wheel torque DODGE RAM 2001 Service Owner's Manual

(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. 31).
(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. 32).
(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. 33).
(5) Install and lubricate Step Plate C-6960-3 (Fig.
34).
(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.
Fig. 31 Trac-lokYTest -Typical
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6790 WITH BOLT IN CENTER HOLE
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 32 Differential Case Holding Fixture
1 - HOLDING FIXTURE
2 - VISE
3 - DIFFERENTIAL
Fig. 33 Pinion Shaft
1 - PINION MATE SHAFT
2 - SIDE GEAR
3 - DRIFT
4 - PINION MATE GEAR
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 9 1/4 3 - 99
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK (Continued)

(19) Position ring gear on the differential case and
start two ring gear bolts. This will provide case-to-
ring gear bolt hole alignment.
(20) Invert the differential case in the vise.
(21) Installnewring gear bolts and alternately
tighten to 156 N´m (115 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 59).
CAUTION: Do not reuse the bolts that held the ring
gear to the differential case. The bolts can fracture
causing extensive damage.
(22) Install differential in axle housing and verify
gear mesh and contact pattern.(23) Install axle shafts.
(24) Install wheel and tire assemblies.
(25) Install differential cover and fill with gear
lubricant.
(26) Install propeller shaft wtih reference marks
aligned.
(27) Remove support and lower vehicle.
Fig. 58 Pinion
1 - COMPANION FLANGE
2 - TORQUE WRENCHFig. 59 Ring Gear Bolts
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
2 - RING GEAR BOLTS
3 - RING GEAR
4 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
3 - 108 REAR AXLE-91/4BR/BE
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING (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

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.TRAC-LOKYDIFFERENTIAL
The Trac-lokyclutches are engaged by two concur-
rent forces. The first being the preload force exerted
through Belleville spring washers within the clutch
packs. The second is the separating forces generated
by the side gears as torque is applied through the
ring gear (Fig. 3).
The Trac-lokydesign provides 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. Trac-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, Trac-loky
operation is normal. In extreme cases of differences
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 Trac-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
3 - 110 REAR AXLE - 248RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 248RBI (Continued)

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 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 propeller shaft and yoke for installation
alignment reference.
(11) Remove propeller shaft.
(12) Disconnect shock absorbers from axle.
(13) Remove spring clamps and spring brackets.
Refer to 2 Suspension for procedures.
(14) Separate axle from the vehicle.
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 113
REAR AXLE - 248RBI (Continued)

AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the axle shaft flange bolts.
(2) Slide the axle shaft out from the axle tube.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the gasket contact surface area on the
flange with an appropriate solvent. Install a new
flange gasket and slide the axle shaft into the tube.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 129 N´m (95 ft.
lbs.).
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(2) Remove brake drum.
(3) Remove the axle shaft.
(4) Remove the lock wedge and adjustment nut.
Use Socket DD-1241±JD to remove the adjustment
nut.
(5) Remove the hub assembly. The outer axle bear-
ing will slide out as the hub is being removed.
(6) Remove inner grease seal and discard. Use
Installer 5064 and Handle C-4171 to drive grease
seal and inner axle bearing from the hub.
(7) Remove the bearing cups from the hub bore.
Use a brass drift, or an appropriate removal tool, to
tap out the cups.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean both axle bearings and inte-
rior of the hub with an appropriate cleaning solvent.
(2) Install bearing cups with Installer 8151 and
Handle C-4171.
(3)Pack inner and outer bearings with
Mopar wheel bearing grease or equivalent.
(4) Apply grease to inner and outer bearing cup
surfaces.
(5) Install inner axle bearing in the hub.
(6) Installnewgrease seal in hub with Installer
8149 and Handle C-4171.(7) Inspect bearing and seal contact surfaces on
the axle tube for burrs/roughness. Remove all the
rough contact surfaces from the axle tube.
(8) Carefully slide the hub onto the axle.
CAUTION: Do not let grease seal contact axle tube
threads during installtion.
(9) Install outer axle bearing.
(10) Install hub bearing adjustment nut with
Socket DD-1241±JD.
(11) Tighten adjustment nut to 163-190 N´m (120-
140 ft. lbs.) while rotating the wheel. Then loosen
adjustment nut 1/8 to 1/3 of-a-turn to provide 0.025-
0.250mm (0.001-0.009 in.) wheel bearing end play.
(12) Tap locking wedge into the spindle keyway
and adjustment nut.
NOTE: Located locking wedge in a new position in
the adjustment nut.
(13) Install axle shaft and brake drum.
(14) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Scribe a mark on the universal joint, pinion
yoke, and pinion shaft for reference.
(3) Disconnect the propeller shaft from the pinion
yoke. Secure the propeller shaft in an upright posi-
tion to prevent damage to the rear universal joint.
(4) Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
(5) Remove the brake drums to prevent any drag.
The drag may cause a false bearing preload torque
measurement.
(6) Rotate the pinion yoke three or four times.
(7) Measure the amount of torque necessary to
rotate the pinion gear with a (in. lbs.) dial-type
torque wrench. Record the torque reading for instal-
lation reference.
(8) Hold the yoke with Wrench 6719. Remove the
pinion shaft nut and washer.
(9) Remove the yoke with Remover C-452 (Fig. 22).
(10) Remove the pinion shaft seal with suitable
pry tool or slide-hammer mounted screw.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The outer perimeter of the seal is pre-coated
with a special sealant. An additional application of
sealant is not required.
(1) Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the
lip of pinion seal.
Arbor Discs 6732
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 125
REAR AXLE - 248RBI (Continued)

(11) Install the brake drums.
(12) Add gear lubricant to the differential housing,
if necessary. Refer to the Lubricant Specifications for
gear lubricant requirements.
(13) Install wheel and tire assemblies and lower
the vehicle.
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lubricant fill hole plug from the
differential 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 axle shafts.
(6) Note the orientation of the installation refer-
ence letters stamped on the bearing caps and hous-
ing machined sealing surface (Fig. 26).
(7) Remove the differential bearing caps.
(8) Position Spreader W-129-B with the tool dowel
pins seated in the locating holes (Fig. 27).
(9) Install the hold down clamps and tighten the
tool turnbuckle finger-tight.
(10) Install a Pilot Stud C-3288-B at the left side
of the differential housing. Attach dial indicator tohousing pilot stud. Load the indicator plunger
against the opposite side of the housing (Fig. 27) and
zero the indicator.
(11) Spread the housing enough to remove the case
from the housing. Measure the distance with the dial
indicator (Fig. 27).
CAUTION: Do not spread over 0.50 mm (0.020 in). If
the housing is over-spread, it could be distorted or
damaged.
Fig. 25 Check Pinion Rotation Torque
1 - PINION YOKE
2 - INCH POUND TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 26 Bearing Cap Identification
1 - REFERENCE LETTERS
2 - REFERENCE LETTERS
Fig. 27 Spread Differential Housing
1 - SPREADER
2 - DIAL INDICATOR
3 - DIFFERENTIAL
4 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
5 - PILOT STUD
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 127
PINION SEAL (Continued)

(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)

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)