odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor
and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condi-
tion or the need for a fluid change.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various ªspecialº additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additivesmust not be used.The use of trans-
mission ªsealersº should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
DESCRIPTION - TRANSFER CASE - NV231
Recommended lubricant for the NV231 transfer
case is MopartATF +4, type 9602, Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid.
DESCRIPTION - TRANSFER CASE - NV242
Recommended lubricant for the NV242 transfer
case is MopartATF+4, type 9602 Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid.
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT
WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED OR INHALED. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
TWO GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMIT-
ING. IF INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT
STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS.
WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER
COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLYCOL.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DISPOSE OF
GLYCOL BASE COOLANT PROPERLY, CONTACT
YOUR DEALER OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR
LOCATION OF COLLECTION CENTER IN YOUR
AREA. DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN
THE ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR
HOT UNDER PRESSURE, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT. AVOID RADIATOR COOLING FAN WHEN
ENGINE COMPARTMENT RELATED SERVICE IS
PERFORMED, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Use of Propylene Glycol based coolants
is not recommended, as they provide less freeze
protection and less corrosion protection.The cooling system is designed around the coolant.
The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in
the cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and
engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the
radiator where the tube/fin radiator can transfer the
heat to the air.
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads, and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), or the equiva-
lent ethylene glycol base coolant with organic corro-
sion inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% Ethylene Glycol and 50% distilled
water to obtain a freeze point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If it
loses color or becomes contaminated, drain, flush,
and replace with fresh properly mixed coolant solu-
tion.
CAUTION: MoparTAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769) may not be
mixed with any other type of antifreeze. Mixing of
coolants other than specified (non-HOAT or other
HOAT), may result in engine damage that may not
be covered under the new vehicle warranty, and
decreased corrosion protection.
COOLANT PERFORMANCE
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon climate and vehicle operating
conditions. The coolant performance of various mix-
tures follows:
Pure Water-Water can absorb more heat than a
mixture of water and ethylene-glycol. This is for pur-
pose of heat transfer only. Water also freezes at a
higher temperature and allows corrosion.
100 percent Ethylene-Glycol-The corrosion
inhibiting additives in ethylene-glycol need the pres-
ence of water to dissolve. Without water, additives
form deposits in system. These act as insulation
causing temperature to rise to as high as 149ÉC
(300ÉF). This temperature is hot enough to melt plas-
tic and soften solder. The increased temperature can
result in engine detonation. In addition, 100 percent
ethylene-glycol freezes at -22ÉC (-8ÉF).
50/50 Ethylene-Glycol and Water-Is the recom-
mended mixture, it provides protection against freez-
ing to -37ÉC (-34ÉF). The antifreeze concentration
must alwaysbe a minimum of 44 percent, year-
round in all climates. If percentage is lower, engine
parts may be eroded by cavitation. Maximum protec-
tion against freezing is provided with a 68 percent
antifreeze concentration, which prevents freezing
down to -67.7ÉC (-90ÉF). A higher percentage will
freeze at a warmer temperature. Also, a higher per-
KJLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 3
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT
NOTE: Specifications are in degrees.
FRONT
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
PREFERRED CASTER
3.5É .6ÉCAMBER
0É .375ÉTOTAL
TOE-IN
.20É
.125É
RANGE 2.9É to +
4.1ɱ.375É to
+.375É.07É to +
.33É
MAX RT/LT
DIFFERENCE0.5É 0.7É .13É
REAR
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
PREFERRED CAMBER
±.25É
.375ÉTHRUST
ANGLE
0É to
0.25ÉTOTAL
TOE-IN
.25É to
.41É
RANGE ±.625É to
.125ɱ.25É to
+.25ɱ.16É to
.66É
2 - 6 WHEEL ALIGNMENTKJ
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
(3) Rotate the shaft until transmission/transfer
case output yoke bearing cap is facing downward, if
necessary.
NOTE: Always make measurements from front to
rear.
(4) Place Inclinometer on yoke bearing cap, or the
pinion flange ring, (A) parallel to the shaft (Fig. 4).
Center bubble in sight glass and record measure-
ment.
NOTE: This measurement will give you the trans-
mission or Output Yoke Angle (A).
(5) Rotate propeller shaft 90 degrees and place
Inclinometer on yoke bearing cap, or propeller shaft
tube on C/V propeller shaft, parallel to the shaft (Fig.
5). Center bubble in sight glass and record measure-
ment. This measurement can also be taken at the
rear end of the shaft.
NOTE: This measurement will give you the propeller
shaft angle (C).
(6) Subtract smaller figure from larger (C minus
A) to obtain transmission output operating angle.
(7) Rotate propeller shaft 90 degrees and place
Inclinometer on pinion yoke bearing cap parallel to
the shaft (Fig. 6). Center bubble in sight glass and
record measurement.NOTE: This measurement will give you the pinion
shaft or input yoke angle (B).
Fig. 4 OUTPUT YOKE ANGLE (A)
1 - SLIP YOKE BEARING CAP
2 - INCLINOMETER
Fig. 5 PROPELLER SHAFT ANGLE (C)
1 - SHAFT YOKE BEARING CAP
2 - INCLINOMETER
Fig. 6 INPUT YOKE ANGLE (B)
1 - PINION YOKE BEARING CAP
2 - INCLINOMETER
3 - 4 PROPELLER SHAFTKJ
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)
(8) Subtract smaller figure from larger (C minus
B) to obtain axle Input Operating Angle.
Refer to rules given below and the example in (Fig.
7) for additional information.
²Good cancellation of U-joint operating angles
(within 1É).²Operating angles less than 3É.
²Operating angles less than 10É for double cardan
U-joint.
²At least 1/2 of one degree continuous operating
(propeller shaft) angle.
Fig. 7 U-JOINT ANGLE EXAMPLE
1 - 4.9É Angle (C)
2 - 3.2É Angle (B)
3 - Input Yoke4 - 3.0É Angle (A)
5 - Output Yoke
KJPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 5
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)
FRONT AXLE - 186FIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT AXLE - 186FIA
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE..........20
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................24
ADJUSTMENTS........................25
SPECIFICATIONS - FRONT AXLE...........33
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT AXLE........................34
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................38
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................38INSTALLATION.........................38
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................39
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................40
DISASSEMBLY.........................41
ASSEMBLY............................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................44
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................46
FRONT AXLE - 186FIA
DESCRIPTION
The 186FIA (Model 30) axle consists of an alumu-
num center section with an axle tube extending from
one side. The tube is pressed into 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 differential case is a one-piece design. The differ-
ential pinion mate shaft is retained with a roll-pin. Dif-
ferential bearing preload and ring gear backlash is
adjusted by the use of shims (select thickness). The
shims are located between the differential bearing cups
and the axle housing. Pinion bearing preload is set and
maintained by the use of a collapsible spacer.
The power is transferred from the axle through two
constant velocity (C/V) drive shafts to the wheel hubs.
The differential cover provides a means for inspec-
tion and service without removing the axle from the
vehicle. The cover has a vent tube used to relieve
internal pressure caused by vaporization and inter-
nal expansion.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transfer case through
the front propeller shaft. The front propeller shaft is con-
nected to the pinion gear which rotates the differential
through the gear mesh with the ring gear bolted to thedifferential case. The engine power is transmitted to the
axle shafts through the pinion 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. 1).
Fig. 1 DIFFERENTIAL-STRAIGHT AHEAD DRIVING
1 - STRAIGHT AHEAD DRIVING
2 - PINION GEAR
3 - SIDE GEAR
4 - PINION GEARS ROTATE WITH CASE
KJFRONT AXLE - 186FIA 3 - 19
(28) Place the bearing preload shims in the axle
housing, against the axle tubes.
(29) Install differential case into the housing.
(30) Remove spreader from the housing.
(31) Rotate the differential case several times to
seat the side bearings.
(32) Position the indicator plunger against a ring
gear tooth (Fig. 22).
(33) Push and hold ring gear upward while not
allowing the pinion gear to rotate.
(34) Zero dial indicator face to pointer.
(35) Push and hold ring gear downward while not
allowing the pinion gear to rotate. Dial indicator
reading should be between 0.12 mm (0.005 in.) and
0.20 mm (0.008 in.). If backlash is not within specifi-
cations transfer the necessary amount of shim thick-
ness from one side of the housing to the other (Fig.
23).
(36) Verify differential case and ring gear runout
by measuring ring to pinion gear backlash at eight
locations around the ring gear. Readings should not
vary more than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.). If readings vary
more than specified, the ring gear or the differential
case is defective.
After the proper backlash is achieved, perform
Gear Contact Pattern Analysis procedure.
GEAR CONTACT PATTERN
The ring gear and pinion teeth contact patterns
will show if the pinion depth is correct in the hous-
ing. It will also show if the ring gear backlash has
been adjusted correctly. The backlash can be adjusted
within specifications to achieve desired tooth contact
patterns.
(1) Apply a thin coat of hydrated ferric oxide or
equivalent to the drive and coast side of the ring gear
teeth.
(2) Wrap, twist and hold a shop towel around the
pinion yoke to increase the turning resistance of the
pinion. This will provide a more distinct contact pat-
tern.
(3) With a boxed end wrench on a ring gear bolt,
rotate the differential case one complete revolution in
both directions while a load is being applied from
shop towel.
The areas on the ring gear teeth with the greatest
degree of contact against the pinion teeth will squee-
gee the compound to the areas with the least amount
of contact. Note and compare patterns on the ring
gear teeth to Gear Tooth Contact Patterns chart (Fig.
24)and adjust pinion depth and gear backlash as nec-
essary.Fig. 22 RING GEAR BACKLASH
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - RING GEAR
Fig. 23 BACKLASH SHIMS
KJFRONT AXLE - 186FIA 3 - 31
FRONT AXLE - 186FIA (Continued)
REAR AXLE - 198RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 198RBI
DESCRIPTION.........................49
OPERATION...........................49
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE..........51
REMOVAL.............................54
INSTALLATION.........................54
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................55
SPECIFICATIONS - REAR AXLE............62
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR AXLE..........................63
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................65
INSTALLATION.........................65
AXLE BEARING/SEAL
REMOVAL.............................66
INSTALLATION.........................67
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................68INSTALLATION.........................68
COLLAPSIBLE SPACER
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................70
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................71
INSTALLATION.........................73
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRAC-LOKT.....74
DISASSEMBLY.........................75
CLEANING............................77
INSPECTION..........................77
ASSEMBLY............................77
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................79
INSTALLATION.........................79
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL.............................79
INSTALLATION.........................82
REAR AXLE - 198RBI
DESCRIPTION
The Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle housing has
an iron center casting (differential housing) with axle
shaft tubes extending from either side. The tubes are
pressed into and welded to the differential housing to
form a one-piece axle housing. The axles are
equipped with semi±floating axle shafts, meaning
that loads are supported by the axle shaft and bear-
ings. The axle shafts are retained by the unit bear-
ing, retainer plate and bolts.
The integral type, hypoid gear design, housing has
the centerline of the pinion set below the centerline
of the ring gear. The differential case is a one-piece
design. The differential pinion mate shaft is retained
with a threaded screw. Differential bearing preload
and ring gear backlash is adjusted by the use of
selective spacer shims. Pinion bearing preload is set
and maintained by the use of a collapsible spacer
(Fig. 1).
The cover provides a means for servicing the differ-
ential without removing the axle. The axle has a vent
hose to relieve internal pressure caused by lubricant
vaporization and internal expansion.
Axles equipped with a Trac-Loktdifferential are
optional. A Trac-Loktdifferential has a one-piece dif-ferential case, and the same internal components as
a standard differential, plus two clutch disc packs.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transmission/
transfer case through the rear propeller shaft. The
Fig. 1 SHIM LOCATIONS
1 - PINION GEAR DEPTH SHIM
2 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING SHIM-PINION GEAR SIDE
3 - RING GEAR
4 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING SHIM-RING GEAR SIDE
5 - COLLAPSIBLE SPACER
KJREAR AXLE - 198RBI 3 - 49
(24) Rotate dial indicator out of the way on pilot
stud.
(25) Remove differential case and dummy bearings
from the housing.
(26) Install new side bearing cones and cups on
differential case.
(27) Install spreader W-129-B and some compo-
nents of Adapter Set 6987 on differential housing and
spread axle opening enough to receive differential
case.
(28) Place side bearing shims into the housing
against the axle tubes.
(29) Install differential case in the housing.
(30) Rotate the differential case several times to
seat the side bearings.
(31) Position the indicator plunger against a ring
gear tooth (Fig. 22).
(32) Push and hold ring gear upward while not
allowing the pinion gear to rotate.
(33) Zero dial indicator face to pointer.
(34) Push and hold ring gear downward while not
allowing the pinion gear to rotate. Dial indicator
reading should be between 0.13-0.20 mm (0.005-0.008
in.). If backlash is not within specifications transfer
the necessary amount of shim thickness from one
side of the differential housing to the other (Fig. 23).
(35) Verify differential case and ring gear runout
by measuring ring to pinion gear backlash at eight
locations around the ring gear. Readings should not
vary more than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.). If readings varymore than specified, the ring gear or the differential
case is defective.
After the proper backlash is achieved, perform the
Gear Contact Pattern Analysis procedure.
GEAR CONTACT PATTERN
The ring gear and pinion teeth contact patterns
will show if the pinion depth is correct in the hous-
ing. It will also show if the ring gear backlash has
been adjusted correctly. The backlash can be adjusted
within specifications to achieve desired tooth contact
patterns.
(1) Apply a thin coat of hydrated ferric oxide or
equivalent to the drive and coast side of the ring gear
teeth.
(2) Wrap, twist, and hold a shop towel around the
pinion yoke to increase the turning resistance of the
pinion. This will provide a more distinct contact pat-
tern.
(3) With a boxed end wrench on a ring gear bolt,
rotate the differential case one complete revolution in
both directions while a load is being applied from
shop towel.
The areas on the ring gear teeth with the greatest
degree of contact against the pinion teeth will
squeeze the compound to the areas with the least
amount of contact. Note and compare patterns on the
ring gear teeth to Gear Tooth Contact Patterns chart
(Fig. 24) and adjust pinion depth and gear backlash
as necessary.
Fig. 22 RING GEAR BACKLASH
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 23 BACKLASH SHIM
3 - 60 REAR AXLE - 198RBIKJ
REAR AXLE - 198RBI (Continued)