1999 DODGE RAM oil

axle housing.
CAUTION: DO NOT damage axle shaft bearing in axle housing when
removing axle shaft.
3) Inspect axle shaft-to-axle shaft bearing contact area for
damage. Replace axle shaft and axle shaft bearing if axle shaft is
damaged. Using small pry bar, pry oil seal from axle housing (if
necessary).
4) If replacing axle shaft bearing, use appropriate bearing
puller and slide hammer to remove axle shaft bearing. Rotate threaded
shaft on bearing puller to remove axle shaft bearing.
CAUTION: Ensure axle shaft bearing surface in axle housing is free of
burrs and clean before installing axle shaft bearing.
Installation
1) Using appropriate bearing/seal installer, install bearing.
Ensure axle shaft bearing is bottomed against shoulder in bore.
Install NEW oil seal in axle housing until installer contacts axle
housing.
2) Lubricate axle shaft bearing and oil seal lip with gear
lube. Install axle shaft so splines engage with splines on side gear.
DO NOT damage oil sea when installing axle shaft.
3) Install clip on end of axle shaft. Pull axle shaft
outward, ensuring clip fully seats in counterbore on side gear.
Install pinion shaft ensuring pinion shaft hole aligns with lock bolt
hole.
4) Apply Loctite to CLEAN threads on lock bolt. Install and
tighten lock bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Ensure
axle housing and axle housing cover sealing surfaces are clean.
5) Apply a 1/4" thick bead of silicone sealant on inside of
bolt holes and along sealing surfaces on axle housing cover. Install
axle housing cover, axle identification tag, and retaining bolts.
Tighten bolts in crisscross pattern to proper specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
6) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Fill differential. See LUBRICATION.
DRIVE SHAFT
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Ensure transmission and
transfer case are in Neutral. Scribe mark on drive shaft-to-pinion
flange for reassembly reference.
2) On 2-piece drive shafts, scribe center carrier bearing-to-
frame bracket reference line for reassembly reference. On all drive
shafts, remove bolts and "U" joint straps at pinion flange. Remove
center carrier bearing bolts (if equipped). Remove drive shaft(s).
CAUTION: "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.
PINION FLANGE & OIL SEAL
CAUTION: Following procedure must be used to retain proper pinion
bearing preload. Failure to follow procedure may result in
premature axle assembly or component failure. Ensure pinion

bearing preload is checked before disassembly, as previous
pinion bearing preload will be used during reassembly.
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Scribe reference mark on drive
shaft-to-pinion flange on differential for reassembly reference.
Remove bolts and "U" joint straps at pinion flange on differential.
Disconnect drive shaft from differential.
2) Remove rear wheels and brake drums to prevent any drag
that may affect pinion bearing preload reading. 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) Using Holder (6719), hold pinion flange. Remove pinion nu\
t
and washer. Scribe reference mark on pinion flange-to-pinion for
reassembly reference. Using appropriate puller, 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. Install oil seal using appropriate seal
installer. Drive oil seal into axle housing until oil seal installer
contacts axle housing.
2) Install pinion flange on pinion with reference mark
aligned. Using appropriate pinion flange installer, install pinion
flange on pinion.
CAUTION: Washer must be installed on pinion with convex side of washer
facing outward (away from pinion).
3) Install washer on pinion with convex side of washer facing
outward (away from pinion). Install NEW pinion nut. Tighten pinion nut\
to 210 ft. lbs. (285 N.m). Rotate pinion several times to seat pinion
bearings.
CAUTION: DO NOT overtighten or loosen then retighten pinion nut when
adjusting pinion bearing preload. If pinion nut is over
tightened, collapsible spacer on pinion must be replaced. See
OVERHAUL.
4) Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, measure pinion bearing
preload. Tighten pinion nut in small increments until original pinion
bearing preload is obtained.
5) To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure
using NEW "U" joint straps and bolts. Ensure all reference marks are
aligned. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Check lubricant level and add if necessary.
AXLE HOUSING ASSEMBLY
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove axle housing assembly, unless
axle housing is damaged. Differential carrier and components
can be serviced by removing differential assembly from axle
housing.
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Block brake pedal in upward
position so brake pedal cannot be depressed, as brakelines must be
disconnected.
2) Remove rear wheels. DO NOT remove brake drums. Disconnect
brakelines at wheel cylinders. Cap brakelines to prevent fluid loss.
Disconnect axle housing vent hose.
3) Remove brake tee fitting bolt, and disengage brakelines

respective differential bearings for reassembly reference.
6) Remove bolt and adjuster lock (if not previously removed)\
.
Loosen, but DO NOT remove, bearing cap bolts. Using Adjuster Rotator
(C-4164), unscrew adjusters from bearing caps. See Figs. 1 and 2.
Remove bolts, bearing caps, adjusters, and differential assembly.
7) Using Holder (C-3281), hold pinion flange. Remove pinion
nut and washer. Scribe reference mark on pinion flange-to-pinion for
reassembly reference. Using appropriate puller, remove pinion flange
from pinion. Remove oil seal for pinion from axle housing. Using soft
drift punch and hammer, drive pinion from axle housing.
NOTE: Front pinion bearing, bearing race, and collapsible spacer
must be replaced after removing pinion from axle housing.
8) Drive pinion bearing races from axle housing. Remove
pinion bearing from pinion. Remove shim(s) located behind pinion
bearing on pinion. Record shim thickness for reassembly reference.
CAUTION: DO NOT remove ring gear from differential carrier unless
components must be replaced or differential carrier flange
runout must be checked.
9) If removing ring gear (and exciter ring on RWAL brake
equipped models), mount differential carrier in soft-jaw vise. Remove
and discard left-hand thread ring gear bolts. Using soft-face hammer,
drive ring gear from differential carrier. Tap exciter ring from
differential carrier, if equipped.
10) If disassembling differential carrier, rotate side gears
and align pinion gears with opening in differential carrier. Remove
pinion gears and pinion gear thrust washers. See Fig. 1. Remove side
gears and side gear thrust washers.
11) If checking differential carrier flange runout, install
differential carrier, bearing races, bearing caps and adjusters in
axle housing. Ensure components are installed in original location.
Thread adjusters into bearing caps.
12) Tighten bearing cap bolts enough to just hold bearing
caps against axle housing. Using Adjuster Rotator (C-4164), tighten
adjuster so no side play exists. Side play can be checked by prying
differential carrier to one side.
13) Install dial indicator on axle housing with stem resting
against differential carrier flange. See Fig. 2. Rotate differential
carrier and note differential carrier flange runout. Replace
differential carrier if runout exceeds .003" (.08 mm).
14) Remove dial indicator, bearing caps, adjusters, bearing
races and differential carrier. Remove differential bearings from
differential carrier (if necessary).
15) Use appropriate puller and adapter (bearing splitter) to\
remove bearing from carrier. On models with Rear Wheel Anti-Lock
(RWAL) brakes, if removing exciter ring, use hammer and soft drift to
tap exciter ring from differential carrier.

1) Place selected shim on pinion. Press rear (pinion gear
side) pinion bearing on pinion. Lubricate pinion bearing with gear
lube.
CAUTION: DO NOT damage collapsible spacer when installing pinion
flange. If collapsible spacer is collapsed, install new
spacer.
2) Install pinion in axle housing. Install new collapsible
spacer and front (pinion flange side) pinion bearing. Using Pinion
Flange Installer (C-3718) and Holder (6719), install pinion flange o\
n
pinion to fully seat pinion bearings.
3) Remove pinion flange installer and pinion flange. Coat lip
of oil seal with gear lube. Install NEW oil seal. Drive NEW oil seal
into axle housing until oil seal installer contacts axle housing.
Install pinion flange, using pinion flange installer and holder.
CAUTION: Washer must be installed on pinion with convex side of washer
facing outward (away from pinion).
4) Install washer on pinion with convex side of washer facing
outward (away from pinion). Install NEW pinion nut. Using Holder
(6719), hold pinion flange. Tighten pinion nut only enough to remove
end play from pinion. Rotate pinion several times when tightening
pinion nut to fully seat pinion bearings.
5) Tighten pinion nut to 210 ft. lbs. (285 N.m). Remove
holder. Rotate pinion several times in both directions to fully seat
pinion bearings. Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, measure amount of force
required to rotate pinion. This is pinion bearing preload.
CAUTION: If original pinion bearings are installed, tighten pinion nut
until original pinion bearing preload is obtained. DO NOT
overtighten or loosen then retighten pinion nut when
adjusting pinion bearing preload. If pinion nut is
overtightened, replace collapsible spacer on pinion.
6) Continue tightening pinion nut in small increments until
correct bearing preload is obtained. See AXLE ASSEMBLY SPECIFICATIONS.
Go to RING GEAR BACKLASH & DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD.
Ring Gear Backlash & Differential Bearing Preload
1) Lubricate differential bearings, bearing races and
adjusters with gear lube. Install differential carrier assembly,
bearing races and adjusters into axle housing.
2) Install bearing caps in original location. Install bolts
in bearing caps. Tighten upper bolts to 120 INCH lbs. (14 N.m).
Tighten lower bolts finger tight until bolt head is lightly seated
against bearing cap.
NOTE: To ensure bearing races are fully seated against differential
bearings, after rotating adjuster, rotate pinion back and
forth 5-10 times. This procedure must be performed anytime
adjusters are rotated.
3) Using Adjuster Rotator (C-4164), rotate each adjuster
inward until differential bearing free play is eliminated. Ensure
approximately .010" (.25 mm) ring gear backlash exists between ring
gear and pinion.
4) Install dial indicator on axle housing cover flange.
Position stem of dial indicator against drive side of tooth on ring
gear. Check ring gear backlash every 90 degrees to find point of
minimum ring gear backlash.
5) Mark ring gear at point of minimum ring gear backlash so

LUBRICATION
CAPACITY
DRIVE AXLE CAPACITY ( 1)








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Application ( 2) Pts. (L)
Dakota .................................................... 4.7(2.2)\
Ram Pickup
248 RBI ................................................ 6.3 (3.0)\
267 RBI .................................................. 7 (3.3)\
286 RBI
2WD ................................................... 6.8 (3.2)\
4WD .................................................. 10.1 (4.8)\
Ram Van/Wagon ............................................ 6.3 (3.0)\
( 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-C 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 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 is
facing downward. Wipe out 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 30-35 ft. lbs. (41-47 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 making 10-12 slow figure-8 turns 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.

Apply multipurpose lubricant (NLGI grade 2 EP) to "U" joints
and slip joint fittings.
INSPECTION
Abnormal vibration and noise can come from many driveline
sources. Drive shaft vibration/noise increases with vehicle speed
(MPH). A vibration that occurs within a specific speed is not caused
by drive shaft imbalance. Before overhauling driveline, check for
other causes/sources of possible vibration/noise.
TIRES & WHEELS
Check tire inflation and wheel balance. Check for foreign
objects in tread, damaged tread, mismatched tread patterns or
incorrect tire sizes. Check for bent wheels.
CENTER BEARING
Tighten drive shaft center bearing mounting bolts. If bearing
insulator is deteriorated or oil-soaked, or drive shaft can be moved
up/down in support, replace center bearing support assembly.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION MOUNTS
Tighten mounting bolts. If rubber mounts are deteriorated or
broken, replace as needed.
DRIVE SHAFT(S)
Check drive shaft(s) for missing weights, broken welds, or
for dents affecting balance. Check for undercoating, mud, snow/ice on
drive shaft(s). Clean shafts thoroughly and test drive.
"U" JOINTS
Check for foreign material lodged in joints and flange/yokes.
Check for loose "U" joint-to-flange mounting bolts. Check for worn "U"
joint needle bearings. Check for Reddish-Brown rust-dust around "U"
joint caps. Replace "U" joints if necessary.
ADJUSTMENTS
CHECKING DRIVE SHAFT PHASING
One-Piece Drive Shafts
1) Ensure "U" joint flanges on either end of drive shaft are
in same plane. See Fig. 2. Drive shafts with slip joints between yokes
often have arrows to aid in alignment. If yokes are not in same plane,
disassemble slip joint from drive shaft splines. Install slip joint
back onto drive shaft splines, aligning "U" joint yokes. Test drive.
2) Single tube type drive shaft has slip joint on outside of
"U" joint yoke (at transmission end). If one-piece tube type drive
shaft yokes are out of alignment, the drive shaft is torque-twisted.
Drive shaft must be replaced.

distorting yoke, DO NOT overtighten vise jaws.
Disassembly
1) Clamp front drive shaft in a soft-jaw vise. If required,
disassemble "U" joint from yoke to access yoke-to-drive shaft
retaining bolt. Scribe mark yoke or slip joint to drive shaft for
reassembly reference. Slide yoke or slip joint off shaft splines.
2) Remove and retain center bearing support bracket and
retainer. (Service replacement assembly may not come with these items.
) Remove rubber insulator from bearing housing. See Fig. 10.
3) Bend slinger away from center bearing to provide clearance
for bearing puller. Using bearing puller, remove center bearing from
drive shaft. On some applications, outer bearing cover/cage and balls
must be removed to attach puller to bearing race.
Reassembly & Installation
Install NEW slinger to shaft. Install/press bearing onto
shaft using appropriate tool or tube until bearing is seated to shaft
shoulder. To complete installation, reverse disassembly and removal
procedures. Ensure support bracket angle adjustment shims are
reinstalled (if removed).
OVERHAUL
NOTE: Manufacturer recommends replacing "U" joint(s) whenever "U"
joint is disassembled from yoke. ALWAYS replace complete "U"
joint whenever extreme external lubrication leakage or
bearing cap damage exists.
Before disassembly, mark flange/yoke to drive shaft for
reassembly reference, and remove "U" joint lube fitting(s). If joints
are rusted or corroded, apply penetrating oil before pressing bearing
caps out of yoke or off "U" joint trunnion pin.
SINGLE CARDAN "U" JOINTS
Other than adding grease, "U" joint assembly items are not
individually serviceable or repairable. If needle bearings, seals,
spider, or bearing caps are found to be defective, damaged or
excessively worn, complete "U" joint must be replaced.
NOTE: Saturate bearing caps and yokes with penetrating oil before
removal.
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove drive shaft. Remove inner
or outer type bearing cap retainer clips. See Fig. 11. Press bearing
caps from yokes. Remove bearings, seals and spider from yoke bore, and
discard.
Cleaning
Clean yoke bores using solvent and wire brush or crocus
cloth. Remove rust, corrosion and foreign matter from yoke bores.
Installation
1) Apply multipurpose lubricant (NLGI grade 2 EP) to yoke
bores and into needle bearings of each bearing cap. Position spider in
yoke bores.
2) Install seals onto spider trunnions or bearing caps.
Lightly tap bearing caps into yoke bore far enough to retain spider in
place.

FLANGES
FLEX PLATES
FLUID LEVEL INDICATORS
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
FLYWHEELS
FORCE MOTORS
GUIDES
HALF SHAFTS
HOSES, LINES AND TUBES
HOUSINGS (BELL, CASE, TAIL (EXTENSION) AND AUXILIARY)
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SUPPORT BEARINGS
KEY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS
LIMITED SLIPS
LINES
LINKAGES (EXTERNAL)
LOCKING HUB ASSEMBLIES
LOCKING HUB CONTROL KNOBS
LUBRICANTS
METAL-CLAD SEALS
METALASTIC JOINTS
MODULATOR PINS
MODULATORS
MOUNTS (ENGINE, TRANSAXLE AND TRANSMISSION)
ODOMETER DRIVES (MECHANICAL)
ODOMETER HEADS (MECHANICAL)
OIL PANS
PANS
PILOT HOLES
PRESSURE PLATES
PRESSURE SWITCHES
RACES
RUBBER JOINTS (METALASTIC)
SCREENS
SEALS
SEALS (METAL-CLAD)
SELECTOR INTERLOCK SYSTEMS
SERVOS
SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEMS (SELECTOR AND KEY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS)
SENSORS
SIDE COVERS
SLIP YOKES
SOLENOIDS
SPEED SENSORS (ELECTRONIC WHEEL AND VEHICLE)
SPEEDOMETER-DRIVEN GEAR HOUSINGS
SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER DRIVES (MECHANICAL)
SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER HEADS (MECHANICAL)
SPEEDOMETERS AND ODOMETERS (ELECTRONIC)
SWITCHES
TONE WHEELS
TOOTHED RINGS (TONE WHEELS)
TORQUE CONVERTERS
TRANSAXLE MOUNTS
TRANSDUCERS (TRANSMISSION)
TRANSMISSION COOLERS
TRANSMISSION MOUNTS
TRANSMISSION PANS
TRANSMISSION RANGE INDICATORS (PRNDL)
TUBES
UNIVERSAL JOINTS (CARDON OR CROSS TYPE)
VACUUM CONTROLS
VACUUM HOSES
VACUUM MOTORS
VACUUM-OPERATED SWITCHES