One DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Repair Manual

(5) Remove hub bearing from the steering knuckle.
(6) Remove axle shaft (Fig. 21) from steering
knuckle and axle housing.
DISASSEMBLY
Single cardan U-joint components are not service-
able. If defective they must be replaced as a unit.
CAUTION: Clamp only the narrow forged portion of
the yoke in the vise. To avoid distorting the yoke,
do not over tighten the vise jaws.
(1) Remove the bearing cap retaining snap rings
(Fig. 22).
NOTE: Saturate the bearing caps with penetrating
oil prior to removal.
(2) Locate a socket with an inside diameter that is
larger than the bearing cap. Place the socket
(receiver) against the yoke and around the perimeter
of the bearing cap to be removed.
(3) Locate a socket with an outside diameter that
is smaller than the bearing cap. Place the socket
(driver) against the opposite bearing cap.
(4) Position the yoke with the sockets in a vise
(Fig. 23).
(5) Tighten the vise jaws to force the bearing cap
into the larger socket (receiver).
(6) Release the vise jaws. Remove the sockets and
bearing cap that was partially forced out of the yoke.
(7) Repeat the above procedure for the remaining
bearing cap and remove spider from the propeller
shaft yoke.
Fig. 21 STEERING KNUCKLE
1 - KNUCKLE
2 - AXLE SHAFT
Fig. 22 AXLE SHAFT OUTER U-JOINT
1 - SHAFT YOKE
2 - BEARING CAP
3 - SNAP RINGS
4 - BEARING CAP
5 - SPINDLE YOKE
6 - BEARING
7 - BEARING CAP
8 - SNAP RINGS
9 - BEARING CAP
Fig. 23 YOKE BEARING CAP
1 - LARGE-DIAMETER SOCKET WRENCH
2 - VISE
3 - SMALL-DIAMETER SOCKET WRENCH
3 - 68 FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AADR
AXLE SHAFTS (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)

(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)

(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)

REAR AXLE-91/4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE-91/4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................80
REMOVAL.............................83
INSTALLATION.........................83
ADJUSTMENTS........................83
SPECIFICATIONS.......................90
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................90
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................93
INSTALLATION.........................94
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL.............................94
INSTALLATION.........................94
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................95
INSTALLATION.........................95
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................95
INSTALLATION.........................96
DIFFERENTIAL COVER
REMOVAL.............................97INSTALLATION.........................97
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................97
DISASSEMBLY.........................98
ASSEMBLY............................99
INSTALLATION.........................99
DIFFERENTIAL-TRAC-LOK
DESCRIPTION........................100
OPERATION..........................100
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING...............100
DISASSEMBLY........................101
ASSEMBLY...........................103
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL............................105
INSTALLATION........................106
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL............................106
INSTALLATION........................108
REAR AXLE-91/4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, incorrect pinion depth, 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. They usually do not cause
noise during straight-ahead driving when the gears
are unloaded. The side gears are loaded during vehi-cle turns. A worn pinion shaft can also cause a snap-
ping 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 mph.
3 - 80 REAR AXLE-91/4DR

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)

Condition Possible Causes Correction
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.
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.
3 - 82 REAR AXLE-91/4DR
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 (Continued)

Condition Possible Causes Correction
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. Adjust backlash or
pinion depth.
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) Position a lift under axle and secure axle to
lift.
(3) Remove wheels and tires assemblies.
(4) Remove all brake components.
(5) Remove axle vent hose.
(6) Mark propeller shaft and companion flange for
installation alignment reference.
(7) Remove propeller shaft.
(8) Remove shock absorbers from axle (Fig. 1).
(9) Remove U-bolts from axle (Fig. 2).
(10) Remove axle from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Raise axle with lift and align to the leaf spring
centering bolts.(2) Install axle U-bolts and tighten to 149 N´m
(110 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install shock absorbers to axle and tighten to
specification.
(4) Install all brake comonents.
(5) Install axle vent hose.
(6) Align propeller shaft and pinion companion
flange reference marks and tighten companion flange
bolts to 115 N´m (85 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install the wheels and tires.
(8) Fill differential to specifications.
(9) Remove lift from axle and lower the vehicle.
ADJUSTMENTS
Ring gear and pinion are supplied as matched sets.
Identifying numbers for the ring gear and pinion are
painted onto the pinion gear shaft (Fig. 3) and the
side of the ring gear. A plus (+) number, minus (±)
DRREAR AXLE - 9 1/4 3 - 83
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 (Continued)

PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
Original Pinion
Gear Depth
VarianceReplacement Pinion Gear Depth Variance
24232221 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 +0.001 020.001
+2+0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.002
+1+0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.003
0+0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.004
21+0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.005
22+0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.006
23+0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.00620.007
24020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.00620.00720.008
PINION DEPTH MEASUREMENT
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. 5).(1) Assemble Pinion Height Block 6739, Pinion
Block 8542 and rear pinion bearing onto Screw 6741
(Fig. 5).
(2) Insert assembled height gauge components,
rear bearing, and screw into the housing through
pinion bearing cups (Fig. 6).
(3) Install front pinion bearing and Cone-Nut 6740
onto the screw. Tighten cone-nut until Torque To
Rotate the screw is 1.7 N´m (15 in. lbs.) (Fig. 5).
Fig. 5 PINION 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. 6 PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
1 - PINION BLOCK
2 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
DRREAR AXLE - 9 1/4 3 - 85
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 (Continued)

(1) Through the axle tube use Wrench C-4164 to
adjust each threaded adjuster inward until the differ-
ential bearing free-play is eliminated. Allow some
ring gear backlash approximately 0.25 mm (0.01 in.)
between the ring and pinion gear. Seat the bearing
cups with the procedure described above.
(2) Install dial indicator and position the plunger
against the drive side of a ring gear tooth (Fig. 9).
Measure the backlash at 4 positions, 90 degrees
apart around the ring gear. Locate and mark the
area of minimum backlash.
(3) Rotate the ring gear to the position of the least
backlash. Mark the gear so that all future backlash
measurements will be taken with the same gear
teeth meshed.
(4) Loosen the right-side, tighten the left-side
threaded adjuster. Obtain backlash of 0.076 to 0.102
mm (0.003-0.004 in.) with each adjuster tightened to
14 N´m (10 ft. lbs.). Seat the bearing cups with the
procedure described above.
(5) Tighten the differential bearing cap bolts 136
N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(6) Tighten the right-side threaded adjuster to 102
N´m (75 ft. lbs.). Seat the bearing cups with the pro-
cedure described above. Continue to tighten the
right-side adjuster and seat bearing cups until the
torque remains constant at 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.)
(7) Measure the ring gear backlash. The range of
backlash is 0.15 to 0.203 mm (0.006 to 0.008 in.).(8) Continue increasing the torque at the right-
side threaded adjuster until the specified backlash is
obtained.
NOTE: The left-side threaded adjuster torque
should have approximately 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.). If
the torque is considerably less, the complete
adjustment procedure must be repeated.
(9) Tighten the left-side threaded adjuster until
102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque is indicated. Seat the
bearing rollers with the procedure described above.
Do this until the torque remains constant.
(10) Install the threaded adjuster locks and
tighten the lock screws to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
GEAR CONTACT PATTERN
Gear tooth contact pattern is used to verify the cor-
rect running position of the ring and pinion gears.
This will produce low noise and long gear life. Gears
which are not positioned properly may be noisy and
have shorten gear life.
(1) Wipe clean each tooth of the ring gear.
(2) Apply gear marking compound to all of the ring
gear teeth.
(3) Verify bearing cap bolts are torque specifica-
tion.
(4) Apply parking brakes lightly to create at 14
N´m (10 ft. lbs.) pinion rotating torque.
(5) Rotate the pinion/pinion yoke 4 full revolutions
in each directions.
(6) Read gear tooth contact pattern:
²Gear contact pattern is correct (Fig. 10). Back-
lash and pinion depth is correct.
Fig. 9 RING GEAR BACKLASH
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - RING GEAR
3 - EXCITER RING
Fig. 10 CORRECT CONTACT PATTERN
DRREAR AXLE - 9 1/4 3 - 87
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 (Continued)