and Handle C-4171.
(4) Install the Axle Shaft. Refer to the installation
procedure.
Fig. 6 Mate Shaft Lock Screw
Fig. 7 Axle Shaft C-Clip Lock
Fig. 8 Axle Shaft Bearing Removal Tool
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 17
(2) Install the pinion front bearing cup with In-
staller D-130 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 30).
(3) Install pinion front bearing, oil slinger. Apply a
light coating of gear lubricant on the lip of pinion
seal. Install seal with Installer D-163 and Handle
C-4171 (Fig. 31).
(4) Install the rear bearing (and slinger if used) on
the pinion gear with Installer W-262 (Fig. 32).
(5) Install a new collapsible preload spacer on pin-
ion shaft and install pinion gear in housing (Fig. 33).
(6) Install yoke with Installer W-162-D and
Wrench C-3281 (Fig. 34).
(7) Install the yoke washer and a new nut on the
pinion gear. Tighten the nut to 271 Nzm (200 ft.lbs.)
minimum.Do not over-tighten.Maximum torque is
475 Nzm (350 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Never loosen pinion gear nut to decrease
pinion gear bearing preload torque and never exceed
specified preload torque. If preload torque is exceeded
a new collapsible spacer must be installed. The torque
sequence will have to be repeated.
(8) Use Flange Wrench C-3281 to retain the yoke
(Fig. 35). Slowly tighten the nut in small increments
until the rotating torque is achieved. Measure the pre-
load torque frequently to avoid over-tightening the nut.
(9) Check bearing preload torque with an inch
Fig. 30 Pinion Front Bearing Cup Installation
Fig. 31 Pinion Seal Installation
Fig. 32 Shaft Rear Bearing Installation
Fig. 33 Collapsible Preload Spacer
3 - 24 REAR SUSPENSION AND AXLESJ
pound torque wrench (Fig. 36). The torque necessary
to rotate the pinion gear should be;
²Original Bearings Ð 1 to 3 Nzm (10 to 20 in. lbs.).
²New BearingsÐ2to5Nzm (15 to 35 in. lbs.).
DIFFERENTIAL MEASUREMENT AND INSTALLATION
DIFFERENTIAL SHIM PACK MEASUREMENT
(1) Install the bearings on the hub with Installer
C-3716A and Driver Handle C-4171.(2) Match each bearing cup with bearing (original).
Install the cups on the bearings.
Note:It is recommended whenever bearings are re-
moved that they be replaced.
(3) Install the differential case in the housing.
(4) Install the outboard shim/spacer (selected thick-
ness) on each side between bearing cup and housing
(Fig. 37). Use 0.142 in. (3.6 mm) as a starting point,
shim/spacers are available in various thicknesses.
(5) Install the marked bearing caps in their correct
positions. Install and snug the bolts.
Fig. 34 Pinion Yoke Installation
Fig. 35 Tightening Pinion Nut
Fig. 36 Check Pinion Gear Torque
Fig. 37 Differential Bearing Shim Installation
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 25
(6) Attach a dial indicator to the housing. Position
the indicator plunger so that it contacts the ring gear
mating surface (Fig. 38).
(7) Pry the differential case to one side and zero
the dial indicator pointer.
(8) Pry the differential case to the opposite side
and record indicator reading. Reading is additional
shim thickness needed for zero end play. For exam-
ple, if reading was 0.008 inch (0.20 mm), an addi-
tional 0.004-inch (0.10-mm) thick shim will be
needed at each side zero end play.
(9) Install zero end-play shims on each side of
case.
The differential bearings must be preloaded
to compensate for heat and load during opera-
tion.
(10) Add an additional 0.004-inch (0.1-mm) to each
outboard shim/spacer for bearing preload.
RING GEAR INSTALLATION
(1) Invert the differential case and start two ring
gear bolts. This will provide case-to-ring gear bolt
hole alignment.
(2) Install new ring gear bolts and alternately
tighten to 95-122 Nzm (70-90 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 39).
DIFFERENTIAL INSTALLATION
(1) Position Spreader W-129-B with the tool dowel
pins seated in the locating holes (Fig. 40). Install the
holddown clamps and tighten the tool turnbuckle fin-
ger-tight.
(2) Install a pilot stud at the left side of the differ-
ential housing. Attach Dial Indicator to housing pilot
stud. Load the indicator plunger against the opposite
side of the housing (Fig. 40) and zero the indicator.CAUTION: Do not spread over 0.38 mm (0.015 in). If
the housing is over-separated, it could be distorted
or damaged.
(3) Separate the housing enough to install the case
in the housing. Measure the distance with the dial
indicator (Fig. 40).
(4) Remove the dial indicator.
(5) Install differential and outboard shim/spacer
(selected thickness) in housing.
(6) Install case in the housing. Tap the differential
case to ensure the bearings are fully seated (Fig. 41).
Remove the spreader.
(7) Install the bearing caps at their original loca-
tions (Fig. 42). Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 77
Nzm (57 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 38 Shim Measurement
Fig. 39 Ring Gear Bolt Installation
Fig. 40 Spread Differential Housing
3 - 26 REAR SUSPENSION AND AXLESJ
FINAL ASSEMBLY
(1) Install the axle shafts. Refer to Axle Shaft In-
stallation within this group.
(2) Scrape the residual sealant from the housing
and cover mating surfaces. Clean the mating surfaces
with mineral spirits. Apply a bead of MOPARtSili-
cone Rubber Sealant on the housing cover (Fig. 46).
Allow the sealant to cure for a few minutes.
Install the housing cover within 5 minutes af-
ter applying the sealant. If not installed the
sealant must be removed and another bead ap-
plied.
(3) Install the cover on the differential with the at-
taching bolts. Install the identification tag. Tighten
the cover bolts to 41 Nzm (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
CAUTION: Overfilling the differential can result in
lubricant foaming and overheating.
(4) Refill the differential housing with the specified
quantity of MOPARtHypoid Gear Lubricant.
(5) Install the fill hole plug and tighten to 34 Nzm
(25 ft. lbs.) torque. Axles equipped with rubber fill
plug install plug into cover.
Fig. 46 Typical Housing Cover With Sealant
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 29
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Multi-purpose, hypoid gear lubricant should be
used in the 8 1/4 inch axle. The lubricant should
have MIL-L-2105C and API GL 5 quality specifica-
tions. MOPARtHypoid Gear Lubricant conforms to
both of these specifications.
²The factory installed lubricant for the 8 1/4 inch
rear axle is SAE 80W 90 gear lubricant.
²The factory installed lubricant quantity is 6762
fluid oz.
CAUTION: Overfilling the differential can result in
lubricant foaming and overheating.
Refer to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance for
additional information.
CAUTION: If axle is submerged in water, lubricant
must be replaced immediately to avoid possible
premature axle failure.
DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENTÐXJ
VEHICLES
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Position support stands un-
der the frame rails slightly in front the springs.
(2) Remove the rear wheels.
(3) Mark the drive shaft yoke and axle pinion yoke
for alignment reference. Disconnect the drive shaft
from the axle.
(4) Disconnect the axle vent hose.
(5) Disconnect the parking brake cables at the
equalizer or backing plate.
(6) Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle
brackets.
(7) Disconnect the brake hose at the axle junction
block.Do not disconnect the wheel cylinder tub-
ing fittings.
(8) If equipped, disconnect ABS wiring connections
at the axle.
(9) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential.
(10) Remove the spring U-bolts from the plate
brackets.
(11) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.(1) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(2) Raise the axle and align the spring center bolts
with the locating holes in the axle pads and plate
brackets.
(3) Install the spring U-bolts through the plate
brackets and tighten to 70 Nzm (52 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install ABS wiring connections (if equipped) at
the axle.
(5) Connect the brake hose at the axle junction
block.
(6) Install the shock absorbers to the axle brackets
and tighten to 62 Nzm (46 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Connect the parking brake cables at the equal-
izer or backing plate.
(8) Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting.
(9) Align the reference marks and connect the
drive shaft to the axle yoke. Tighten the U-joint
clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Check differential lubricant and add if neces-
sary.
(11) Install the wheel and tire.
(12) Bleed the brakes.
(13) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
LUBRICANT CHANGE
The gear lubricant will drain quicker if the vehicle
has been recently driven.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lubricant fill hole plug from the dif-
ferential housing cover.
(3) Remove the differential housing cover and
drain the lubricant from the housing.
(4) Clean the housing cavity with a flushing oil,
light engine oil or lint free cloth.Do not use water,
steam, kerosene or gasoline for cleaning.
(5) Remove the sealant from the housing and cover
surfaces. Use solvent to clean the mating surfaces.
(6) Apply a bead of MOPARtSilicone Rubber Seal-
ant to the housing cover (Fig. 2). Allow the sealant to
cure for a few minutes.
Install the housing cover within 5 minutes after
applying the sealant. If not installed the sealant
must be removed and another bead applied.
(7) Install the cover and any identification tag.
Tighten the cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 47
Nzm (35 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Refill the differential with Mopar Hypoid Gear
Lubricant 13 mm (1/2 in.) below the fill plug hole.
With Trac-Lok differentials, add a container of Mopar
Hypoid Gear Lubricant Additive.
CAUTION: Overfilling the differential can result in
lubricant foaming and overheating.
(9) Install the fill hole plug and lower the vehicle.
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 31