wheel bolts DODGE RAM 2001 Service Owner's Guide

INSTALLATION
(1) Raise axle with lifting device and align to the
leaf spring centering bolts.
(2) Install 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 RWAL sensor to the differential hous-
ing, if necessary. Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.
(5) Install parking brake cables, cable brackets
and brake drums. Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.
(6) Connect brake hose to axle junction block.
Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.
(7) Install axle vent hose.
(8) Align propeller shaft and pinion yoke reference
marks. Install universal joint straps and bolts.
Tighten to 19 N´m (14 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the wheels and tires.
(10) Add gear lubricant, if necessary. Refer to
Lubricant Specifications for lubricant requirements.
(11) Remove lifting device from axle and lower the
vehicle.
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.
Note where Old and New Pinion Marking columns
intersect. Intersecting figure represents plus or
minus the amount needed.
Note the etched number on the face of the pinion
gear head (±1, ±2, 0, +1, +2, etc.). The numbers rep-
resent 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. 4 Pinion Gear ID Numbers
1 - PRODUCTION NUMBERS
2 - PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
3 - GEAR MATCHING NUMBER
Fig. 5 Adjustment Shim Loactions
1 - PINION GEAR DEPTH SHIM/OIL BAFFLE
2 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING SHIM
3 - 114 REAR AXLE - 248RBIBR/BE
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)

(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

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.
3 - 144 REAR AXLE - 267RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 267RBI (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Raise axle with lifting device and align to the
leaf spring centering bolts.
(2) Install 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 RWAL sensor to the differential hous-
ing, if necessary. Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.
(5) Install parking brake cables, cable brackets
and brake drums. Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.
(6) Connect brake hose to axle junction block.
Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.
(7) Install axle vent hose.
(8) Align propeller shaft and pinion yoke reference
marks. Install universal joint straps and bolts.
Tighten to 19 N´m (14 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the wheels and tires.
(10) Add gear lubricant, if necessary. Refer to
Lubricant Specifications for lubricant requirements.
(11) Remove lifting device from axle and lower the
vehicle.
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 136.53 mm (5.375 in.). The standard depth pro-
vides the best gear tooth contact pattern. Refer to
Backlash and Contact Pattern in this section for
additional 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.
Note where Old and New Pinion Marking columns
intersect. Intersecting figure represents plus or
minus the amount needed.
Note the etched number on the face of the pinion
gear head (±1, ±2, 0, +1, +2, etc.). The numbers rep-
resent 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. 4 Pinion Gear ID Numbers
1 - PRODUCTION NUMBERS
2 - PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
3 - GEAR MATCHING NUMBER
Fig. 5 Adjustment Shim Loactions
1 - PINION GEAR DEPTH SHIM/OIL BAFFLE
2 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING SHIM
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 267RBI 3 - 145
REAR AXLE - 267RBI (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).
Fig. 22 Yoke Removal
1 - PINION YOKE
2 - REMOVER C452
3 - 156 REAR AXLE - 267RBIBR/BE

DIFFERENTIAL - POWR-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWR-LOKY
TEST
WARNING: WHEN SERVICING VEHICLES WITH A
POWER-LOKYDIFFERENTIAL DO NOT USE THE
ENGINE TO TURN THE AXLE AND WHEELS. BOTH
REAR WHEELS MUST BE RAISED AND THE VEHI-
CLE SUPPORTED. A POWER-LOKYAXLE CAN
EXERT ENOUGH FORCE IF ONE WHEEL IS IN CON-
TACT WITH A SURFACE TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE
TO MOVE.
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 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
The Powr-Lokydifferential has a two-piece cross
shaft and uses 2 disc and 3 plates for each clutch
pack. One plate and one disc in each clutch pack is
dished.
NOTE: Pay close attention to the clutch pack
arrangement during this procedure. Note the direc-
tion of the concave and convex side of the plates
and discs.
(1) Mark the ring gear half and cover half for
installation reference (Fig. 36).
(2) Remove the case attaching bolts and remove
the button cover half (Fig. 37).
(3) Remove top clutch pack (Fig. 38).
(4) Remove top side gear clutch ring.
(5) Remove top side gear.
(6) Remove pinion mate gears and cross shafts.
(7) Remove the same parts listed above from the
ring gear flange half of the case. Keep these parts
with the flange cover half for correct installation in
their original positions.
Fig. 34 Differential Cover
1 - SEALANT SURFACE
2 - SEALANT
3 - SEALANT THICKNESS
Fig. 35 Powr-lokYTest -Typical
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6790 WITH BOLT IN CENTER HOLE
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 267RBI 3 - 161
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 286RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 286RBI
DESCRIPTION..........................169
OPERATION............................169
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................171
AXLE...............................171
REMOVAL.............................173
INSTALLATION..........................174
ADJUSTMENTS.........................174
SPECIFICATIONS........................182
SPECIAL TOOLS........................182
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................185
INSTALLATION..........................185
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................185
INSTALLATION..........................185
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................185INSTALLATION..........................185
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................187
DISASSEMBLY..........................188
ASSEMBLY............................188
INSTALLATION..........................188
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................190
TRAC-LOK...........................190
DISASSEMBLY..........................190
ASSEMBLY............................190
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................192
INSTALLATION..........................192
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL.............................193
INSTALLATION..........................195
REAR AXLE - 286RBI
DESCRIPTION
The 286 Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle hous-
ings 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 thesensor 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 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 solid shims.
Axles equipped with a Trac-Lokydifferential are
optional for the 286 RBI axle. A Trac-lokydifferen-
tial contains two clutch packs, four pinion gears, and
a one-piece pinion mate cross shaft to provide
increased torque to the non-slipping wheel in addi-
tion to the standard differential components. A Trac-
lokydifferential for the 286 RBI axle has a two-piece
differential case.
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
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 169

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 - 286RBI 3 - 173
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)