(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
nut. Tighten pinion nut while rotating pinion, ensuring bearings are
properly seated. Tighten nut until preload measured before disassembly
is achieved. DO NOT exceed maximum torque specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.
3) 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: Removing axle housing assembly is not necessary unless axle
housing is damaged. Differential carrier and components can
be serviced by removing differential assembly from axle
housing.
Removal
1) Block brake pedal in upward position, as brake fluid lines
must be disconnected. Raise and support vehicle at body, in front of
rear springs. Remove rear wheels.
2) Reference mark drive shaft to pinion flange for
reassembly. Remove bolts and "U" joint straps at pinion flange. Remove
drive shaft, and support aside.
3) Disconnect and plug brakelines. Disconnect parking brake
cables. Disconnect shock absorbers. On models with Rear Wheel Anti-
Lock (RWAL) brakes, disconnect electrical connector at brake sensor on\
top of axle housing.
4) On all axles, support axle housing assembly with floor
jack. Remove rear spring "U" bolts. Lower axle housing assembly and
remove from vehicle.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure rear spring
center bolts align with holes in spring pads on axle housing assembly.
2) Ensure reference marks on drive shaft and pinion flange
align. Tighten bolt/nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Bleed and adjust brakes. Check axle fluid level and fill if necessary.
DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Differential assembly consists of differential case and
components mounted in axle housing. For differential assembly
servicing, see DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY under OVERHAUL.
OVERHAUL
DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
Disassembly
1) On axles with Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brakes, remove
brake sensor from top of axle housing. On all axles, remove axle
shafts from differential. See REAR HUB, BEARINGS & AXLE SHAFT under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2) Note identification marks on bearing caps and axle housing
for reassembly reference. Bearing caps must be installed in original
location. If marks are not present, place marks on bearing caps and
axle housing.
3) Remove bearing caps. Place Axle Housing Spreader (W-129-B)\
on axle housing so dowel pins engage with locating holes. See Fig. 2.
Install hold-down clamps. Finger tighten turnbuckle on axle housing
spreader.
4) Install Guide Pin (C3288-B) at left side of axle housing.\
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
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
hole in differential carrier.
3) If ring gear and exciter ring (models with Rear Wheel
Anti-Lock brakes) were removed, slowly and evenly tap exciter ring
onto differential carrier. Ensure contact surface of ring gear and
differential carrier flange are clean and free of all nicks and burrs.
Remove any sharp areas from chamfer on inside diameter of ring gear.
4) Place ring gear into position on differential carrier.
Start 2 NEW ring gear bolts to align ring gear. Using brass drift and
hammer, alternately and evenly tap ring gear into position. Install
NEW ring gear bolts and tighten to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.
NOTE: Use components from Pinion Gauge Set (C-3715-B) for 8 1/4"
ring gear, or (C-758-D6) for 9 1/4" ring gear) to complete
assembly. For proper component part number, see PINION GAUGE
SET COMPONENT APPLICATION table.
5) Install differential bearings on differential carrier (if
removed). Use appropriate bearing installer when installing
differential bearings. Go to PINION DEPTH.
PINION GAUGE SET COMPONENT APPLICATION
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Component 8 1/4" 9 1/4"
Ring Gear Ring Gear
Part No. Part No.
Arbor ........................... SP-6029 ................ SP-6018
Gauge Block ..................... SP-5383 ................ SP-6020
Nut ............................. SP-3193 ................. SP-533
Shaft ........................... SP-5385 ................. SP-526
Sleeve "A" ...................... SP-5382 ................ SP-1730
Sleeve "B" ..................... SP-3194-B .............. SP-535-A
Spacer "A" ...................... SP-6030 ................ SP-6017
Spacer "B" ...................... SP-6022 ................ SP-6022
Washer ........................... SP-534 ................. SP-534
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Pinion Depth
1) Using appropriate driver, install bearing races for pinion
bearings in axle housing (if removed). Assemble spacer "A" over shaft
followed by rear (pinion gear side) pinion bearing. See Fig. 3.
Install assembly into axle housing assembly.
2) Install sleeve "A" and front (pinion flange side) pinion
bearing on shaft. Install spacer "B", sleeve "B", washer and nut on
shaft. See Fig. 3. Using Holder (C-3281), hold sleeve "B" from
rotating and gradually tighten nut to seat pinion bearings.
NOTE: When tightening nut to seat pinion bearings, remove holder
and allow sleeve "B" to rotate several times during
tightening procedure to prevent damage to pinion bearings and
bearing cups.
3) Loosen nut. Lubricate pinion bearings with gear lube.
Retighten nut to 15-25 INCH lbs. (2-3 N.m). Rotate pinion several
times to fully seat pinion bearings.
4) Install gauge block and bolt on end of shaft. Using Allen
wrench, tighten bolt. Install arbor in axle housing. See Fig. 3.
Ensure arbor is centered in axle housing.
5) Place a piece of .002" (.05 mm) thick shim stock between
arbor and axle housing on each end of arbor. Install bearing caps over
arbor. Install and tighten bearing cap bolts to 120 INCH lbs. (14 N.
m). Using feeler gauge, check clearance between arbor and gauge block.
Center Carrier Bearing Bolt ................................ 50 (68)\
Pinion Nut (Minimum Torque) .............................. 210 (285\
)
Ring Gear Bolt (1)
Dakota
8 1/4" ................................................. 75 (102)\
9 1/4" ................................................. 115 (157)\
Ram Pickup ............................................... 70 (95)\
Ram Van/Wagon ........................................... 75 (102)\
Shock Absorber Nut ......................................... 60 (81)\
"U" Bolt Nut
8 1/4" Ring Gear
Dakota 2WD .............................................. 65 (88)\
Dakota 4WD ............................................ 110 (149)\
9 1/4" Ring Gears
1/2" X 20 Bolt Thread ................................... 65 (88)\
9/16" X 18 Bolt Thread ................................ 110 (149)\
"U" Joint Strap Bolt
Diesel Models ............................................ 25 (34)\
Gasoline Models .......................................... 14 (19)\
Wheel Lug Nut
Dakota .......................................... 85-110 (115-149)\
Ram Pickup
5-Lug .......................................... 80-110 (108-149)\
8-Lug (Single Wheel) .......................... 120-150 (163-203\
)
8-Lug (Dual Wheel) ............................ 130-160 (176-217\
)
Ram Van/Wagon
1/2" Stud
60-Degree Cone ............................... 80-110 (108-149)\
90-Degree Cone ............................... 85-115 (115-156)\
5/8" Stud
90-Degree Cone .............................. 175-225 (237-305)\
Flanged Nut ................................. 300-350 (407-474)\
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Adjuster Lock Bolt ......................................... 90 (10)\
Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt ( 2) ................................. 96 (11)
( 1) - Left-hand threaded bolts.
( 2) - Apply Loctite to bolt threads.
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DRIV E A XLE - T R AC -L O K
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 DRIVE AXLES
CHRY - Trac-Lok
Dakota, Ram Pickup, Ram Van/Wagon
IDENTIFICATION
TRAC-LOK DIFFERENTIAL APPLICATION (REAR AXLE) \
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Model Ring Gear Axle
Size Model
Dakota .................... 8 1/4" ........................... ( 1)
Ram Pickup ............ 9 3/4" ....................... 248 RBI
10 3/4" ....................... 267 RBI
11" ....................... 286 RBI
Ram Van/Wagon ............. 9 3/4" ....................... 248 RBI
( 1) - Manufacturer does not designate axle model.
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NOTE: For rear axles with limited-slip differentials, see POWER-LOK
- RAM PICKUP article.
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
A Rear Beam-Design Iron (RBI) axle is an iron casting axle
and differential housing with axle shaft tubes extending from either
side. Tubes are pressed in to form a one-piece full-floating axle
housing.
Trac-Lok differential assembly is optional equipment. The
Trac-Lok differential assembly is a limited-slip type differential. It
is similar in operation to a conventional type differential, except
for 2 clutch packs located at the side gears in the differential case.
See Fig. 1 . Clutch packs provide differential action when required for
turning corners, and transmit equal torque to both wheels when driving
straight ahead.
AXLE RATIO & IDENTIFICATION
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
Dakota ..................................... 3.21:1, 3.55:1 & 3.92:1
Ram Pickup
248 RBI .......................................... 3.55:1 & 4.10:1
267 & 286 RBI .................................... 3.54:1 & 4.10:1
Ram Van/Wagon ...................................... 3.55:1 & 4.10:1
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WARNING: Whenever rotating wheels, DO NOT use engine to rotate wheels
unless both rear wheels are off the ground and vehicle is
securely supported.