2001 DODGE RAM differential

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
7Cooling
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
11Exhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transmission/Transaxle
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control Systems
30New Vehicle Preparation
Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms (Rear of Manual)

FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
FUEL TANK
1500 Series with 6.5'
Short Box98 L (26 gal.)*****
2500 Series Club Cab
and Quad Cab with 6.5'
Short Box129 L (34 gal.)*****
All 8' Long Box 132 L (35 gal.)*****
All Cab/Chassis Models 132 L (35 gal.)*****
ENGINE OIL WITH FILTER
3.9L 4.2 L (4.5 qts.)
5.2L 4.7 L (5.0 qts.)
5.9L 4.7 L (5.0 qts.)
8.0L 6.6 L (7.0 qts.)
5.9L DIESEL 10.4 L (11.0 qts.)
COOLING SYSTEM
3.9L 19 L (20 qts.)****
5.2L 19 L (20 qts.)****
5.9L 19 L (20 qts.)****
8.0L 24.5 L (26.0 qts.)****
5.9L DIESEL 22.7 L (24.0 qts.)****
POWER STEERING
Power steering fluid capacities are dependent on
engine/chassis options as well as steering gear/cooler
options. Depending on type and size of internal cooler,
length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or use of an
auxiliary cooler, these capacities may vary. Refer to
19, Steering for proper fill and bleed procedures.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Fill - 42RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 42RE 9-9.5 L (19-20 pts.)*
Service Fill - 44RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 44RE 9-9.5 L (19-20 pts.)*
Service Fill - 46RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 46RE 9-9.5 L (19-20 pts.)*
Service Fill - 47RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 47RE 14-16 L 29-33 pts.)*
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Dry fill capacity Depending on type and size of internal
cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or
use of an auxiliary cooler, these figures may vary. Refer
to 21, Transmission for proper fluid fill procedure.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NV3500 2.0 L (4.2 pts.)
NV4500 3.8 L (8.0 pts.)
NV4500 HD 3.8 L (8.0 pts.)
NV5600 4.5 L (9.5 pts.)
TRANSFER CASE
NV231 HD 1.2 L (2.5 pts.)
NV241 2.18 L (4.61 pts.)
NV241 HD 3.08 L (6.51 pts.)
FRONT AXLE
Model 216-FBI 2.3 L (4.8 pts.)
Model 248-FBI 4.0L (8.5 pts.)
REAR AXLE
9-1/4 inch 2.1 L (4.5 pts.)
248-RBI(2WD) 3.0 L (6.3 pts.)
248-RBI(4WD) 3.4L (7.0 pts.)
267-RBI(2WD) 3.3 L (7.0 pts.)
267-RBI (4WD) 3.6L (7.5 pts.)
286-RBI (2WD) 3.2 L (6.8 pts.)
286-RBI (4WD) 4.8 L (10.1 pts.)
REAR AXLEÐLIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
9-1/4 inch 2.2 L (4.7 pts.)6
248-RBI (2WD) 3.0 L (6.3 pts.**)
248-RBI (4WD) 3.4 L (7.0 pts.)
267-RBI 3.3 L (7.0 pts.**)
267-RBI (4WD) 3.6 L (7.5 pts.)
286-RBI (2WD) 3.2 L (6.8 pts.**)
286-RBI (4WD) 4.8 L (10.1 pts.***)
** Include 0.05 L (0.25 pts.) friction modifier.
*** Include 0.19 L (0.4 pts.) friction modifier.
6Include 0.1 L (0.2 pts.) friction modifier.
**** Includes 0.9L (1.0 qts.) for coolant reservoir.
*****Nominal refill capacities are shown. A variation
may be observed from vehicle to vehicle due to
manufacturing tolerance and refill procedure.
0 - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE

DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT.......................1
FRONT AXLE - 216FBI....................12
FRONT AXLE - 248FBI....................45
REAR AXLE-91/4.......................77REAR AXLE - 248RBI....................109
REAR AXLE - 267RBI....................140
REAR AXLE - 286RBI....................169
PROPELLER SHAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................3
PROPELLER SHAFT.....................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................5
SPECIFICATIONS.........................8
SPECIAL TOOLS..........................8
PROPELLER SHAFT - FRONT
REMOVAL...............................8
INSTALLATION............................8PROPELLER SHAFT - REAR
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION............................9
CENTER BEARING
DESCRIPTION...........................10
OPERATION.............................10
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................10
ADJUSTMENTS..........................10
SINGLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINTS
DISASSEMBLY...........................11
PROPELLER SHAFT
DESCRIPTION
A propeller shaft (Fig. 1), (Fig. 2), (Fig. 3), and
(Fig. 4) is a shaft which connects the transmission/
transfer case to the axle differential. This is the link
through which the engine power is transmitted to the
axle.
The propeller shaft is designed and built with the
yoke lugs in line with each other which is called zero
phasing. This design produces the smoothest running
condition, an out-of-phase shaft can cause a vibra-
tion.
Tubular propeller shafts are balanced by the man-
ufacturer with weights spot welded to the tube.
Use the exact replacement parts when installing
the propeller shafts. The use of the correct replace-
ment parts helps to ensure safe operation. All fasten-
ers must be torqued to the specified values for safe
operation.Also make alignment reference marks (Fig. 5)on
the propeller shaft yoke and axle, or transmission,
yoke prior to servicing. This helps to eliminate possi-
ble vibration.
CAUTION: Do not allow the propeller shaft to drop
or hang from any propeller shaft joint during
removal. Attach the propeller shaft to the vehicle
underside with wire to prevent damage to the joints.
OPERATION
The propeller shaft must operate through con-
stantly changing relative angles between the trans-
mission and axle. It must also be capable of changing
length while transmitting torque. The axle rides sus-
pended by springs in a floating motion. The propeller
shaft must be able to change operating angles when
going over various road surfaces. This is accom-
plished through universal joints, which permit the
propeller shaft to operate at different angles. The slip
joints (or yokes) permit contraction or expansion.
BR/BEDIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE 3 - 1

FRONT AXLE - 216FBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT AXLE - 216FBI
DESCRIPTION...........................12
OPERATION.............................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................13
AXLE................................13
REMOVAL..............................16
INSTALLATION...........................17
ADJUSTMENTS..........................17
SPECIFICATIONS........................25
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................25
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL..............................28
INSTALLATION...........................28
AXLE SHAFTS - INTERMEDIATE
REMOVAL..............................28
INSTALLATION...........................28
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL..............................29
INSTALLATION...........................29
AXLE VACUUM MOTOR
DESCRIPTION...........................29
OPERATION.............................30
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................31VACUUM MOTOR.......................31
REMOVAL..............................33
DISASSEMBLY...........................33
ASSEMBLY.............................33
INSTALLATION...........................33
SINGLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINTS
REMOVAL..............................33
INSTALLATION...........................34
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL..............................34
INSTALLATION...........................34
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL..............................36
DISASSEMBLY...........................36
ASSEMBLY.............................37
INSTALLATION...........................37
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL..............................39
INSTALLATION...........................39
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL..............................40
INSTALLATION...........................42
FRONT AXLE - 216FBI
DESCRIPTION
The housing for the 216 Front Beam-design Iron
(FBI) axles consists of an iron center casting with
tubes on each side. The tubes are pressed into and
welded to the differential housing.
The integral type housing, hypoid gear design has
the centerline of the pinion set below the centerline
of the ring gear.
The axle has a vent used to relieve internal pres-
sure caused by lubricant vaporization and internal
expansion.
The axles are equipped with semi-floating axle
shafts, meaning that loads are supported by the hub
bearings. The axle shafts are retained by nuts at the
hub bearings. The hub bearings are bolted to the
steering knuckle at the outboard end of the axle tube
yoke. The hub bearings are serviced as an assembly.
The axles are equipped with ABS brake sensors.
The sensors are attached to the knuckle assemblies
and the tone rings are pressed onto the axle shaft.
Use care when removing axle shafts as NOT to
damage the tone wheel or the sensor.The stamped steel cover provides a means for
inspection and servicing the differential.
The 216 axle have the assembly part number and
gear ratio listed on a tag. The tag is attached to the
housing cover by one of the cover bolts. Build date
identification codes are stamped on the cover side of
a axle tube.
The differential case is a one-piece design. The dif-
ferential pinion mate shaft is retained with a roll
pin. Differential bearing preload and ring gear back-
lash is adjusted by the use of shims. The shims are
located between the differential bearing cones and
case. Pinion bearing preload is set and maintained by
the use of a collapsible spacer.
The axle differential covers can be used for identi-
fication of the axle (Fig. 1). A tag is also attached to
the cover.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transfer case
through the front propeller shaft. The front 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 through the pinion
3 - 12 FRONT AXLE - 216FBIBR/BE

mate and side gears. The side gears are splined to
the axle shafts.
During straight-ahead driving, the differential pin-
ion gears do not rotate on the pinion mate shaft. This
occurs because input torque applied to the gears is
divided and distributed equally between the two side
gears. As a result, the pinion gears revolve with the
pinion mate shaft but do not rotate around it (Fig. 2).When turning corners, the outside wheel must
travel a greater distance than the inside wheel to
complete a turn. The difference must be compensated
for to prevent the tires from scuffing and skidding
through turns. To accomplish this, the differential
allows the axle shafts to turn at unequal speeds (Fig.
3). In this instance, the input torque applied to the
pinion gears is not divided equally. The pinion gears
now rotate around the pinion mate shaft in opposite
directions. This allows the side gear and axle shaft
attached to the outside wheel to rotate at a faster
speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, tooth contact, worn/damaged
gears or the carrier housing not having the proper
offset and squareness.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The noise can also occur during a specific type
of driving condition. These conditions are accelera-
tion, deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, first warm-up the axle fluid by
driving the vehicle at least 5 miles and then acceler-
ate the vehicle to the speed range where the noise is
the greatest. Shift out-of-gear and coast through the
peak-noise range. If the noise stops or changes
greatly:
²Check for insufficient lubricant.
²Incorrect ring gear backlash.
²Gear damage.
Differential side gears and pinions can be checked
by turning the vehicle. They usually do not cause
noise during straight-ahead driving when the gears
are unloaded. The side gears are loaded during vehi-
Fig. 1 216 FBI Differential Cover
1 - FILL PLUG
2 - IDENTIFICATION TAG
3 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER
Fig. 2 Differential Operation-Straight Ahead Driving
1 - IN STRAIGHT AHEAD DRIVING EACH WHEEL ROTATES AT
100% OF CASE SPEED
2 - PINION GEAR
3 - SIDE GEAR
4 - PINION GEARS ROTATE WITH CASE
Fig. 3 Differential Operation-On Turns
1 - PINION GEARS ROTATE ON PINION SHAFT
BR/BEFRONT AXLE - 216FBI 3 - 13
FRONT AXLE - 216FBI (Continued)

cle turns. A worn pinion mate shaft can also cause a
snapping or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion bearings can
all produce noise when worn or damaged. Bearing
noise can be either a whining, or a growling sound.
Pinion bearings have a constant-pitch noise. This
noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion bearing
noise will be higher pitched because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs, the rear pinion bearing
is the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is
heard during a coast, the front pinion bearing is the
source.
Worn or damaged differential bearings usually pro-
duce a low pitch noise. Differential bearing noise is
similar to pinion bearing noise. The pitch of differen-
tial bearing noise is also constant and varies only
with vehicle speed.
Axle shaft bearings produce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise generally changes
when the bearings are loaded. Road test the vehicle.
Turn the vehicle sharply to the left and to the right.
This will load the bearings and change the noise
level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 mph.
LOW SPEED KNOCK
Low speed knock is generally caused by a worn
U-joint or by worn side-gear thrust washers. A worn
pinion shaft bore will also cause low speed knock.
VIBRATION
Vibration at the rear of the vehicle is usually
caused by:
²Damaged drive shaft.²Missing drive shaft balance weight(s).
²Worn or out of balance wheels.
²Loose wheel lug nuts.
²Worn U-joint(s).
²Loose/broken springs.
²Damaged axle shaft bearing(s).
²Loose pinion gear nut.
²Excessive pinion yoke run out.
²Bent axle shaft(s).
Check for loose or damaged front end components
or engine/transmission mounts. These components
can contribute to what appears to be a rear end
vibration. Do not overlook engine accessories, brack-
ets and drive belts.
All driveline components should be examined
before starting any repair.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
DRIVELINE SNAP
A snap or clunk noise when the vehicle is shifted
into gear (or the clutch engaged) can be caused by:
²High engine idle speed.
²Transmission shift operation.
²Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts.
²Worn U-joints.
²Loose spring mounts.
²Loose pinion gear nut and yoke.
²Excessive ring gear backlash.
²Excessive side gear to case clearance.
The source of a snap or a clunk noise can be deter-
mined with the assistance of a helper. Raise the vehi-
cle on a hoist with the wheels free to rotate. Instruct
the helper to shift the transmission into gear. Listen
for the noise, a mechanics stethoscope is helpful in
isolating the source of a noise.
3 - 14 FRONT AXLE - 216FBIBR/BE
FRONT AXLE - 216FBI (Continued)

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.
3. End-play in pinion bearings. 3. Refer to pinion pre-load information
and correct as necessary.
4. Excessive gear backlash between the
ring gear and pinion.4. Check adjustment of the ring gear
and pinion backlash. Correct as
necessary.
5. Improper adjustment of pinion gear
bearings.5. Adjust the pinion bearings pre-load.
6. Loose pinion yoke nut. 6. Tighten the pinion yoke nut.
7. Scuffed gear tooth contact surfaces. 7. Inspect and replace 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.
BR/BEFRONT AXLE - 216FBI 3 - 15
FRONT AXLE - 216FBI (Continued)

Condition Possible Causes Correction
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.
Axle Overheating 1. Lubricant level low. 1. Fill differential to correct level.
2. Improper grade of lubricant. 2. Fill differential with the correct fluid
type and quantity.
3. Bearing pre-loads too high. 3. Re-adjust bearing pre-loads.
4. Insufficient ring gear backlash. 4. Re-adjust ring gear backlash.
Gear Teeth Broke 1. Overloading. 1. Replace gears. Examine other gears
and bearings for possible damage.
2. Erratic clutch operation. 2. Replace gears and examine the
remaining parts for damage. Avoid
erratic clutch operation.
3. Ice-spotted pavement. 3. Replace gears and examine
remaining parts for damage.
4. Improper adjustments. 4. Replace gears and examine
remaining parts for damage. Ensure ring
gear backlash is correct.
Axle Noise 1. Insufficient lubricant. 1. Fill differential with the correct fluid
type and quantity.
2. Improper ring gear and pinion
adjustment.2. Check ring gear and pinion contact
pattern.
3. Unmatched ring gear and pinion. 3. Replace gears with a matched ring
gear and pinion.
4. Worn teeth on ring gear and/or
pinion.4. Replace ring gear and pinion.
5. Loose pinion bearings. 5. Adjust pinion bearing pre-load.
6. Loose differential bearings. 6. Adjust differential bearing pre-load.
7. Mis-aligned or sprung ring gear. 7. Measure ring gear run-out. Replace
components as necessary.
8. Loose differential bearing cap bolts. 8. Inspect differential components and
replace as necessary. Ensure that the
bearing caps are torqued tot he proper
specification.
9. Housing not machined properly. 9. Replace housing.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheels and tires.
(3) Remove the brake calipers and rotors. Refer to
Group 5, Brakes, for proper procedures.(4) Remove ABS wheel speed sensors, if equipped.
Refer to Group 5, Brakes, for proper procedures.
(5) Disconnect the axle vent hose.
(6) Disconnect vacuum hose and electrical connec-
tor at disconnect housing.
(7) Remove the front propeller shaft.
3 - 16 FRONT AXLE - 216FBIBR/BE
FRONT AXLE - 216FBI (Continued)