DODGE RAM 2002 Service Repair Manual

(8) Thread Pilot Stud C-3288-B into rear cover bolt
hole below ring gear (Fig. 14).
(9) Attach a dial indicator C-3339 to pilot stud.
Position the dial indicator plunger on a flat surface
between the ring gear bolt heads (Fig. 14).
(10) Push and hold differential case to pinion gear
side of the housing and zero dial indicator (Fig. 15).
(11) Push and hold differential case to ring gear
side of the housing and record dial indicator reading
(Fig. 16).
(12) Add 0.254mm (0.010 in.) to the zero end play
total. This total represents the thickness of shims to
preload the new bearings when the differential is
installed.
(13) Rotate dial indicator out of the way on the
pilot stud.
(14) Remove differential case and dummy bearings
from the housing.(15) Install the pinion gear in axle housing. Install
the pinion yoke, or flange, and establish the correct
pinion rotating torque.
(16) Install differential case and Dummy Bearings
D-346 in the housing (without shims), install bearing
caps and tighten bolts snug.
(17) Seat ring gear side dummy bearing (Fig. 12).
(18) Position the dial indicator plunger on a flat
surface between the ring gear bolt heads. (Fig. 14).
Fig. 14 DIFFERENTIAL SIDE PLAY MEASUREMENT
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
3 - PILOT STUD
4 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 15 DIAL INDICATOR LOCATION
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE TO PINION GEAR SIDE
2 - PILOT STUD
3 - DIAL INDICATOR EXTENSION
4 - DIAL INDICATOR FACE
Fig. 16 DIFFERENTIAL CASE AND DIAL INDICATOR
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE TO RING GEAR SIDE
3 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
3 - 116 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

(19) Push and hold differential case toward pinion
gear (Fig. 17).
(20) Zero dial indicator face to pointer (Fig. 17).
(21) Push and hold differential case to ring gear
side of the housing and record dial indicator reading
(Fig. 18).(22) This is the thickness shim required on the
ring gear side of the differential case to achieve
proper backlash.
(23) Subtract the backlash shim thickness from
the total preload shim thickness. The remainder is
the shim thickness required on the pinion side of the
housing.
(24) Rotate dial indicator out of the way on pilot
stud.
(25) Remove differential case and dummy bearings
from the housing.
(26) Install side bearing shims on differential case
hubs.
(27) Install side bearings and cups on differential
case.
(28) Install spreader W-129-B on the housing and
spread housing enough to install differential case.
CAUTION: Do not spread over 0.50 mm (0.020 in). If
the housing is over-spread, it could be distorted or
damaged.
(29) Install differential case in the housing.
(30) Remove spreader from the housing.
(31) Rotate the differential case several times to
seat the side bearings.
(32) Position the indicator plunger against a ring
gear tooth (Fig. 19).
Fig. 17 PINION GEAR SIDE
1 - DIAL INDICATOR FACE
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE TO PINION GEAR SIDE
3 - PINION GEAR
4 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
5 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
Fig. 18 RING GEAR SIDE
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE TO RING GEAR SIDE
3 - PINION GEAR
4 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
5 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
Fig. 19 RING GEAR BACKLASH
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 117
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

(33) Push and hold ring gear upward while not
allowing the pinion gear to rotate.
(34) Zero dial indicator face to pointer.
(35) Push and hold ring gear downward while not
allowing the pinion gear to rotate. Dial indicator
reading should be between 0.12 mm (0.005 in.) and
0.20 mm (0.008 in.). If backlash is not within specifi-
cations transfer the necessary amount of shim thick-
ness from one side of the axle housing to the other
(Fig. 20).
(36) Verify differential case and ring gear runout
by measuring ring to pinion gear backlash at several
locations around the ring gear. Readings should not
vary more than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.). If readings vary
more than specified, the ring gear or the differential
case is defective.
After the proper backlash is achieved, perform
Gear Contact Pattern Analysis procedure.GEAR CONTACT PATTERN ANALYSIS
The ring gear and pinion teeth contact patterns
will show if the pinion depth is correct in the axle
housing. It will also show if the ring gear backlash
has been adjusted correctly. The backlash can be
adjusted within specifications to achieve desired
tooth contact patterns.
(1) Apply a thin coat of hydrated ferric oxide, or
equivalent, to the drive and coast side of the ring
gear teeth.
(2) Wrap, twist, and hold a shop towel around the
pinion yoke to increase the turning resistance of the
pinion. This will provide a more distinct contact pat-
tern.
(3) Using a boxed end wrench on a ring gear bolt,
Rotate the differential case one complete revolution
in both directions while a load is being applied from
shop towel.
The areas on the ring gear teeth with the greatest
degree of contact against the pinion teeth will squee-
gee the compound to the areas with the least amount
of contact. Note and compare patterns on the ring
gear teeth to Gear Tooth Contact Patterns chart (Fig.
21)and adjust pinion depth and gear backlash as nec-
essary.
Fig. 20 BACKLASH SHIM ADJUSTMENT
3 - 118 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

Fig. 21 GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERN
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 119
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
REAR AXLE - 286RBI
AXLE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Axle Ratio 3.55, 4.10
Ring Gear Diameter 286 mm (11.25 in.)
Ring Gear Backlash 0.12-0.20 mm (0.005-0.008 in.)
Pinion Gear Standard Depth 147.625 mm (5.812 in.)
Pinion Bearing Preload - Original Bearings 1-2 N´m (10-20 in. lbs.)
Pinion Bearing Preload - New Bearings 2.8-5.1 N´m (25-45 in. lbs.)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Fill Hole Plug 34 25 -
Differential Cover Bolts 47 35 -
Bearing Cap Bolts 108 80 -
Ring Gear Bolt 298 220 -
Pinion Nut 637-678 470-500 -
Axle Shaft Bolts 128 95 -
Trac-LocTCase Bolts 122-136 90-100 -
* Hub Bearing Nut 163-190 120-140 -
* Torque to spec. then back off nut 1/8 to 1/3 turn and install locking wedge.
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR AXLE - 286 RBI
Puller, Hub 6790
Wrench DD-1241-JD
Installer 5064
Installer C-4308
3 - 120 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

Installer, Seal 8152
Bridge 938
Splitter, Bearing 1130
Holder, Yoke 6719
Gauge, Pinion Depth Seting 6730
Puller C-452
Wrench C-3281
Dial Indicator Set C-3339
Handle C-4171
Installer C-4190
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 121
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

Installer C-4308
Installer C-4204
Remover C-4307
Remover D-159
Installer D-187-B
Installer D-191
Installer D-389
Spreader W-129-B
Pilot Studs C-3288-B
3 - 122 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (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.
Remove adjustment nut with Socket DD-1241-JD.
(5) Remove the hub assembly. The outer axle bear-
ing will slide out as the hub is being removed.
(6) Drive grease seal and inner bearing out of the
hub with Installer 5064 and Handle C-4171.
(7) Remove bearing cups from the hub with a
brass drift and a hammer.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean both axle bearings and inte-
rior of the hub with an appropriate cleaning solvent.
(2) Install bearing cups with Installer 8153 and
Handle C-4171.
(3) Pack inner and outer bearings with Mopar
wheel bearing grease or equivalent
(4) Apply lubricant to surface area of the bearing
cup.
(5) Install inner axle bearing in the hub.
(6) Install anewbearing grease seal with
Installer 8152 and Handle C-4171.
(7) Inspect bearing and seal contact surfaces on
the axle tube spindle for burrs and/or roughness.
Remove all the rough contact surfaces from the axle
spindle.
CAUTION: Do not let grease seal contact the axle
tube threads during installation.
(8) Carefully slide the hub onto the axle.
(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.(12) Loosen adjustment nut 1/8 of-a-turn to pro-
vide 0.001-inch to 0.010-inch wheel bearing end play.
(13) Tap the locking wedge into the spindle key-
way and adjustment nut.
NOTE: Locate locking wedge in a new position in
the adjustment nut.
(14) Install axle shaft and brake drum.
(15) Install wheel and tire assembly.
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Mark the universal joint, pinion yoke, and pin-
ion shaft for installation 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 wheel and tire assemblies.
(5) Remove brake calipers to prevent any drag.
The drag may cause a false bearing preload torque
measurement.
(6) Rotate pinion yoke three or four times.
(7) Record the amount of torque necessary to
rotate the pinion gear with an inch pound dial-type
torque wrench.
(8) Hold the yoke with Holder 6719A and remove
the pinion shaft nut and washer.
(9) Remove yoke from the pinion with Remover
C-452 (Fig. 22).
(10) Remove pinion shaft seal with suitable pry
tool or slide-hammer mounted screw.
Fig. 22 Yoke Removal
1 - PINION YOKE
2 - REMOVER
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 123

INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the seal contact surface in the housing
bore.
(2) Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the
lip of pinion seal.
(3) Installnewpinion shaft seal with an appropri-
ate Installer.
(4) Position pinion yoke on the end of the shaft
with the reference marks aligned.
(5) Install the yoke with Installer D-191 and Yoke
Holder 6719A (Fig. 23).
(6) Install the pinion yoke washer and nut.
(7) Hold pinion yoke with Yoke Holder 6719A and
tighten shaft nut to 597 N´m (440 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 24).
Rotate pinion shaft several revolutions to ensure the
bearing rollers are seated.
(8) Rotate pinion shaft using an inch pound torque
wrench. Rotating resistance torque should be equal
to the reading recorded, plus a small amount for the
drag the new seal will have (Fig. 25).
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.
(9) Install propeller shaft with the installation ref-
erence marks aligned.
(10) Install the brake calipers.(11) Add gear lubricant to the differential housing,
if necessary.
Fig. 23 Pinion Yoke Installation
1 - INSTALLER
2 - YOKE HOLDER
Fig. 24 Tightening Pinion Shaft Nut
1 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
2 - YOKE HOLDER
3 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 25 Pinion Rotating Torque
1 -TORQUE WRENCH
2 - PINION YOKE
3 - 124 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
PINION SEAL (Continued)

(12) Install wheel and tire assemblies and lower
the vehicle.
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove fill hole plug from the differential
housing cover.
(3) Remove differential housing cover and drain
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 to
housing 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: Never spread the housing over 0.50 mm
(0.020 in). If housing is over-spread, it could be dis-
torted or damaged.(12) Remove the dial indicator.
(13) Pry the differential case loose from the hous-
ing. To prevent damage, pivot on housing with the
end of the pry bar against spreader (Fig. 28).
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
Fig. 28 DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL
1 - DIFFERENTIAL
2-PRYBAR
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 125
PINION SEAL (Continued)