tow DODGE RAM 1999 Service Service Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 1999, Model line: RAM, Model: DODGE RAM 1999Pages: 1691, PDF Size: 40.34 MB
Page 418 of 1691

reusing original differential bearings and bearing races, ensure
bearing races are installed in original locations.
13) Place axle housing spreader on axle housing so dowel pins
engage with locating holes. See Fig. 1. Use Axle Housing Spreader (W-
129-B). Install hold-down clamps. Tighten turnbuckle on axle housing
spreader finger tight.
14) Install pilot stud and dial indicator on axle housing.
See Fig. 1 . Position dial indicator so stem is resting against
opposite side of axle housing, with pressure on stem.
CAUTION: DO NOT spread axle housing more than .020" (.50 mm), or axle
housing may be damaged.
15) Adjust dial indicator to zero. Tighten turnbuckle enough
to spread axle housing for differential case removal while noting
reading on dial indicator. Dial indicator reading should not exceed .
020" (.50 mm).
16) Remove dial indicator. Install differential case and
bearing races in axle housing. Ensure differential bearings and races
are fully seated. Remove axle housing spreader.
17) Install bearing caps in original location. Install
bearing cap bolts, and tighten to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Rotate differential case several times to seat
differential bearings.
18) Using dial indicator, check ring gear backlash. See
Fig. 6 . Ensure ring gear backlash is as specified. See AXLE ASSEMBLY
SPECIFICATIONS.
19) If ring gear backlash exceeds specification, move ring
gear toward pinion. If ring gear backlash is less than specification,
move ring gear away from pinion. To change ring gear backlash, move
preload shims from one side of differential case to other.
20) Check ring gear backlash every 90 degrees to check for
variation. Ring gear backlash variation should not exceed .002" (.05
mm). For example, if ring gear backlash is .005" (.15 mm) at minimum
point, ring gear backlash should not exceed .008" (.20 mm) anywhere on\
ring gear.
Final Inspection & Assembly
1) With ring gear backlash properly adjusted, check gear
tooth pattern contact. See GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS article in
GENERAL INFORMATION.
2) When differential is complete and correctly adjusted,
install axle housing cover using NEW gasket (if equipped). If gasket
is not available, apply a 1/4" thick bead of silicone sealant on
inside of bolt holes and along sealing surfaces on axle housing cover.
3) Install axle housing cover, axle identification tag and
retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Fill differential with gear lube. See
LUBRICATION.
Fig. 6: Checking Ring Gear Backlash
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Page 436 of 1691

bearing races in axle housing. Ensure differential bearings and races
are fully seated. Remove axle housing spreader.
17) Install bearing caps in original location. Install and
tighten bearing cap bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table. Rotate differential case several times to seat differential
bearings.
18) Using dial indicator, check ring gear backlash. See
Fig. 7. Ensure ring gear backlash is as specified. See AXLE ASSEMBLY
SPECIFICATIONS.
19) If ring gear backlash exceeds specification, move ring
gear toward pinion. If ring gear backlash is less than specification,
move ring gear away from pinion. To change ring gear backlash, move
preload shims from one side of differential case to other.
20) Check ring gear backlash every 90 degrees to check for
variation. Ring gear backlash variation should not exceed .002" (.05
mm). For example, if ring gear backlash is .005" (.15 mm) at the
minimum point, ring gear backlash should not exceed .007" (.18 mm)
anywhere on ring gear.
Final Inspection & Assembly
1) With ring gear backlash properly adjusted, check gear
tooth pattern contact. See GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS article in
GENERAL INFORMATION.
2) When differential is complete and correctly adjusted,
install axle housing cover using NEW gasket (if equipped). If gasket
is not available, apply a 1/4" thick bead of silicone sealant on
inside of bolt holes and along sealing surfaces on axle housing cover.
3) Install axle housing cover, axle identification tag and
retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to proper specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. Fill differential with gear lube. See LUBRICATION.
Fig. 7: Checking Ring Gear Backlash
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
AXLE ASSEMBLY SPECIFICATIONS