2001 DODGE RAM service

PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/
TONE RING
REMOVAL
NOTE: The ring and pinion gears are service in a
matched set. Do not replace the ring gear without
replacing the pinion gear.
(1) Remove differential from axle housing.
(2) Place differential case in a suitable vise with
soft metal jaw protectors. (Fig. 49)
(3) Remove bolts holding ring gear to differential
case.
(4) Using a soft hammer, drive ring gear from dif-
ferential case (Fig. 49).
(5) Use a brass drift and slowly tap the exciter
ring from the differential case.
(6) Mark pinion yoke and propeller shaft for
installation alignment.
(7) Disconnect propeller shaft from pinion yoke.
Using suitable wire, tie propeller shaft to underbody.
(8) Using Yoke Holder 6719 to hold yoke, remove
the pinion yoke nut and washer.
(9) Using Remover C±452 and Wrench C±3281,
remove the pinion yoke from pinion shaft (Fig. 50).(10) Remove the pinion gear from housing (Fig.
51). Catch the pinion with your hand to prevent it
from falling and being damaged.
(11) Remove the pinion seal with a slide hammer
or suitable pry bar.
(12) Remove oil slinger, if equipped, and the front
pinion bearing.
(13) Remove the front pinion bearing cup with
Remover D-158 and Handle C±4171 (Fig. 52).
(14) Remove the rear bearing cup from housing
(Fig. 53). Use Remover D-162 and Handle C±4171.
(15) Remove the collapsible preload spacer (Fig.
54)from pinion gears.
Fig. 48 Install Differential Side Bearings
1 - HANDLE C-4171
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
3 - BEARING
4 - TOOL C-4190
Fig. 49 Ring Gear Removal
1 - CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - RAWHIDE HAMMER
Fig. 50 Pinion Yoke Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3281
2 - YOKE
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-452
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 135
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 267RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 267RBI
DESCRIPTION..........................140
OPERATION............................140
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................142
AXLE...............................142
REMOVAL.............................144
INSTALLATION..........................145
ADJUSTMENTS.........................145
SPECIFICATIONS........................153
SPECIAL TOOLS........................153
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................156
INSTALLATION..........................156
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................156
INSTALLATION..........................156
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................156INSTALLATION..........................157
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................158
DISASSEMBLY..........................158
ASSEMBLY............................159
INSTALLATION..........................159
DIFFERENTIAL - POWR-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................161
POWR-LOK .........................161
DISASSEMBLY..........................161
ASSEMBLY............................163
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................164
INSTALLATION..........................164
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL.............................165
INSTALLATION..........................166
REAR AXLE - 267RBI
DESCRIPTION
The Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle housings
consist of an iron center casting (differential housing)
with axle shaft tubes extending from either side. The
tubes are pressed in to form a one-piece axle housing.
The integral type housing, hypoid gear design has
the centerline of the pinion set below the centerline
of the ring gear.
The axles are equipped with full-floating axle
shafts, meaning that loads are supported by the axle
housing tubes. The full-float axle shafts are retained
by bolts attached to the hub. The hub rides on two
bearings at the outboard end of the axle tube. The
axle shafts can be removed without disturbing or
removing the wheel bearings. The wheel bearings are
opposed tapered roller bearings and are contained in
the hub assembly.
The removable, stamped steel cover provides a
means for inspection and service without removing
the complete axle from the vehicle. A small, stamped
metal axle gear ratio identification tag is attached to
the housing cover via one of the cover bolts. This tag
also identifies the number of ring and pinion teeth.
The rear wheel anti-lock (RWAL) brake speed sen-
sor is attached to the top, forward exterior of the dif-
ferential housing. A seal is located between the
sensor and the wire harness connector. The seal mustbe in place when the wire connector is connected to
the sensor. The RWAL brake exciter ring is press-fit-
ted onto the differential case against the ring gear
flange.
The differential case for the standard differential is
a one-piece design. The differential pinion mate shaft
is retained with a roll pin. Differential bearing pre-
load and ring gear backlash are adjusted by the use
of shims located between the differential bearing
cones and case. Pinion bearing preload is set and
maintained by the use of a solid shims.
Axles equipped with a Powr-Lokydifferential are
optional. A Powr-lokydifferential has a two-piece dif-
ferential case. A Powr-lokydifferential contains four
pinion gears and a two-piece pinion mate cross shaft
to provide increased torque to the non-slipping wheel
through a ramping motion in addition to the stan-
dard Trac-lokycomponents.
OPERATION
STANDARD DIFFERENTIAL
The axle receives power from the transmission/
transfer case through the rear propeller shaft. The
rear propeller shaft is connected to the pinion gear
which rotates the differential through the gear mesh
with the ring gear bolted to the differential case. The
engine power is transmitted to the axle shafts
3 - 140 REAR AXLE - 267RBIBR/BE

DIAGNOSTIC CHART
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Wheel Noise 1. Wheel loose. 1. Tighten loose nuts.
2. Faulty, brinelled wheel bearing. 2. Replace bearing.
Axle Shaft Noise 1. Misaligned axle tube. 1. Inspect axle tube alignment. Correct
as necessary.
2. Bent or sprung axle shaft. 2. Inspect and correct as necessary.
Axle Shaft Broke 1. Misaligned axle tube. 1. Replace the broken shaft after
correcting tube mis-alignment.
2 Vehicle overloaded. 2. Replace broken shaft and avoid
excessive weight on vehicle.
3. Erratic clutch operation. 3. Replace broken shaft and avoid or
correct erratic clutch operation.
4. Grabbing clutch. 4. Replace broken shaft and inspect and
repair clutch as necessary.
Differential Cracked 1. Improper adjustment of the
differential bearings.1. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Set
differential bearing pre-load properly.
2. Excessive ring gear backlash. 2. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Set ring
gear backlash properly.
3. Vehicle overloaded. 3. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Avoid
excessive vehicle weight.
4. Erratic clutch operation. 4. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Avoid
erratic use of clutch.
Differential Gears Scored 1. Insufficient lubrication. 1. Replace scored gears. Fill differential
with the correct fluid type and quantity.
2. Improper grade of lubricant. 2. Replace scored gears. Fill differential
with the correct fluid type and quantity.
3. Excessive spinning of one wheel/tire. 3. Replace scored gears. Inspect all
gears, pinion bores, and shaft for
damage. Service as necessary.
Loss Of Lubricant 1. Lubricant level too high. 1. Drain lubricant to the correct level.
2. Worn axle shaft seals. 2. Replace seals.
3. Cracked differential housing. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Worn pinion seal. 4. Replace seal.
5. Worn/scored yoke. 5. Replace yoke and seal.
6. Axle cover not properly sealed. 6. Remove, clean, and re-seal cover.
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 267RBI 3 - 143
REAR AXLE - 267RBI (Continued)

PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
Original Pinion
Gear Depth
VarianceReplacement Pinion Gear Depth Variance
þ4 þ3 þ2 þ1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
+4+0.008 +0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0
+3+0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001
+2+0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002
+1+0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003
0+0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004
þ1+0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004 þ0.005
þ2+0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004 þ0.005 þ0.006
þ3+0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004 þ0.005 þ0.006 þ0.007
þ40 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004 þ0.005 þ0.006 þ0.007 þ0.008
PINION DEPTH MEASUREMENT AND ADJUSTMENT
Measurements are taken with pinion bearing cups
and pinion bearings installed in the housing. Take
measurements with Pinion Gauge Set and Dial Indi-
cator C-3339 (Fig. 6).(1) Assemble Pinion Height Block 6739, Pinion
Block 6737 and rear pinion bearing onto Screw 6741
(Fig. 6).
(2) Insert assembled height gauge components,
rear bearing and screw into the housing through pin-
ion bearing cups (Fig. 7).
(3) Install front pinion bearing and Cone-nut 6740
hand tight (Fig. 6).
(4) Place Arbor Disc 6732 on Arbor D-115-3 in posi-
tion in the housing side bearing cradles (Fig. 8).
NOTE: Arbor Discs 6732 has different step diame-
ters to fit other axles. Choose proper step for axle
being serviced.
Fig. 6 Pinion Gear Depth Gauge Tools
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - ARBOR
3 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
4 - CONE
5 - SCREW
6 - PINION BLOCK
7 - SCOOTER BLOCK
8 - ARBOR DISC
Fig. 7 Pinion Height Block
1 - PINION BLOCK
2 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
3 - 146 REAR AXLE - 267RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 267RBI (Continued)

DIFFERENTIAL - POWR-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWR-LOKY
TEST
WARNING: WHEN SERVICING VEHICLES WITH A
POWER-LOKYDIFFERENTIAL DO NOT USE THE
ENGINE TO TURN THE AXLE AND WHEELS. BOTH
REAR WHEELS MUST BE RAISED AND THE VEHI-
CLE SUPPORTED. A POWER-LOKYAXLE CAN
EXERT ENOUGH FORCE IF ONE WHEEL IS IN CON-
TACT WITH A SURFACE TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE
TO MOVE.
The differential can be tested without removing the
differential case by measuring rotating torque. Make
sure brakes are not dragging during this measure-
ment.
(1) Place blocks in front and rear of both front
wheels.
(2) Raise one rear wheel until it is completely off
the ground.
(3) Engine off, transmission in neutral, and park-
ing brake off.(4) Remove wheel and bolt Special Tool 6790 to
studs.
(5) Use torque wrench on special tool to rotate
wheel and read rotating torque (Fig. 35).
(6) If rotating torque is less than 22 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) or more than 271 N´m (200 ft. lbs.) on either
wheel the unit should be serviced.
DISASSEMBLY
The Powr-Lokydifferential has a two-piece cross
shaft and uses 2 disc and 3 plates for each clutch
pack. One plate and one disc in each clutch pack is
dished.
NOTE: Pay close attention to the clutch pack
arrangement during this procedure. Note the direc-
tion of the concave and convex side of the plates
and discs.
(1) Mark the ring gear half and cover half for
installation reference (Fig. 36).
(2) Remove the case attaching bolts and remove
the button cover half (Fig. 37).
(3) Remove top clutch pack (Fig. 38).
(4) Remove top side gear clutch ring.
(5) Remove top side gear.
(6) Remove pinion mate gears and cross shafts.
(7) Remove the same parts listed above from the
ring gear flange half of the case. Keep these parts
with the flange cover half for correct installation in
their original positions.
Fig. 34 Differential Cover
1 - SEALANT SURFACE
2 - SEALANT
3 - SEALANT THICKNESS
Fig. 35 Powr-lokYTest -Typical
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6790 WITH BOLT IN CENTER HOLE
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 267RBI 3 - 161
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/
TONE RING
REMOVAL
NOTE: The ring and pinion gears are service in a
matched set. Do not replace the ring gear without
replacing the matched pinion gear.
(1) Remove differential from axle housing.
(2) Place differential case in a vise with soft metal
jaw protectors. (Fig. 45)
(3) Remove bolts holding ring gear to differential
case.
(4) Drive ring gear from differential case with a
soft hammer (Fig. 45).
(5) Use a brass drift and slowly tap the exciter
ring from the differential case.
(6) Mark pinion yoke and propeller shaft for
installation alignment.
(7) Disconnect propeller shaft from pinion yoke.
Tie propeller shaft to underbody.
(8) Using Yoke Holder 6719 to hold yoke, remove
pinion yoke nut and washer.
(9) Remove pinion yoke from pinion with Remover
C-452 and Wrench C-3281, shaft (Fig. 46).
(10) Remove pinion gear from housing (Fig. 47).(11) Remove pinion seal with a slide hammer or
pry bar.
(12) Remove oil slinger, if equipped, and the front
pinion bearing.
(13) Remove front pinion bearing cup with
Remover D-158 and Handle C±4171 (Fig. 48).
(14) Remove rear bearing cup with Remover D-162
and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 49).
(15) Remove rear bearing from the pinion with
Puller/Press C-293-PA and Adapters C-293-37 (Fig.
50).
Place 4 adapter blocks so they do not damage
the bearing cage.
Fig. 44 Install Differential Side Bearings
1 - HANDLE C-4171
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
3 - BEARING
4 - TOOL C-4190
Fig. 45 Ring Gear Removal
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - HAMMER
Fig. 46 Pinion Yoke Removal
1 - WRENCH
2 - YOKE
3 - REMOVER
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 267RBI 3 - 165
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 286RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 286RBI
DESCRIPTION..........................169
OPERATION............................169
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................171
AXLE...............................171
REMOVAL.............................173
INSTALLATION..........................174
ADJUSTMENTS.........................174
SPECIFICATIONS........................182
SPECIAL TOOLS........................182
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................185
INSTALLATION..........................185
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................185
INSTALLATION..........................185
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................185INSTALLATION..........................185
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................187
DISASSEMBLY..........................188
ASSEMBLY............................188
INSTALLATION..........................188
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................190
TRAC-LOK...........................190
DISASSEMBLY..........................190
ASSEMBLY............................190
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................192
INSTALLATION..........................192
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL.............................193
INSTALLATION..........................195
REAR AXLE - 286RBI
DESCRIPTION
The 286 Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle hous-
ings consist of an iron center casting (differential
housing) with axle shaft tubes extending from either
side. The tubes are pressed in to form a one-piece
axle housing.
The integral type housing, hypoid gear design has
the centerline of the pinion set below the centerline
of the ring gear.
The axles are equipped with full-floating axle
shafts, meaning that loads are supported by the axle
housing tubes. The full-float axle shafts are retained
by bolts attached to the hub. The hub rides on two
bearings at the outboard end of the axle tube. The
axle shafts can be removed without disturbing or
removing the wheel bearings. The wheel bearings are
opposed tapered roller bearings and are contained in
the hub assembly.
The removable, stamped steel cover provides a
means for inspection and service without removing
the complete axle from the vehicle. A small, stamped
metal axle gear ratio identification tag is attached to
the housing cover via one of the cover bolts. This tag
also identifies the number of ring and pinion teeth.
The rear wheel anti-lock (RWAL) brake speed sen-
sor is attached to the top, forward exterior of the dif-
ferential housing. A seal is located between thesensor and the wire harness connector. The seal must
be in place when the wire connector is connected to
the sensor. The RWAL brake exciter ring is press-fit-
ted onto the differential case against the ring gear
flange.
The differential case for the standard differential is
a one-piece design. The differential pinion mate shaft
is retained with a roll pin. Differential bearing pre-
load and ring gear backlash are adjusted by the use
of shims located between the differential bearing
cones and case. Pinion bearing preload is set and
maintained by the use of solid shims.
Axles equipped with a Trac-Lokydifferential are
optional for the 286 RBI axle. A Trac-lokydifferen-
tial contains two clutch packs, four pinion gears, and
a one-piece pinion mate cross shaft to provide
increased torque to the non-slipping wheel in addi-
tion to the standard differential components. A Trac-
lokydifferential for the 286 RBI axle has a two-piece
differential case.
OPERATION
STANDARD DIFFERENTIAL
The axle receives power from the transmission/
transfer case through the rear propeller shaft. The
rear propeller shaft is connected to the pinion gear
which rotates the differential through the gear mesh
with the ring gear bolted to the differential case. The
engine power is transmitted to the axle shafts
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 169

DIAGNOSTIC CHART
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Wheel Noise 1. Wheel loose. 1. Tighten loose nuts.
2. Faulty, brinelled wheel bearing. 2. Replace bearing.
Axle Shaft Noise 1. Misaligned axle tube. 1. Inspect axle tube alignment. Correct
as necessary.
2. Bent or sprung axle shaft. 2. Inspect and correct as necessary.
Axle Shaft Broke 1. Misaligned axle tube. 1. Replace the broken shaft after
correcting tube mis-alignment.
2 Vehicle overloaded. 2. Replace broken shaft and avoid
excessive weight on vehicle.
3. Erratic clutch operation. 3. Replace broken shaft and avoid or
correct erratic clutch operation.
4. Grabbing clutch. 4. Replace broken shaft and inspect and
repair clutch as necessary.
Differential Cracked 1. Improper adjustment of the
differential bearings.1. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Set
differential bearing pre-load properly.
2. Excessive ring gear backlash. 2. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Set ring
gear backlash properly.
3. Vehicle overloaded. 3. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Avoid
excessive vehicle weight.
4. Erratic clutch operation. 4. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Avoid
erratic use of clutch.
Differential Gears Scored 1. Insufficient lubrication. 1. Replace scored gears. Fill differential
with the correct fluid type and quantity.
2. Improper grade of lubricant. 2. Replace scored gears. Fill differential
with the correct fluid type and quantity.
3. Excessive spinning of one wheel/tire. 3. Replace scored gears. Inspect all
gears, pinion bores, and shaft for
damage. Service as necessary.
Loss Of Lubricant 1. Lubricant level too high. 1. Drain lubricant to the correct level.
2. Worn axle shaft seals. 2. Replace seals.
3. Cracked differential housing. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Worn pinion seal. 4. Replace seal.
5. Worn/scored yoke. 5. Replace yoke and seal.
6. Axle cover not properly sealed. 6. Remove, clean, and re-seal cover.
3 - 172 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)