1999 DODGE RAM torque

Inspect clutch components for scoring, wear or damage. Replace
components if necessary.
NOTE: If any clutch pack components are defective, replace both
clutch packs.
NOTE: Ensure axle shaft is positioned in vise so splines on axle
shaft extend approximately 3.00" (76.2 mm) above top of
vise.
Reassembly
1) Place axle shaft that was removed from differential in
soft-jaw vise with splines facing upward to serve as an alignment
device for component assembly.
2) Lubricate all components with gear lube. Assemble
components on axle shaft. Ensure all clutch plates are saturated with
gear lube. Install all clutch components and clutch ring on each side
gear. Ensure components are installed in proper sequence and in
original location. See Fig. 1.
3) Align all tabs on clutch plates, and secure with retaining
clips. Remove clutch component/side gear assembly from axle shaft.
Install assembly in differential case lower half. Ensure clutch is
fully seated in differential case lower half.
4) Install pinion cross shaft and pinion gears is
differential case lower half. Ensure reference marks on pinion cross
shaft and differential case lower half are aligned.
5) Install remaining clutch components and side gear on
differential case lower half. Install differential case upper half on
differential case lower half with reference marks aligned.
6) Install differential case half retaining bolts finger
tight. Place differential case assembly on axle shaft mounted in vise.
Ensure splines on axle shaft engage with side gear splines.
7) Install other axle shaft through differential case upper
half and into side gear. Ensure splines on axle shaft engage with side
gear splines. This must be done to ensure proper alignment of all
components.
NOTE: Different grade differential case half retaining bolts may be
used. Note number of radial lines on head of the bolt before
tightening bolts, as different torque specifications are
used.
8) Ensure both axle shafts are fully engaged. Tighten
differential case half bolts evenly in alternating pattern to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
9) Remove axle shaft. Remove differential case assembly from
axle shaft in vise. Ensure pinion cross shaft is relatively tight on
its ramp. Clearance should not exceed .010" (.25 mm) and should be
equal at all 4 areas.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS








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Applications Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Axle Housing Cover Bolt .................................... 30 (41)\
Differential Case Half Bolt
7 Radial Lines Or No. 180 Stamp ................. 90-100 (122-136)\
All Others ......................................... 65-70 (88-95)\









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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

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

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.

NOTE: Before performing ring gear backlash, note differential case
zero end play obtained during initial differential bearing
preload. See INITIAL DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD procedure.
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 procedure.
Ring Gear Backlash
1) Install master bearings on each side of differential case
where the differential bearing fits. Use Dummy Bearing (D-343) for 248\
and 267 RBI axles, and (D-346) for 286 RBI 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 onto 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 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 "ring gear backlash preload shims".
8) Remaining preload shims required to equal 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 onto ring gear side of
differential case.
10) Install differential bearing onto 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 onto differential case (opposite rin\
g
gear side). Using bearing installer, install differential bearing onto
differential case.
12) Install bearing races on differential bearings. If
reusing original differential bearings and bearing races, ensure
bearing races are installed in original locations.
13) Place axle housing spreader on axle housing so dowel pins
engage with locating holes. See Fig. 2. Use Axle Housing Spreader (W-
129-B). Install hold-down clamps. Finger tighten turnbuckle on axle
housing spreader.
14) Install pilot stud and dial indicator on axle housing.
See Fig. 2 . Position dial indicator so stem is resting against
opposite side of axle housing, with pressure on stem.
CAUTION: DO NOT spread axle housing more than .020" (.50 mm), or axle
housing may be damaged.
15) Adjust dial indicator to zero. Tighten turnbuckle enough
to spread axle housing for differential case removal while noting
reading on dial indicator. Dial indicator reading should not exceed .
020" (.50 mm).
16) Remove dial indicator. Install differential case and

bearing races in axle housing. Ensure differential bearings and races
are fully seated. Remove axle housing spreader.
17) Install bearing caps in original location. Install and
tighten bearing cap bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table. Rotate differential case several times to seat differential
bearings.
18) Using dial indicator, check ring gear backlash. See
Fig. 7. Ensure ring gear backlash is as specified. See AXLE ASSEMBLY
SPECIFICATIONS.
19) If ring gear backlash exceeds specification, move ring
gear toward pinion. If ring gear backlash is less than specification,
move ring gear away from pinion. To change ring gear backlash, move
preload shims from one side of differential case to other.
20) Check ring gear backlash every 90 degrees to check for
variation. Ring gear backlash variation should not exceed .002" (.05
mm). For example, if ring gear backlash is .005" (.15 mm) at the
minimum point, ring gear backlash should not exceed .007" (.18 mm)
anywhere on ring gear.
Final Inspection & Assembly
1) With ring gear backlash properly adjusted, check gear
tooth pattern contact. See GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS article in
GENERAL INFORMATION.
2) When differential is complete and correctly adjusted,
install axle housing cover using NEW gasket (if equipped). If gasket
is not available, 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 proper specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. Fill differential with gear lube. See LUBRICATION.
Fig. 7: Checking Ring Gear Backlash
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
AXLE ASSEMBLY SPECIFICATIONS