sensor DODGE RAM 2001 Service User Guide

(8) Disconnect the stabilizer bar links at the axle
brackets.
(9) Disconnect the shock absorbers from axle
brackets.
(10) Disconnect the track bar from the axle
bracket.
(11) Disconnect the tie rod and drag link from the
steering knuckles.
(12) Position the axle with a suitable lifting device
under the axle assembly.
(13) Secure axle to lifting device.
(14) Mark suspension alignment cams for installa-
tion reference.
(15) Disconnect the upper and lower suspension
arms from the axle bracket.
(16) Lower the axle. The coil springs will drop
with the axle.
(17) Remove the coil springs from the axle bracket.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the weight of the
vehicle on the suspension, at normal height. If
springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle
ride comfort could be affected and premature bush-
ing wear may occur. Rubber bushings must never
be lubricated.
(1) Support the axle on a suitable lifting device.
(2) Secure axle to lifting device.
(3) Position the axle under the vehicle.
(4) Install the springs, retainer clip and bolts.
(5) Raise the axle and align it with the spring
pads.
(6) Position the upper and lower suspension arms
in the axle brackets. Install bolts, nuts and align the
suspension alignment cams to the reference marks.
Do not tighten at this time.
(7) Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
(8) Install the shock absorber and tighten bolts to
121 N´m (89 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle
bracket. Tighten the nut to 37 N´m (27 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(10) Install the drag link and tie rod to the steer-
ing knuckles and tighten the nuts to 88 N´m (65 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(11) Install the ABS wheel speed sensors, if
equipped. Refer to group 5, Brakes, for proper proce-
dures.
(12) Install the brake calipers and rotors. Refer to
Group 5, Brakes, for proper procedures.
(13) Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting.
(14) Connect vacuum hose and electrical connector
to disconnect housing.(15) Install front propeller shaft.
(16) Check and add differential lubricant, if neces-
sary. Refer to Lubricant Specifications in this section
for lubricant requirements.
(17) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(18) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(19) Tighten the upper suspension arm nuts at
axle to 121 N´m (89 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the
upper suspension arm nuts at frame to 84 N´m (62 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(20) Tighten the lower suspension arm nuts at
axle to 84 N´m (62 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the lower
suspension arm nuts at frame to 119 N´m (88 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(21) Tighten the track bar bolt at the axle bracket
to 176 N´m (130 ft. lbs.) torque.
(22) Check the front wheel alignment.
ADJUSTMENTS
Ring and pinion gears are supplied as matched
sets only. The identifying numbers for the ring and
pinion gear are etched into the face of each gear (Fig.
4). A plus (+) number, minus (±) number or zero (0) is
etched into the face of the pinion gear. This number
is the amount (in thousandths of an inch) the depth
varies from the standard depth setting of a pinion
etched with a (0). The standard setting from the cen-
ter line of the ring gear to the back face of the pinion
is 109.5 mm (4.312 in.). The standard depth provides
the best gear tooth contact pattern. Refer to Back-
lash and Contact Pattern in this section for addi-
tional information.
Compensation for pinion depth variance is
achieved with a select shim/oil baffle. The shims are
placed between the rear pinion bearing and the pin-
ion gear head (Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 Pinion Gear ID Numbers
1 - PRODUCTION NUMBERS
2 - PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
3 - GEAR MATCHING NUMBER
BR/BEFRONT AXLE - 216FBI 3 - 17
FRONT AXLE - 216FBI (Continued)

AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove brake caliper and rotor. Refer to
Brakes for procedures.
(4) Remove ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped.
Refer to Brakes for procedures.
(5) Remove the cotter pin and axle hub nut.
(6) Remove hub bearing bolts (Fig. 22) and remove
hub bearing from the steering knuckle.
(7) Remove brake dust shield from knuckle.
(8) Remove axle shaft from the housing. Avoid
damaging the axle shaft oil seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean axle shaft and apply a thin film of
Mopar Wheel Bearing Grease to the shaft splines,
seal contact surface, hub bore.
(2) Install axle shaft into the housing and differen-
tial side gears. Avoid damaging axle shaft oil seals in
the differential.
(3) Install dust shield and hub bearing on knuckle.
(4) Install hub bearing bolts and tighten to 170
N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install axle washer and nut, tighten nut to 237
N´m (175 ft. lbs.). Align nut to next cotter pin hole
and install new cotter pin.
(6) Install ABS wheel speed sensor, brake rotor
and caliper. Refer to Brakes for proper procedures.
(7) Install wheel and tire assembly.
(8) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
AXLE SHAFTS -
INTERMEDIATE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove vacuum shift motor housing.
(2) Remove outer axle shaft.
(3) Remove inner axle shaft seal from shift motor
housing with a long drift or punch. Be careful not to
damage housing.
(4) Remove intermediate axle shaft and shift col-
lar.
(5) Remove intermediate axle shaft bearing (Fig.
23).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position bearing on the installation tool and
seat the bearing (Fig. 24) in the housing bore.
(2) Clean the inside perimeter of the axle shaft
tube with fine crocus cloth.
(3) Apply a light film of oil to the inside lip of the
new axle shaft seal.
(4) Install the inner axle seal (Fig. 25).
(5) Install shift collar in the axle housing.
(6) Lubricate the splined end of the intermediate
axle shaft with multi-purpose lubricant.
(7) Insert the intermediate axle shaft into the dif-
ferential side gear.
CAUTION: Apply all-purpose lubricant to the axle
shaft splines to prevent damage to the seal during
axle shaft installation.
Fig. 22 Hub and Knuckle
1 - KNUCKLE
2 - HUB BEARING
Fig. 23 Bearing Removal
1 - BEARING
2 - SHIFT MOTOR HOUSING OPENING
3 - AXLE TUBE
4 - LOCATION FOR OPEN-END WRENCH
5 - SPECIAL TOOL 5041-2
6 - NUT
7 - SPECIAL TOOL 5041-3
8 - SPECIAL TOOL D-354-2
3 - 28 FRONT AXLE - 216FBIBR/BE

FRONT AXLE - 248FBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT AXLE - 248FBI
DESCRIPTION...........................45
OPERATION.............................45
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................46
AXLE................................46
REMOVAL..............................50
INSTALLATION...........................50
ADJUSTMENTS..........................50
SPECIFICATIONS........................58
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................58
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL..............................60
INSTALLATION...........................60
AXLE SHAFTS - INTERMEDIATE
REMOVAL..............................60
INSTALLATION...........................61
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL..............................61
INSTALLATION...........................61
AXLE VACUUM MOTOR
DESCRIPTION...........................62
OPERATION.............................62
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................63VACUUM MOTOR.......................63
REMOVAL..............................65
DISASSEMBLY...........................65
ASSEMBLY.............................65
INSTALLATION...........................65
SINGLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINTS
REMOVAL..............................65
INSTALLATION...........................66
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL..............................66
INSTALLATION...........................66
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL..............................68
DISASSEMBLY...........................68
ASSEMBLY.............................69
INSTALLATION...........................69
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL..............................71
INSTALLATION...........................71
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL..............................72
INSTALLATION...........................74
FRONT AXLE - 248FBI
DESCRIPTION
The housing for the 248 Front Beam-design Iron
(FBI) axle consists of an iron center casting with
tubes on each side. The tubes are pressed into and
welded to 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 axle has a vent used to relieve internal pres-
sure caused by lubricant vaporization and internal
expansion.
The axles are equipped with semi-floating axle
shafts, meaning that loads are supported by the hub
bearings. The axle shafts are retained by nuts at the
hub bearings. The hub bearings are bolted to the
steering knuckle at the outboard end of the axle tube
yoke. The hub bearings are serviced as an assembly.
The axles are equipped with ABS brake sensors.
The sensors are attached to the knuckle assemblies
and the tone rings are pressed onto the axle shaft.
Use care when removing axle shafts as NOT to
damage the tone wheel or the sensor.The stamped steel cover provides a means for
inspection and servicing the differential.
The 248 FBI axle have the assembly part number
and gear ratio listed on a tag. The tag is attached to
the housing cover by one of the cover bolts. Build
date identification codes are stamped on the cover
side of a axle tube.
The differential case is a one-piece design. The dif-
ferential pinion mate shaft is retained with a roll
pin. Differential bearing preload and ring gear back-
lash is adjusted by the use of shims. The shims are
located between the differential bearing cones and
case. Pinion bearing preload is set and maintained by
the use of a collapsible spacer.
The axle differential covers can be used for identi-
fication of the axle (Fig. 1). A tag is also attached to
the cover.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transfer case
through the front propeller shaft. The front 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 through the pinion
BR/BEFRONT AXLE - 248FBI 3 - 45

REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheels and tires.
(3) Remove the brake calipers and rotors. Refer to
Group 5, Brakes, for proper procedures.
(4) Remove ABS wheel speed sensors, if equipped.
Refer to Group 5, Brakes, for proper procedures.
(5) Disconnect the axle vent hose.
(6) Disconnect vacuum hose and electrical connec-
tor at disconnect housing.
(7) Remove the front propeller shaft.
(8) Disconnect the stabilizer bar links at the axle
brackets.
(9) Disconnect the shock absorbers from axle
brackets.
(10) Disconnect the track bar from the axle
bracket.
(11) Disconnect the tie rod and drag link from the
steering knuckles.
(12) Position the axle with a suitable lifting device
under the axle assembly.
(13) Secure axle to lifting device.
(14) Mark suspension alignment cams for installa-
tion reference.
(15) Disconnect the upper and lower suspension
arms from the axle bracket.
(16) Lower the axle. The coil springs will drop
with the axle.
(17) Remove the coil springs from the axle bracket.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the weight of the
vehicle on the suspension, at normal height. If
springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle
ride comfort could be affected and premature bush-
ing wear may occur. Rubber bushings must never
be lubricated.
(1) Support the axle on a suitable lifting device.
(2) Secure axle to lifting device.
(3) Position the axle under the vehicle.
(4) Install the springs, retainer clip and bolts.
(5) Raise the axle and align it with the spring
pads.
(6) Position the upper and lower suspension arms
in the axle brackets. Install bolts, nuts and align the
suspension alignment cams to the reference marks.
Do not tighten at this time.
(7) Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
(8) Install the shock absorber and tighten bolts to
121 N´m (89 ft. lbs.) torque.(9) Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle
bracket. Tighten the nut to 37 N´m (27 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(10) Install the drag link and tie rod to the steer-
ing knuckles and tighten the nuts to 88 N´m (65 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(11) Install the ABS wheel speed sensors, if
equipped. Refer to group 5, Brakes, for proper proce-
dures.
(12) Install the brake calipers and rotors. Refer to
Group 5, Brakes, for proper procedures.
(13) Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting.
(14) Connect vacuum hose and electrical connector
to disconnect housing.
(15) Install front propeller shaft.
(16) Check and add differential lubricant, if neces-
sary. Refer to Lubricant Specifications in this section
for lubricant requirements.
(17) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(18) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(19) Tighten the upper suspension arm nuts at
axle to 121 N´m (89 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the
upper suspension arm nuts at frame to 84 N´m (62 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(20) Tighten the lower suspension arm nuts at
axle to 84 N´m (62 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the lower
suspension arm nuts at frame to 119 N´m (88 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(21) Tighten the track bar bolt at the axle bracket
to 176 N´m (130 ft. lbs.) torque.
(22) Check the front wheel alignment.ADJUSTMENTS
Ring and pinion gears are supplied as matched
sets only. The identifying numbers for the ring and
pinion gear are etched into the face of each gear (Fig.
4). A plus (+) number, minus (±) number or zero (0) is
etched into the face of the pinion gear. This number
is the amount (in thousandths of an inch) the depth
varies from the standard depth setting of a pinion
etched with a (0). The standard setting from the cen-
ter line of the ring gear to the back face of the pinion
is 127 mm (5.00 in.). The standard depth provides
the best gear tooth contact pattern. Refer to Back-
lash and Contact Pattern in this section for addi-
tional information.
Compensation for pinion depth variance is
achieved with a select shim/oil baffle. The shims are
placed between the rear pinion bearing and the pin-
ion gear head (Fig. 5).
If a new gear set is being installed, note the depth
variance etched into both the original and replace-
ment pinion. Add or subtract this number from the
thickness of the original depth shim/oil slinger to
compensate for the difference in the depth variances.
Refer to the Depth Variance chart.
3 - 50 FRONT AXLE - 248FBIBR/BE
FRONT AXLE - 248FBI (Continued)

AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove brake caliper and rotor. Refer to
Brakes for procedures.
(4) Remove ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped.
Refer to Brakes for procedures.
(5) Remove the cotter pin and axle hub nut.
(6) Remove hub bearing bolts (Fig. 22) and remove
hub bearing from the steering knuckle.
(7) Remove brake dust shield from knuckle.(8) Remove axle shaft from the housing. Avoid
damaging the axle shaft oil seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean axle shaft and apply a thin film of
Mopar Wheel Bearing Grease to the shaft splines,
seal contact surface, hub bore.
(2) Install axle shaft into the housing and differen-
tial side gears. Avoid damaging axle shaft oil seals in
the differential.
(3) Install dust shield and hub bearing on knuckle.
(4) Install hub bearing bolts and tighten to 170
N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install axle washer and nut, tighten nut to 237
N´m (175 ft. lbs.). Align nut to next cotter pin hole
and install new cotter pin.
(6) Install ABS wheel speed sensor, brake rotor
and caliper. Refer to Brakes for proper procedures.
(7) Install wheel and tire assembly.
(8) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
AXLE SHAFTS -
INTERMEDIATE
REMOVAL - INTERMEDIATE AXLE
(1) Remove the vacuum shift motor housing.
(2) Remove the outer axle shaft.
(3) Remove the inner axle shaft seal from the shift
motor housing with a long drift or punch. Be careful
not to damage housing.
(4) Remove intermediate axle shaft and shift col-
lar.
(5) Remove the intermediate axle shaft bushing
(Fig. 23).
BLOCK, ADAPTER ± C-239-37
BLOCK, ADAPTER ± C-239-62
HOLDER, YOKE - 6719A
PINION DEPTH, SET ± 6730
Fig. 22 Hub and Knuckle
1 - KNUCKLE
2 - HUB BEARING
3 - 60 FRONT AXLE - 248FBIBR/BE
FRONT AXLE - 248FBI (Continued)

REAR AXLE-91/4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE-91/4
DESCRIPTION...........................77
OPERATION.............................77
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................80
AXLE................................80
REMOVAL..............................83
INSTALLATION...........................84
ADJUSTMENTS..........................84
SPECIFICATIONS........................90
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................90
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL..............................93
INSTALLATION...........................93
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL..............................94
INSTALLATION...........................94
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL..............................94
INSTALLATION...........................95PINION SEAL
REMOVAL..............................95
INSTALLATION...........................95
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL..............................96
DISASSEMBLY...........................97
ASSEMBLY.............................98
INSTALLATION...........................98
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................98
TRAC-LOK............................98
DISASSEMBLY...........................99
ASSEMBLY............................101
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................103
INSTALLATION..........................103
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL.............................103
INSTALLATION..........................105
REAR AXLE-91/4
DESCRIPTION
The 9 1/4 Inch axle housings consist of a cast iron
center section with axle tubes extending from either
side. The tubes are pressed into and welded to the
differential housing to form a one-piece axle housing
(Fig. 1).
The axles have a vent hose to relieve internal pres-
sure caused by lubricant vaporization and internal
expansion.
The axles are equipped with semi-floating axle
shafts, meaning vehicle loads are supported by the
axle shaft and bearings. The axle shafts are retained
by C-locks in the differential side gears.
The removable, stamped steel cover provides a
means for inspection and service without removing
the complete axle from the vehicle.
The axle has a date tag and a gear ratio tag. The
tags are attached to the differential housing by a
cover bolt.
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 must
be 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 is a one-piece design. The dif-
ferential pinion shaft is retained with a screw. Differ-
ential bearing preload and ring gear backlash are set
and maintained by threaded adjusters at the outside
of the differential housing. Pinion bearing preload is
set and maintained by the use of a collapsible spacer.
Axles equipped with a Trac-Lokydifferential are
optional. A differential has a one-piece differential
case, and the same internal components as a stan-
dard differential, plus two clutch disc packs.
AXLE IDENTIFICATION
The axle differential cover can be used for identifi-
cation of the axle (Fig. 2). A ratio tag is attached to
the top of the differential cover.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transmission/
transfer case through the rear propeller shaft. The
rear propeller shaft is connected to the drive pinion
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
through the differential pinions and side gears. The
side gears are splined to the axle shafts.
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 9 1/4 3 - 77

Condition Possible Causes Correction
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.
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 suitable lifting device under the
axle.
(3) Secure axle to device.
(4) Remove the wheels and tires.
(5) Secure brake drums to the axle shaft.
(6) Remove the RWAL sensor from the differential
housing, if necessary. Refer to 5 Brakes for proce-
dures.
(7) Disconnect the brake hose at the axle junction
block. Do not disconnect the brake hydraulic lines at
the wheel cylinders. Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.(8) Disconnect the parking brake cables and cable
brackets.
(9) Disconnect the vent hose from the axle shaft
tube.
(10) Mark the propeller shaft and companion
flange for installation alignment reference.
(11) Remove propeller shaft.
(12) Disconnect shock absorbers from axle.
(13) Remove the spring clamps and spring brack-
ets. Refer to 2 Suspension for procedures.
(14) Separate the axle from the vehicle.
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 9 1/4 3 - 83
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Raise the axle with lifting device and align to
the leaf spring centering bolts.
(2) Install the spring clamps and spring brackets.
Refer to 2 Suspension for procedures.
(3) Install shock absorbers and tighten nuts to 82
N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the RWAL sensor to the differential
housing, if necessary. Refer to 5 Brakes for proce-
dures.
(5) Connect the parking brake cables and cable
brackets.
(6) Install the brake drums. Refer to 5 Brakes for
procedures.
(7) Connect the brake hose to the axle junction
block. Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.
(8) Install axle vent hose.
(9) Align propeller shaft and pinion companion
flange reference marks. Install the companion flange
bolts. Tighten to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the wheels and tires.
(11) Add gear lubricant, if necessary. Refer to
Specifications for lubricant requirements.
(12) Remove lifting device from axle and lower the
vehicle.
ADJUSTMENTS
Ring gear and pinion are supplied as matched sets
only. The identifying numbers for the ring gear and
pinion are painted onto the pinion gear head (Fig. 6)
and the side of the ring gear. A plus (+) number,
minus (±) number or zero (0) along with the gear set
sequence number (01 to 99) is on each gear. This first
number is the amount (in thousandths of an inch)
the depth varies from the standard depth setting of a
pinion marked with a (0). The next two numbers are
the sequence number of the gear set. The standard
depth provides the best teeth contact pattern. Refer
to Backlash and Contact Pattern for additional infor-
mation.
Compensation for pinion depth variance is
achieved with select shims. The shims are placed
behind the rear pinion bearing. (Fig. 7).
If a new gear set is being installed, note the depth
variance painted onto both the original and replace-
ment pinion. Add or subtract the thickness of the
original depth shims to compensate for the difference
in the depth variances. Refer to the Depth Variance
chart.
Note where Old and New Pinion Marking columns
intersect. Intersecting figure represents plus or
minus the amount needed.Note the painted number on the shaft of the drive
pinion (±1, ±2, 0, +1, +2, etc.). The numbers repre-
sent thousands of an inch deviation from the stan-
dard. If the number is negative, add that value to the
required thickness of the depth shims. If the number
is positive, subtract that value from the thickness of
the depth shim. If the number is 0 no change is nec-
essary.
Fig. 6 Pinion ID Number
1 - PRODUCTION NUMBER
2 - PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
3 - GEAR MATCHING NUMBER
Fig. 7 Adjustment Shim Locations
1 - AXLE HOUSING
2 - COLLAPSIBLE SPACER
3 - PINION BEARING
4 - PINION DEPTH SHIM
5 - DRIVE PINION GEAR
6 - BEARING CUP
3 - 84 REAR AXLE-91/4BR/BE
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 (Continued)

CAUTION: Never loosen pinion nut to decrease pin-
ion bearing rotating torque and never exceed spec-
ified preload torque. If rotating torque is exceeded,
a new collapsible spacer must be installed.(10) If the rotating torque is low, use Holder 6719
to hold the companion flange (Fig. 23) and tighten
the pinion nut in 6.8 N´m (5 ft. lbs.) increments until
proper rotating torque is achieved.
NOTE: The bearing rotating torque should be con-
stant during a complete revolution of the pinion. If
the rotating torque varies, this indicates a binding
condition.
(11) The seal replacement is unacceptable if the
final pinion nut torque is less than 285 N´m (210 ft.
lbs.).
(12) Install the propeller shaft with the installa-
tion reference marks aligned.
(13) Tighten the companion flange bolts to 108
N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(14) Install the brake drums.
(15) Install wheel and tire assemblies and lower
the vehicle.
(16) Check the differential housing lubricant level.
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove lubricant fill hole plug from the differ-
ential housing cover.
(3) Remove differential housing cover and drain
the lubricant from the housing.
(4) Clean the housing cavity with a flushing oil,
light engine oil or lint free cloth.Do not use water,
steam, kerosene or gasoline for cleaning.
(5) Remove the axle shafts.
(6) Remove RWAL/ABS sensor from housing.
NOTE: Side play resulting from bearing races being
loose on case hubs requires replacement of the dif-
ferential case.
(7) Mark the differential housing and differential
bearing caps for installation reference (Fig. 25).
(8) Remove bearing threaded adjuster lock from
each bearing cap. Loosen the bolts, but do not
remove the bearing caps.
(9) Loosen the threaded adjusters with Wrench
C-4164 (Fig. 26).
(10) Hold the differential case while removing
bearing caps and adjusters.
(11) Remove the differential case.
NOTE: Each differential bearing cup and threaded
adjuster must be kept with their respective bearing.
Fig. 23 Pinion Nut
1 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
2 - COMPANION FLANGE HOLDER
3 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 24 Pinion Rotation Torque
1 - COMPANION FLANGE
2 - INCH POUND TORQUE WRENCH
3 - 96 REAR AXLE-91/4BR/BE
PINION SEAL (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 248RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 248RBI
DESCRIPTION..........................109
OPERATION............................109
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................111
AXLE...............................111
REMOVAL.............................113
INSTALLATION..........................114
ADJUSTMENTS.........................114
SPECIFICATIONS........................122
SPECIAL TOOLS........................122
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................125
INSTALLATION..........................125
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................125
INSTALLATION..........................125
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................125INSTALLATION..........................125
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................127
DISASSEMBLY..........................128
ASSEMBLY............................128
INSTALLATION..........................129
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................130
TRAC-LOK...........................130
DISASSEMBLY..........................130
ASSEMBLY............................132
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................134
INSTALLATION..........................134
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL.............................135
INSTALLATION..........................137
REAR AXLE - 248RBI
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 differentials
and the Trac-lokydifferential are a one-piece design.
The differential pinion mate shaft is retained with a
roll pin. Differential bearing preload and ring gear
backlash are adjusted by the use of shims located
between the differential bearing cones and case. Pin-
ion bearing preload is set and maintained by the use
of a solid shims.
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
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
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 109