differential DODGE RAM 2001 Service Owners Manual

(10) Apply a bead of Mopar Silicone Rubber Seal-
ant or equivalent to the housing cover (Fig. 34).
Install the housing cover within 5 minutes
after applying the sealant.
(11) Install the cover and any identification tag.
Tighten the cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 47
N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
(12) Refill the differential with Mopar Hypoid
Gear Lubricant or equivalent to bottom of the fill
plug hole. Refer to the Lubricant Specifications for
correct quantity and type.
(13) Install the fill hole plug and tighten to 34 N´m
(25 ft. lbs.).
(14) Remove support and lower vehicle.
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRAC-LOKY
The most common problem is a chatter noise when
turning corners. Before removing a Trac-lokyunit
for repair, drain, flush and refill the axle with the
specified lubricant. A container of Mopar Trac-loky
Lubricant (friction modifier) should be added after
repair service or during a lubricant change.
After changing the lubricant, drive the vehicle and
make 10 to 12 slow, figure-eight turns. This maneu-
ver will pump lubricant through the clutches. Thiswill correct the condition in most instances. If the
chatter persists, clutch damage could have occurred.
DIFFERENTIAL TEST
The differential can be tested without removing the
differential case by measuring rotating torque. Make
sure brakes are not dragging during this measure-
ment.
(1) Place blocks in front and rear of both front
wheels.
(2) Raise one rear wheel until it is completely off
the ground.
(3) Engine off, transmission in neutral, and park-
ing brake off.
(4) Remove wheel and bolt Special Tool 6790 or
equivalent tool to studs.
(5) Use torque wrench on special tool to rotate
wheel and read rotating torque (Fig. 35).
(6) If rotating torque is less than 22 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) or more than 271 N´m (200 ft. lbs.) on either
wheel the unit should be serviced.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Clamp side gear Holding Fixture 6965 in a vise
and position the differential case on the Holding Fix-
ture (Fig. 36).
(2) Remove ring gear if the ring gear is to be
replaced. The Trac-lokydifferential can be serviced
with the ring gear installed.
(3) Remove pinion shaft roll pin.
(4) Remove pinion shaft with a drift and hammer
(Fig. 37).
(5) Install and lubricate Step Plate C-6960-3 (Fig.
38).
Fig. 34 Differential Cover
1 - SEALANT SURFACE
2 - SEALANT
3 - SEALANT THICKNESS
Fig. 35 Trac-lokYTest -Typical
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6790 WITH BOLT IN CENTER HOLE
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
3 - 130 REAR AXLE - 248RBIBR/BE
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

(6) Assemble Threaded Adapter C-6960-1 into top
side gear. Thread Forcing Screw C-6960-4 into
adapter until it becomes centered in adapter plate.
(7) Position a small screw driver in slot of
Threaded Adapter Disc C-6960-3 (Fig. 39) to prevent
adapter from turning.
Fig. 36 Differential Case Holding Fixture
1 - HOLDING FIXTURE
2 - VISE
3 - DIFFERENTIAL
Fig. 37 Pinion Shaft
1 - PINION MATE SHAFT
2 - SIDE GEAR
3 - DRIFT
4 - PINION MATE GEAR
Fig. 38 Step Plate
1 - LOWER SIDE GEAR
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
3 - STEP PLATE
Fig. 39 Threaded Adapter Disc
1 - SOCKET
2 - SLOT IN ADAPTER
3 - SCREWDRIVER
4 - DISC
5 - FORCING SCREW
6 - THREADED ADAPTER DISC
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 131
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK (Continued)

(8) Install Forcing Screw C-6960-4 and tighten
screw to 122 N´m (90 ft. lbs.) maximum to compress
Belleville springs in clutch packs (Fig. 40).
(9) With a feeler gauge remove thrust washers
from behind the differential pinion gears (Fig. 41).
(10) Insert Turning Bar C-6960-2 into the pinion
shaft hole in the case (Fig. 42).(11) Loosen the Forcing Screw in small increments
until the clutch pack tension is relieved and the dif-
ferential case can be turned using Turning Bar.
(12) Rotate differential case until the pinion gears
can be removed.
(13) Remove pinion gears from differential case.
(14) Remove Forcing Screw, Step Plate and
Threaded Adapter.
(15) Remove top side gear, clutch pack retainer
and clutch pack. Keep plates in correct order during
removal (Fig. 43).
(16) Remove differential case from the Holding
Fixture. Remove side gear, clutch pack retainer and
clutch pack. Keep plates in correct order during
removal.
ASSEMBLY
Clean all components in cleaning solvent. Dry com-
ponents with compressed air. Inspect clutch pack
plates for wear, scoring or damage. Replace both
clutch packs if any one component in either pack is
damaged. Inspect side gears and pinions. Replace
any gear that is worn, cracked, chipped or damaged.
Inspect differential case and pinion shaft. Replace if
worn or damaged.
Lubricate each component with gear lubricant
before assembly.
(1) Assemble the clutch discs into packs and
secure disc packs with retaining clips (Fig. 44).
NOTE: New Plates and discs with fiber coating (no
grooves or lines) must be presoaked in Friction
Modifier before assembly. Soak plates and discs for
a minimum of 20 minutes.
Fig. 40 Compress Belleville Spring
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
2 - TOOL ASSEMBLED
3 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
Fig. 41 Pinion Gear Thrust Washer
1 - THRUST WASHER
2 - FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 42 Pinion Gear
1 - PINION GEARS
2 - TOOL
3 - 132 REAR AXLE - 248RBIBR/BE
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK (Continued)

(2) Position assembled clutch disc packs on the
side gear hubs.(3) Install clutch pack and side gear in the ring
gear side of the differential case (Fig. 45).Be sure
clutch pack retaining clips remain in position
and are seated in the case pockets.
(4) Position the differential case on the Holding
Fixture 6965.
(5) Install lubricated Step Plate C-6960-3 in lower
side gear (Fig. 46).
(6) Install the upper side gear and clutch disc pack
(Fig. 46).
(7) Hold assembly in position. Insert Threaded
Adapter C-6960-1 into top side gear.
(8) Install Forcing Screw C-6960-4 and tighten
screw to slightly compress clutch disc.
(9) Place differential pinion gears in position in
side gears and verify that the pinion shaft hole is
aligned.
(10) Rotate case with Turning Bar C-6960-2 until
the pinion shaft holes in pinion gears align with
holes in case. It may be necessary to slightly tighten
the forcing screw in order to install the pinion gears.
(11) Tighten forcing screw to 122 N´m (90 ft. lbs.)
maximum to compress the Belleville springs.
(12) Lubricate and install thrust washers behind
pinion gears and align washers with a small screw
driver. Insert pinion shaft into each pinion gear to
verify alignment.
(13) Remove Forcing Screw, Step Plate and
Threaded Adapter.
(14) Install pinion shaft and align holes in shaft
and case.
Fig. 43 Side Gear & Clutch Pack
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - RETAINER
3 - SIDE GEAR AND CLUTCH DISC PACK
Fig. 44 Clutch Disc Pack
1 - CLUTCH PACK
2 - RETAINER
3 - SIDE GEAR
4 - RETAINER
Fig. 45 Clutch Pack and Side Gear
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - LOWER SIDE GEAR AND CLUTCH DISC PACK
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 133
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK (Continued)

(15) Install and seat pinion shaft roll pin in differ-
ential case. Peen the edge of the roll pin hole in the
case slightly in two places 180É apart.
(16) Lubricate all differential components with
hypoid gear lubricant.
DIFFERENTIAL CASE
BEARINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove differential case from axle housing.
(2) Remove bearings from the differential case
with Puller/Press C-293-PA, Adapters C-293-62 and
Step Plate 8139-2 (Fig. 47).
INSTALLATION
(1) Using tool C-4190 with handle C-4171, install
differential side bearings (Fig. 48).
(2) Install differential case in axle housing.
Fig. 46 Clutch Pack and Upper Side Gear
1 - SIDE GEAR AND CLUTCH PACK
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
3 - STEP PLATE - C-6960-3
Fig. 47 Differential Bearing
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-293-PA
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-293-62
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4487-1
4 - BEARING
5 - DIFFERENTIAL
3 - 134 REAR AXLE - 248RBIBR/BE
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK (Continued)

PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/
TONE RING
REMOVAL
NOTE: The ring and pinion gears are service in a
matched set. Do not replace the ring gear without
replacing the pinion gear.
(1) Remove differential from axle housing.
(2) Place differential case in a suitable vise with
soft metal jaw protectors. (Fig. 49)
(3) Remove bolts holding ring gear to differential
case.
(4) Using a soft hammer, drive ring gear from dif-
ferential case (Fig. 49).
(5) Use a brass drift and slowly tap the exciter
ring from the differential case.
(6) Mark pinion yoke and propeller shaft for
installation alignment.
(7) Disconnect propeller shaft from pinion yoke.
Using suitable wire, tie propeller shaft to underbody.
(8) Using Yoke Holder 6719 to hold yoke, remove
the pinion yoke nut and washer.
(9) Using Remover C±452 and Wrench C±3281,
remove the pinion yoke from pinion shaft (Fig. 50).(10) Remove the pinion gear from housing (Fig.
51). Catch the pinion with your hand to prevent it
from falling and being damaged.
(11) Remove the pinion seal with a slide hammer
or suitable pry bar.
(12) Remove oil slinger, if equipped, and the front
pinion bearing.
(13) Remove the front pinion bearing cup with
Remover D-158 and Handle C±4171 (Fig. 52).
(14) Remove the rear bearing cup from housing
(Fig. 53). Use Remover D-162 and Handle C±4171.
(15) Remove the collapsible preload spacer (Fig.
54)from pinion gears.
Fig. 48 Install Differential Side Bearings
1 - HANDLE C-4171
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
3 - BEARING
4 - TOOL C-4190
Fig. 49 Ring Gear Removal
1 - CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - RAWHIDE HAMMER
Fig. 50 Pinion Yoke Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3281
2 - YOKE
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-452
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 135
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS (Continued)

Measure the rotating torque frequently to avoid over
crushing the collapsible spacer (Fig. 62).
(12) Check bearing rotating torque with an inch
pound torque wrench (Fig. 62). Pinion rotating torque
should be:
²Original Bearings-1to3N´m(10to20in.lbs.).
²New Bearings - 2.3 to 5.1 N´m (20 to 45 in. lbs.).
(13) Align previously made marks on yoke and
propeller shaft and install propeller shaft.
CAUTION: Do not reuse ring gear bolts, the bolts
can fracture causing extensive damage.
(14) Invert the differential case.
(15) Position exciter ring on differential case.
(16) Using a brass drift, slowly and evenly tap the
exciter ring into position.
(17) Invert the differential case and start two ring
gear bolts. This will provide case-to-ring gear bolt
hole alignment.
(18) Invert the differential case in the vise.
(19) Install new ring gear bolts and alternately
tighten to 176 N´m (130 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 63).
(20) Install differential in axle housing and verify
gear mesh and contact pattern.
(21) Install differential into the housing.
Fig. 61 Pinion Yoke
1 - YOKE INSTALLER
2 - YOKE HOLDERFig. 62 Check Pinion Gear Rotation Torque
1 - PINION YOKE
2 - INCH POUND TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 63 Ring Gear Bolt
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
2 - RING GEAR BOLT
3 - RING GEAR
4 - CASE
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 139
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 267RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 267RBI
DESCRIPTION..........................140
OPERATION............................140
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................142
AXLE...............................142
REMOVAL.............................144
INSTALLATION..........................145
ADJUSTMENTS.........................145
SPECIFICATIONS........................153
SPECIAL TOOLS........................153
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................156
INSTALLATION..........................156
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................156
INSTALLATION..........................156
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................156INSTALLATION..........................157
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................158
DISASSEMBLY..........................158
ASSEMBLY............................159
INSTALLATION..........................159
DIFFERENTIAL - POWR-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................161
POWR-LOK .........................161
DISASSEMBLY..........................161
ASSEMBLY............................163
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................164
INSTALLATION..........................164
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL.............................165
INSTALLATION..........................166
REAR AXLE - 267RBI
DESCRIPTION
The Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle housings
consist of an iron center casting (differential housing)
with axle shaft tubes extending from either side. The
tubes are pressed in to form a one-piece axle housing.
The integral type housing, hypoid gear design has
the centerline of the pinion set below the centerline
of the ring gear.
The axles are equipped with full-floating axle
shafts, meaning that loads are supported by the axle
housing tubes. The full-float axle shafts are retained
by bolts attached to the hub. The hub rides on two
bearings at the outboard end of the axle tube. The
axle shafts can be removed without disturbing or
removing the wheel bearings. The wheel bearings are
opposed tapered roller bearings and are contained in
the hub assembly.
The removable, stamped steel cover provides a
means for inspection and service without removing
the complete axle from the vehicle. A small, stamped
metal axle gear ratio identification tag is attached to
the housing cover via one of the cover bolts. This tag
also identifies the number of ring and pinion teeth.
The rear wheel anti-lock (RWAL) brake speed sen-
sor is attached to the top, forward exterior of the dif-
ferential housing. A seal is located between the
sensor and the wire harness connector. The seal mustbe in place when the wire connector is connected to
the sensor. The RWAL brake exciter ring is press-fit-
ted onto the differential case against the ring gear
flange.
The differential case for the standard differential is
a one-piece design. The differential pinion mate shaft
is retained with a roll pin. Differential bearing pre-
load and ring gear backlash are adjusted by the use
of shims located between the differential bearing
cones and case. Pinion bearing preload is set and
maintained by the use of a solid shims.
Axles equipped with a Powr-Lokydifferential are
optional. A Powr-lokydifferential has a two-piece dif-
ferential case. A Powr-lokydifferential contains four
pinion gears and a two-piece pinion mate cross shaft
to provide increased torque to the non-slipping wheel
through a ramping motion in addition to the stan-
dard Trac-lokycomponents.
OPERATION
STANDARD DIFFERENTIAL
The axle receives power from the transmission/
transfer case through the rear propeller shaft. The
rear 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
3 - 140 REAR AXLE - 267RBIBR/BE

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).
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.
2). 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.
POWR-LOKYDIFFERENTIAL
The Powr-lokyclutches are engaged by two con-
current forces. The first being the preload force
exerted through Belleville spring washers within the
clutch packs. The second is the separating forces gen-
erated by the side gears as torque is applied through
the ring gear (Fig. 3).
The Powr-lokydesigns provide the differential
action needed for turning corners and for driving
straight ahead during periods of unequal traction.
When one wheel looses traction, the clutch packs
transfer additional torque to the wheel having the
most traction. The Powr-lokydifferential addition-
Fig. 1 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. 2 Differential Operation - On Turns
1 - PINION GEARS ROTATE ON PINION SHAFT
Fig. 3 Powr-lokYLimited Slip Differential
1 - CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - DRIVE PINION
4 - PINION GEAR
5 - MATE SHAFT
6 - CLUTCH PACK
7 - SIDE GEAR
8 - CLUTCH PACK
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 267RBI 3 - 141
REAR AXLE - 267RBI (Continued)

ally utilizes a ramping action supplied by the cross
shafts to increase the force applied to the clutch
packs to increase the torque supplied to the non-slip-
ping wheel. Powr-lokydifferentials resist wheel spin
on bumpy roads and provide more pulling power
when one wheel looses traction. Pulling power is pro-
vided continuously until both wheels loose traction. If
both wheels slip due to unequal traction, operation is
normal. In extreme cases of differences of traction,
the wheel with the least traction may spin.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE
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:
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-
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 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 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.
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 - 142 REAR AXLE - 267RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 267RBI (Continued)