Washer DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G User Guide

PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL
NOTE: The ring gear and pinion are serviced in a
matched set. Never replace one without replacing
the other.
(1) Remove differential from housing.
(2) Place differential case in a vise with soft jaw
(Fig. 44).
(3) Remove bolts holding ring gear to differential
case.
(4) Drive ring gear from differential case with a
soft hammer (Fig. 44).
(5) Mark companion yoke and companion flange
for installation reference.
(6) Remove companion flange bolts and tie the pro-
peller shaft to the vehicle underbody.
(7) Rotate companion flange three or four times
and verify flange rotates smoothly.
(8) Record pinion rotating torque an inch pound
torque wrench for installation reference (Fig. 45).
(9) Install bolts into two of the threaded holes in
the companion flange 180É apart.
(10) Position Holder 6719 against the companion
flange and install a bolt and washer into one of the
remaining threaded holes. Tighten the bolts so that
the Holder 6719 is held to the flange.(11) Remove the pinion nut.
(12) Remove the companion flange with Remover
C-452 (Fig. 46).
(13) Remove pinion from differential housing.
(14) Remove pinion seal with a pry tool or a slide
hammer mounted screw.
(15) Remove oil slinger, if equipped and front pin-
ion bearing.
(16) Remove front pinion bearing cup with
Remover 8831 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 47).
Fig. 43 DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
1 - HANDLE
2 - DIFFERENTIAL
3 - BEARING
4 - INSTALLER
Fig. 44 RING GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - HAMMER
Fig. 45 PINION ROTATING TORQUE
1 - PINION COMPANION FLANGE
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
DRFRONT AXLE - C205F 3 - 49
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS (Continued)

FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................54
REMOVAL.............................57
INSTALLATION.........................58
ADJUSTMENTS........................59
SPECIFICATIONS.......................63
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................64
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................67
DISASSEMBLY.........................68
ASSEMBLY............................69
INSTALLATION.........................69
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL.............................69
INSTALLATION.........................70PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................71
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................72
DISASSEMBLY.........................72
ASSEMBLY............................73
INSTALLATION.........................74
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................75
INSTALLATION.........................75
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL.............................75
INSTALLATION.........................77
FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
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 check for:
²Insufficient lubricant.
²Incorrect ring gear backlash.
²Gear damage.
Differential side gears and pinions can be checked
by turning the vehicle. The side gears are loaded dur-
ing turns. They usually do not cause noise during
straight-ahead driving when the gears are unloaded.
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 bearingshave 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.
Differential bearingsusually produce a low pitch
noise. Differential bearing noise is similar to pinion
bearing noise. The pitch of differential bearing noise
is also constant and varies only with vehicle speed.
Axle shaft bearingsproduce 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 m.p.h.
LOW SPEED KNOCK
Low speed knock is generally caused by:
²Worn U-joint(s).
²Worn side-gear thrust washers.
²Worn pinion shaft bore.
3 - 54 FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AADR

AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL
(1) With the vehicle in neutral, position vehicle on
hoist.
(2) Remove brake caliper, rotor and ABS wheel
speed sensor if equipped.
(3) Remove axle shaft cotter pin, hub nut and
washer (Fig. 19).(4) Remove four hub bearing bolts (Fig. 20) from
the back of the steering knuckle.
PINION INSTALLER 8982
FLANGE PULLER 8992
BRIDGE 938
Fig. 19 AXLE NUT
1 - AXLE NUT
2 - AXLE
3 - COTTER PIN
Fig. 20 HUB BEARING BOLTS
1 - STUB SHAFT
2 - BEARING BOLTS
3 - AXLE SHAFT
DRFRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA 3 - 67
FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA (Continued)

ASSEMBLY
(1) Pack the bearing caps 1/3 full of wheel bearing
lubricant. Apply extreme pressure (EP), lithium-base
lubricant to aid in installation.
(2) Position the spider in the yoke. Insert the seals
and bearings. Tap the bearing caps into the yoke
bores far enough to hold the spider in position.
(3) Place the socket (driver) against one bearing
cap. Position the yoke with the socket in a vise.
(4) Tighten the vise to force the bearing caps into
the yoke. Force the caps enough to install the retain-
ing clips.
(5) Install the bearing cap retaining clips.
(6) Install axle shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean axle shaft and apply a thin film of
Mopar Wheel Bearing Grease to the shaft splines
and hub bore.
(2) Install axle shaft through the steering knuckle
and into the differential side gears (Fig. 24).
(3) Install hub bearing in the knuckle.
(4) Install hub bearing bolts and tighten to 202
N´m (149 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install ABS wheel speed sensor, brake rotor
and caliper.
(6) Install axle washer and nut. Tighten axle nut
to 179 N´m (132 ft. lbs.).
(7) Rotate axle several 5 to 10 times to seat the
wheel bearing.
(8) Tighten axle nut to final torque of 356 N´m
(263 ft. lbs.).
(9) Align nut to next cotter pin hole and install
new cotter pin.
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove hub bearings and axle shafts.
(2) Remove differential from differential housing.
(3) Remove differential bearing adjusters (Fig. 25).
(4) Remove axle seals (Fig. 26) located behind
adjusters with Receiver 8498 and Extractor 6310.
(5) Install Receiver 8498 into the adjuster bore.
Fig. 24 AXLE SHAFT
1 - AXLE YOKE
2 - AXLE SHAFT
3 - KNUCKLE
Fig. 25 ADJUSTERS
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARING ADJUSTERS
2 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
Fig. 26 AXLE SHAFT SEAL
1 - ADJUSTER THREADS
2 - SEAL
DRFRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA 3 - 69
AXLE SHAFTS (Continued)

(6) Hold pinion flange with Flange Wrench 8979
(Fig. 31) and remove pinion flange nut and washer.
(7) Remove pinion flange with Pinion Flange
Puller 8992 (Fig. 32).
(8) Remove pinion shaft seal with a pry tool or
slide hammer mounted screw.
INSTALLATION
(1) Installnewpinion seal with Installer 8882 and
Handle C-4171 (Fig. 33).
(2) Apply a light coat of teflon thread sealant to
the pinion flange splines.(3) Lightly tap the pinion flange onto the pinion
until a few threads are showing.
(4) Install flange washer andnewpinion nut.
(5) Hold flange with Flange Wrench 8979 and
tighten pinion nut until pinion end play is taken up.
(6) Rotate pinion several times to seat bearings.
(7) Measure pinion rotating torque with an inch
pound torque wrench and compare it to recorded
measurement. Tighten pinion nut in small incre-
ments, until pinion rotating torque is 0.40-0.57 N´m
(3-5 in. lbs.) greater than recorded measurement.
(8) Rotate pinion several times then verify pinion
rotating torque again.
(9) Install axle shafts and hub bearings.
(10) Install propeller shaft with reference marks
aligned.
Fig. 30 PINION ROTATING TORQUE
1 - PINION FLANGE
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 31 FLANGE WRENCH
1 - PINION FLANGE
2 - WRENCH
Fig. 32 PINION FLANGE PULLER
1 - PINION FLANGE
2 - PULLER
Fig. 33 PINION SEAL INSTALLER
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
DRFRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA 3 - 71
PINION SEAL (Continued)

(3) Rotate differential pinion gears to differential
window and remove pinion gears and thrust washers
(Fig. 37).
(4) Remove differential side gears and thrust
washers (Fig. 38).
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: If the same gears and thrust washers are
being used, install them into their orignial locations.(1) Lubricate all differential components with axle
lubricant.
(2) Install differential side gears and thrust wash-
ers (Fig. 39).
(3) Rotate the one pinion gear with thrust washer
into the differential case (Fig. 40). Then rotate the
other pinion gear with thrust washer into the differ-
ential case.
Fig. 37 PINION GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL WINDOW
2 - PINION GEAR
3 - THRUST GEAR
Fig. 38 SIDE GEARS
1 - SIDE GEAR
2 - SIDE GEAR
3 - PINION GEARS
Fig. 39 SIDE GEARS
1 - DIFFERENTIAL WINDOW
2 - SIDE GEAR
Fig. 40 PINION GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL WINDOW
2 - SIDE GEARS
3 - PINION GEAR
DRFRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA 3 - 73
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

(7) Drive ring gear from differential case with a
soft hammer (Fig. 45).
(8) Hold pinion flange with Flange Wrench 8979
(Fig. 46) and remove pinion flange nut and washer.(9) Remove pinion flange from pinion with Pinion
Flange Puller 8992 (Fig. 47).
(10) Remove pinion gear from housing with Pinion
Driver 8976 and a hammer (Fig. 48).
NOTE: Thread drive on shaft until it bottoms out.
Fig. 45 RING GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - HAMMER
Fig. 46 FLANGE WRENCH
1 - PINION FLANGE
2 - WRENCH
Fig. 47 PINION FLANGE PULLER
1 - PINION FLANGE
2 - PULLER
Fig. 48 PINION DRIVER
1 - PINION SHAFT
2 - PINION DRIVER
3 - 76 FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AADR
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR (Continued)

(8) Installnewpinion seal (Fig. 56) with Installer
8882 and Handle C-4171.
(9) Apply a light coat of teflon sealant to the pin-
ion flange splines.
(10) Hold pinion and lightly tap the pinion flange
onto the pinion shaft, until a few threads are show-
ing.
(11) Install pinion flange washer andnewpinion
nut.
(12) Hold pinion flange with Flange Wrench 8979
and tighten pinion nut until end play is taken up.
(13) Rotate pinion several times to seat bearings.
(14) Measure pinion rotating torque with an inch
pound torque wrench (Fig. 57). Tighten pinion nut in
small increments until pinion rotating torque is:
²New Pinion Bearings:1.7-2.8 N´m (15-25 in.
lbs.)
²Original Pinion Bearings:1.1-2.2 N´m (10-20
in. lbs.)
(15) Rotate pinion several times then verify pinion
rotating torque again.
(16) Position the ring gear on differential case and
start twonewring gear bolts.
(17) Install the rest of thenewring gear bolts and
tighten them alternately to seat the ring gear.(18) Torque ring gear bolts to 140 N´m (103 ft.
lbs.).
(19) Install differential in housing.
(20) Measure final rotating torque with an inch
pound torque wrench. The final pinion rotating
torque plus differential case bearing preload is:
²New Bearings:3.4-5.6 N´m (30-50 in. lbs.)
²Original Bearings:2.8-5.1 N´m (25-45 in. lbs.)
(21) Install axle shafts.
(22) Verify ring gear backlash and gear contact
pattern.
(23) Install the propeller shaft with the reference
marks aligned.
(24) Install differential cover with gasket and
tighten to 40 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(25) Fill differential with fluid and tighten fill plug
to 32 N´m (24 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 56 PINION SEAL INSTALLER
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
Fig. 57 PINION ROTATING TORQUE
1 - PINION FLANGE
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
DRFRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA 3 - 79
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR (Continued)

LOW SPEED KNOCK
Low speed knock is generally caused by:
²Worn U-joint.
²Worn side gear thrust washers.
²Worn pinion shaft bore.
VIBRATION
Vibration at the rear of the vehicle is usually
caused by a:
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 rearend vibra-
tion. Do not overlook engine accessories, brackets
and drive belts.NOTE: All driveline components should be exam-
ined before starting any repair.
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.
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.
DRREAR AXLE - 9 1/4 3 - 81
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 (Continued)

SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE
When measuring side gear clearance, check each
gear independently. If it necessary to replace a side
gear, replace both gears as a matched set.
(1) Install the axle shafts and C-locks and pinion
mate shaft.
(2) Measure each side gear clearance. Insert a
matched pair of feeler gauge blades between the gear
and differential housing on opposite sides of the hub
(Fig. 17).(3) If side gear clearances is no more than 0.005
inch. Determine if the axle shaft is contacting the
pinion mate shaft.Do not remove the feeler
gauges, inspect the axle shaft with the feeler
gauge inserted behind the side gear.If the end of
the axle shaft is not contacting the pinion mate
shaft, the side gear clearance is acceptable.
(4) If clearance is more than 0.005 inch (axle shaft
not contacting mate shaft), record the side gear clear-
ance. Remove the thrust washer and measure its
thickness with a micrometer. Add the washer thick-
ness to the recorded side gear clearance. The sum of
gear clearance and washer thickness will determine
required thickness of replacement thrust washer
(Fig. 18).
In some cases, the end of the axle shaft will move
and contact the mate shaft when the feeler gauge is
inserted. The C-lock is preventing the side gear from
sliding on the axle shaft.
(5) If there is no side gear clearance, remove the
C-lock from the axle shaft. Use a micrometer to mea-
sure the thrust washer thickness. Record the thick-
ness and re-install the thrust washer. Assemble the
differential case without the C-lock installed and re-
measure the side gear clearance.
(6) Compare both clearance measurements. If the
difference is less than 0.012 inch (0.305 mm), add
clearance recorded when the C-lock was installed to
thrust washer thickness measured. The sum will
determine the required thickness of the replacement
thrust washer.
(7) If clearance is 0.012 inch (0.305 mm) or
greater, both side gears must be replaced (matched
set) and the clearance measurements repeated.
(8) If clearance (above) continues to be 0.012 inch
(0.305 mm) or greater, the case must be replaced.
Fig. 16 HIGH PINION HEIGHT
Fig. 17 SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - SIDE GEAR
Fig. 18 SIDE GEAR CALCULATIONS
DRREAR AXLE - 9 1/4 3 - 89
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 (Continued)