1999 DODGE RAM oil

(inner) pinion bearing onto pinion until bearing is fully seated.
Install preload shims on pinion. Install pinion in axle housing.
Install front (outer) pinion bearing and slinger (if equipped).
Install pinion flange on pinion.
2) Using holder and Pinion Flange Installer (C-3716), press
pinion flange onto pinion. Install washer and used pinion nut. Tighten
pinion nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
3) Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, check torque required to
rotate pinion. This is pinion bearing preload. Ensure pinion bearing
preload is within specification. See AXLE ASSEMBLY SPECIFICATIONS.
4) If pinion bearing preload is not within specification,
adjust thickness of preload shims. Decrease shim thickness to increase
pinion bearing preload. Increase shim thickness to decrease pinion
bearing preload.
5) Remove nut and washer from pinion. Using holder and Pinion
Flange Remover (C-452), remove pinion flange from pinion. Ensure oil
seal surface in axle housing is clean.
6) Coat lip of oil seal with gear lube. Using appropriate oil
seal installer and handle, install oil seal.
7) Reinstall pinion flange, washer and NEW pinion nut. DO NOT
reuse pinion nut. Tighten pinion nut to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Recheck pinion preload. Proceed to RING GEAR
BACKLASH.
NOTE: Before performing ring gear backlash, note differential case
zero end play obtained during initial differential bearing
preload. See INITIAL DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD.
Ring Gear Backlash
1) Install dummy bearings on each side of differential case
where differential bearings fit. Use Dummy Bearing (D-345) for 216 FBI\
axle, or (D-343) for 248 FBI axle.
2) Install differential case in axle housing. Install bearing
caps on axle housing. Ensure bearing caps are installed in original
location. Install bearing cap bolts.
3) Mount dial indicator on axle housing with stem against
back of ring gear. Ensure pressure exists on stem of dial indicator.
Ensure ring gear and pinion are tightly meshed.
4) Pry between bearing cap and differential case. Pry
differential case as far to right as possible. Zero dial indicator.
5) Pry differential case to the left as far as possible, and
note reading on dial indicator. Repeat procedure several times to
ensure proper reading.
6) Measurement obtained determines preload shim thickness
required to eliminate ring gear backlash. Subtract reading obtained in
step 5) from differential case zero end play obtained during initial
differential bearing preload.
7) This is thickness of preload shims that must be installed
on ring gear side of differential case. These preload shims will be
referred to as the "ring gear backlash preload shims".
8) Remaining preload shims required to equal the differential
case zero end play will be referred as zero end play preload shims.
9) Remove dial indicator, bearing caps and differential case
from axle housing. Remove master bearings from differential case.
Install ring gear backlash preload shims on ring gear side of
differential case.
10) Install differential bearing on ring gear side of
differential case using appropriate bearing installer.
11) Install zero end play preload shims plus an additional .
015" (.38 mm) thick preload shim on differential case (opposite ring
gear side). Using bearing installer, install differential bearing on
differential case.
12) Install bearing races on differential bearings. If

(1) - Approximate drive axle capacity listed. Lubricant level should
be within 1/2" below bottom of oil filler hole in axle housing
cover.
( 2) - Add container of Mopar Gear Oil Friction Modifier when
refilling.









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FLUID TYPE
Use SAE 80W-90 or SAE 90W hypoid gear lubricant with MIL-L-
2105-B and API GL-5 ratings. Also add a container of Mopar Gear Oil
Friction Modifier when refilling.
FLUID DRAIN & REFILL
1) With lubricant of rear axle assembly at normal operating
temperature, raise and support vehicle so rear wheels are free to
rotate. Clean around axle housing cover. Loosen axle housing cover
bolts. Drain lubricant from axle housing. Remove bolts and axle
housing cover.
2) Position differential so hole in differential case faces
down. Wipe all accessible areas of axle housing. Ensure sealing
surfaces on axle housing and cover are clean. Apply a 1/4" thick bead
of silicone sealant on inside of bolt holes and along sealing surfaces
on axle housing cover.
3) Install axle housing cover, axle identification tag and
retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m). Remove oil
filler plug. Add a container of Mopar Gear Oil Friction Modifier. Fill
axle with gear lube. Install oil filler plug. Lower vehicle.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
DIFFERENTIAL NOISE
1) Ensure differential lubricant is at normal operating
temperature. Road test vehicle. Note if differential noise exists in
turns, but not during straight-ahead driving. Probable cause is
incorrect or insufficient rear axle lubricant or additive.
2) Drain and refill rear axle. See FLUID DRAIN & REFILL under
LUBRICATION. Road test vehicle and note if noise still exists, it may
be necessary to disassemble rear axle so differential can be repaired.
See RBI FULL-FLOATING AXLES article for removal of differential case.
TESTING
NOTE: Power-Lok differential can be tested without removing
differential carrier from axle housing. Either test can be
used to check drive axle.
TEST I
1) Place blocks under both front wheels. Ensure engine is off
and transmission is in Neutral. Release parking brake. Raise one rear
wheel until it is completely clear of the floor. Remove wheel. Install
Adapter (6790) to wheel studs, and tighten securely.
2) Using torque wrench on adapter, rotate axle, and record
torque required. Repeat procedure for remaining rear wheel position.
If rotational torque for either rear wheel is less than 30 ft. lbs.
(41 N.m) or greater than 200 ft. lbs. (271 N.m), Power-Lok unit must\
be replaced or repaired.

267 RBI ................................................ 7.0 (3.3)\
286 RBI
2WD ................................................... 6.8 (3.2)\
4WD .................................................. 10.1 (4.8)\
Ram Van/Wagon
248 RBI ................................................ 6.0 (2.8)\
(1) - Approximate drive axle capacity listed. Lubricant level should
be 1/2" below oil filler hole in axle housing cover.









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FLUID TYPE
Use SAE 80W-90 for 286 models, or 90W for all other models,
hypoid gear lubricant with MIL-L-2105-C and API GL-5 ratings. Models
with Trac-Lok require addition of 6 ozs. (.18 L) Mopar(R) friction
modifier (limited slip additive). Ram Pickups equipped with Power-Lok
require addition of 8 ozs. (.24 L) Mopar(R) friction modifier.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: See appropriate table in TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL
INFORMATION.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
REAR HUB, BEARINGS & AXLE SHAFT
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Remove bolts, axle
shaft and gasket. Remove nut lock from adjusting nut. See Fig. 1.
Remove adjusting nut and outer wheel bearing. Remove rear hub and
brake drum. Remove oil seal and inner wheel bearing (if necessary).
Installation
1) Pack wheel bearings with wheel bearing grease. Install
inner wheel bearing and oil seal in rear hub (if removed). Install
rear hub and brake drum. Install outer wheel bearing and adjusting
nut. Tighten adjusting nut to specification while rotating rear hub
and brake drum. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
2) Back off adjusting nut approximately 1/8 turn to obtain .
001-.010" (.03-.25 mm) wheel bearing end play. Tap key lock into
adjusting nut and keyway on axle housing.
3) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Use NEW gasket when installing axle shaft. Tighten bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
DRIVE SHAFT
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Ensure transmission and
transfer case selector levers are in Neutral. Remove wheel assembly.
Remove RWAL sensor, if equipped. Reference mark drive shaft to pinion
flange for reassembly.
2) On 2-piece drive shafts, scribe center carrier bearing-to-
frame bracket reference line for reassembly. On all drive shafts,
remove bolts and "U" joint straps at pinion flange. Remove center
carrier bearing bolts, if equipped. Remove spring clamps and brackets.
Remove drive shaft(s).
CAUTION: The "U" joint straps and bolts must be replaced. DO NOT

reuse.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure using NEW "U" joint
straps and bolts. Ensure all reference marks are aligned. Tighten
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
PINION FLANGE & OIL SEAL
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Reference mark drive shaft to
pinion flange on differential for reassembly. Remove bolts and "U"
joint straps at pinion flange on differential. Disconnect drive shaft
from differential, and support aside.
2) Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, measure amount of force
required to rotate pinion. This is pinion bearing preload. Record
pinion bearing preload for reassembly reference.
3) Remove pinion nut and washer from pinion. Scribe reference
mark on pinion flange and pinion for reassembly. Using Holder (6719)
and appropriate flange remover, remove pinion flange from pinion.
Remove oil seal from axle housing.
Installation
1) Ensure oil seal surface in axle housing is clean. Coat lip
of oil seal with gear lube. Using appropriate oil seal installer and
handle, install oil seal.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Rear Axle (Typical)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
2) Install pinion flange on pinion with reference mark
aligned. Press pinion flange onto pinion. Install washer and pinion

pinion flange from pinion. Remove oil seal from axle housing.
11) Remove slinger (if equipped), pinion bearing and preload\
shim(s). See Fig. 1. Note thickness of preload shims for reassembly
reference in case shims become misplaced.
12) Remove pinion and bearing from axle housing. Using
appropriate remover, remove front (outer) pinion bearing race from
axle housing. Remove rear (inner) pinion bearing race from axle
housing using remover. Remove pinion bearing depth shims from axle
housing. See Fig. 1. Measure and record shim thickness for reassembly
reference.
13) Remove rear (inner) bearing from pinion, using
appropriate puller. Remove differential bearings from differential
case. Remove preload shims from differential case. See Fig. 1.
Identify preload shim location. Record preload shim thickness for
reassembly reference.
14) Clamp differential case in soft-jaw vise. Remove roll pin
from differential case. Tap pinion shaft from differential case.
Remove pinion gears, pinion gear thrust washers, side gears and side
gear thrust washers from differential case.
Cleaning & Inspection
1) Clean components with solvent and dry with compressed air.
Inspect components for wear. Inspect bearings and bearing races for
wear and pitting. Replace bearings and bearing races as a set. Inspect
ring gear and pinion teeth for wear and chipping. Replace ring gear
and pinion gear as matched set.
2) Check differential case for cracks or scoring of side
gears, thrust washers and pinion thrust faces. Check fit of side gears
to differential case and axle shaft splines. Examine shaft of pinion
shaft for scoring or excessive wear.
3) On axles with Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brakes, if
exciter ring is not removed from differential case, ensure exciter
ring fits tightly on differential case and is fully seated.
NOTE: Lubricate all bearings, bearing races, gears and thrust
washers with gear lube during reassembly.
Reassembly & Adjustments
1) Place differential case in soft-jaw vise. Install side
gears, side gear thrust washers, pinion gears and pinion gear thrust
washers into differential case.
2) Rotate side gears until holes in pinion gears and thrust
washers align with holes in differential case. Install pinion shaft.
Install roll pin in differential case. Stake edge of differential case
in 2 areas, 180 degrees apart, to retain roll pin in place. Remove
differential case from vise.
3) On rear axles with Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brakes,
align tab on exciter ring with slot on differential case if installing
exciter ring. Install ring gear on differential case. Install 2 NEW
ring gear bolts to maintain bolt hole alignment. Using press, press
exciter ring onto differential case using ring gear as a pilot.
4) Install ring gear on differential case (if not previously
installed). Install NEW ring gear bolts. Tighten bolts evenly in
alternating pattern to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Proceed to INITIAL DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD.
NOTE: Initial differential bearing preload must be performed to
determine thickness of preload shims in order to obtain zero
end play of differential case. Procedure must be performed
before installing pinion in axle housing.
Initial Differential Bearing Preload
1) Install master bearings on each side of differential case

pinion face. Etched marking, in thousandths of an inch, indicates
deviation from standard dimension.
5) When etched marking is negative (-), add this amount to
pinion depth shim pack to obtain correct shim thickness. When etched
marking is positive (+), subtract this amount from pinion depth shim
pack to obtain correct shim thickness. If etched marking is zero, no
change is required in pinion depth shim pack thickness.
6) Measure pinion depth shims separately using micrometer. If
slinger is used, slinger thickness must also be included in pinion
depth shim pack. Remove pinion depth gauge set components from axle
housing.
7) Place pinion depth shim pack in axle housing bore for rear
(inner) bearing race. Using appropriate bearing race installer, drive
rear (inner) bearing race into axle housing. Ensure bearing race is
fully seated.
8) Using bearing race installer, drive front (outer) bearing\
race into axle housing. Ensure bearing race is fully seated. Proceed
to PINION BEARING PRELOAD.
Pinion Bearing Preload
1) Install slinger on pinion (if equipped). Press rear
(inner) pinion bearing onto pinion until bearing is fully seated.
Install preload shims on pinion. Install pinion in axle housing.
Install front (outer) pinion bearing and slinger (if equipped).
Install pinion flange on pinion.
2) Using holder and Pinion Flange Installer (C-3718) for 246\
and 267 models, Installer (D-191) for 286 models, press pinion flange
onto pinion. Install washer and used pinion nut. Tighten pinion nut to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
3) Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, check torque required to
rotate pinion. This is pinion bearing preload. Ensure pinion bearing
preload is within specification. See AXLE ASSEMBLY SPECIFICATIONS
table.
4) If pinion bearing preload is not within specification,
adjust thickness of preload shims. Decrease shim thickness to increase
pinion bearing preload. Increase shim thickness to decrease pinion
bearing preload.
5) Remove nut and washer from pinion. Using holder and Pinion
Flange Remover (C-452), remove pinion flange from pinion. Ensure oil
seal surface in axle housing is clean.
Fig. 5: Pinion Depth Shim Adjustment Chart
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.

Fig. 6: Checking Pinion Depth
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
6) Coat lip of oil seal with gear lube. Using appropriate oil
seal installer and handle, install oil seal.

NOTE: Axle ratio can be identified by axle identification tag
attached to axle housing cover. See AXLE RATIO SPECIFICATIONS
table.
AXLE RATIO SPECIFICATIONS









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Application Ratio
8 1/4" Ring Gear ........................... 3.21:1, 3.55:1 & 3.90:1
9 1/4" Ring Gear ........................... 3.21:1, 3.55:1 & 3.92:1









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LUBRICATION
CAPACITY
DRIVE AXLE CAPACITY ( 1)








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Application Pts. (L)\
8 1/4" Ring Gears .................................... ( 2) 4.4 (2.1)
9 1/4" Ring Gear ..................................... ( 2) 4.9 (2.3)
( 1) - Approximate drive axle capacity listed. Lubricant level should
be within 1/2" below bottom of oil filler hole in axle housing
cover.
( 2) - Add 5 ounces of (148 ml) Trac-Loc additive.









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FLUID TYPE
Use SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear lubricant with MIL-L-2105-C and
API GL-5 ratings.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: See appropriate table in TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL
INFORMATION.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
AXLE SHAFT & BEARING
CAUTION: When servicing differential, DO NOT rotate one axle shaft
unless both axles are installed into differential. Rotation
of one axle shaft without other in place may result in
misalignment of side gears in differential. This would
require difficult realignment of side gears before axle
shafts can be installed.
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and brake drum.
Clean area around axle housing cover. Loosen axle housing cover bolts.
Drain lubricant from axle housing. Remove bolts and axle housing
cover. Rotate differential carrier for access to lock bolt. See Fig. 1
.
2) Remove lock bolt and pinion shaft from differential
carrier. See Fig. 1. Push axle shaft inward, toward center of vehicle.
Remove clip from groove in end of axle shaft. Remove axle shaft from