4WD DODGE TRUCK 1993 Service User Guide

0 - 30
LUBRICATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
— - •

Fig.
2 Front
Wheel
Bearing—2WD Vehicles
Fig.
3 Front
Wheel
&
Spindle
Bearings—4WD

Vehicles

(5) Position nut lock on the nut with one pair of
slots aligned with the cotter pin hole. Install the cot­
ter pin.
(6) Install the dust cap and wheel/tire. Tighten the
wheel lug nuts to 115 N*m (85 ft. lbs.) torque. Install
the wheel cover.

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATION
Use a high temperature, multi-purpose NLGI
GC-LB lubricant (MOPAR®Wheel Bearing Lubricant,
or an equivalent lubricant).
REAR
WHEEL BEARINGS
LUBRICATION
DANA
60
AND
70
AXLES
The rear wheel bearings for vehicles equipped with
a Dana 60 or 70 axle should be cleaned and re­
packed whenever the rear brakes are serviced. Refer
to Group 3—Rear Axles for the service procedure.

CHRYSLER
AXLES
, Vehicles equipped with 8 3/8-inch and 9
1/4-inch

axles have axle shaft bearings instead of wheel bear­

ings.
These bearings are lubricated by the axle hous­
ing sump.

LOWER
AND UPPER
SUSPENSION
ARM

BUSHINGS

INSPECTION
SCHEDULE
The lower and upper suspension arm bushings
should be inspected each time the underside of the
vehicle is serviced.

INSPECTION
The lower suspension arm bushings can be visually
inspected by raising the vehicle on a hoist and in­ specting from underneath. The upper suspension arm
bushings can be inspected after removing the front wheels. If failure exists, replace the bushing (refer to Group 2—Front Suspension for the proper proce­

dures).

The suspension arm bushings never should be
lubricated.

GUIDELINES
(1) Faulty bushings are detected by the bushing
being off-center in relation to the outer sleeve.
(2) Total failure is evident by excessive movement
within the bushing.

(3)
Small cracks in the outer, non-confined rubber
does not indicate failure of the rubber. '

POWER BRAKE SYSTEM
Vehicles are equipped with power disc brakes at
the front wheels and drum brakes at the rear wheels.

MASTER CYLINDER

FLUID
LEVEL INSPECTION
The brake fluid level should be inspected at the
same time as other underhood service is done (Fig.

4).
If necessary, add fluid to raise the level to the
bottom of the split rings. With disc-brakes, the fluid level can be expected to lower as the brake pads
wear. However, a low fluid level can also be caused
by a leak, and repair will then be necessary.

•

FRONT SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
2 - 1
CONTENTS

page

FRONT SUSPENSION—2WD VEHICLES
......
7

FRONT SUSPENSION—4WD VEHICLES
14

FRONT WHEEL
ALIGNMENT
...............
3

GENERAL INFORMATION
1
page

MODEL
44
FRONT AXLE
17

MODEL
80
FRONT AXLE
49

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
75

GENERAL
INFORMATION

FRONT SUSPENSION—2WD VEHICLES
All two-wheel drive (2WD)
Ram
Truck
and
Ram­
charger vehicles
are
equipped with (Fig
1);

• Steering knuckles
• Stabilizer
bar
(optional) • Suspension arms
• Strut
rod

• Coil springs
• Dual-action shock absorbers
• Jounce bumpers (used
to
limit
the
travel
of the

suspension) The upper and lower suspension arms (Fig.
1)
have
replaceable bushings located
at the
inboard end.
Re­

placeable ball studs
are
located
at
the
outboard end.
The lower suspension arms
are
equipped with ten­ sion-type ball studs. The upper suspension arms also
provide
for
caster
and
camber adjustments.
STABILIZER
BAR
J9102-67

Fig. 1 Front Suspension—2WD Vehicles

FRONT SUSPENSION—4WD VEHICLES
All four-wheel drive (4WD) Ram Truck
and
Ram­
charger vehicles
are
equipped with (Fig
2);
• Leaf-springs (fixed-rate type)
• Dual-action shock absorbers • Stabilizer
bar
(optional)
• Jounce bumpers (used
to
limit
the
travel
of the

suspension)
Air-adjustable shock absorbers
are
installed
on
ve­

hicles equipped with
the
Heavy Duty Snow Plow Package with
the
Diesel engine. Refer
to
the Own­
ers Manual
for
additional information.
FRONT DRIVE AXLE The front axle
on 4WD Ram
Truck
and
Ram­
charger vehicles
has a
hypoid gear differential.
Model
44
and
60
axles consists
of
an iron center cast­
ing with axle shaft tubes extending from either side.
Ram Truck
and
Ramcharger vehicles equipped
for

standard duty 4WD operation use
the
Model
44
front
axle.
Vehicles equipped
for
heavy duty 4WD operation
use

a Model 60 front axle. The Model 60 front axle has lock­
ing hubs that must
be
engaged
for
4WD operation.
The steel cover provides
a
means
for
service with­
out removing
the
complete axle. A metal axle gear ratio identification
tag is at­

tached
to the
housing cover
via one of the
cover

bolts.
This
tag
also identifies
the
number
of
ring and
pinion gear teeth.
IDENTIFICATION Model
44 and 60
axles have
the
assembly part
number
and
gear ratio listed
on a
tag. The
tag
is at­

tached
to
the
left side
of
the housing cover (Fig.
3,
4).
Build date identification codes
on
axles
are
stamped
on
the
axle shaft tube cover side.

LUBRICANTS
Multi-purpose API
GL
5
quality hypoid gear lubri­
cant should
be
used
for
front axles. MOPAR Hypoid Gear Lubricant conforms
to
these specifications. The axle
has a
fitting
for a
vent hose used
to re­

lieve internal pressure. If the front axle
is
submerged
in
water,
the
lu­

bricant must
be
replaced immediately.

FRONT
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE

•

FRONT
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
2 - 5 (4) Front wheels for excessive radial, lateral
runout and unbalance. Refer to Group 22, Wheels and Tires for diagnosis information.
(5) Suspension components for wear and noise. Check
components for correct torque. Refer to Groups 2 and 3, Suspension and Axle for additional information.

WHEEL
ALIGNMENT
MEASUREMENTS/ADJUSTMENTS
The front wheel alignment positions must be set to
the specified limits. This will prevent abnormal tire
tread wear. The equipment manufacturer's recommenda­
tions for use of their
equipment
should always
be followed. All
damaged
front suspension sys­
tem components
should
be replaced. Do not at­ tempt to straighten any
bent
component.

CAMBER AND CASTER-2WD VEHICLES Camber and caster angle adjustments involve repo­
sitioning the upper suspension arm cam adjustment
bolts (Fig. 2). Alignment adjustments are accom­
plished by loosening the nuts and changing the posi­
tion of the cam bolt.
(1) Remove all foreign material from the adjust­
ment bolt threads.
(2) Record the camber and caster measurements
before loosening the adjustment bolt nuts.
(3) The camber angle should be adjusted as near as
possible to the preferred angle. The caster should be
the same at both sides of the vehicle. Refer to the Specifications chart.
CAMBER AND CASTER—4WD VEHICLES For 4WD vehicles, the correct wheel camber (verti­
cal tilt) angle is factory preset at zero degree (0°).
Camber cannot be altered by adjustment.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to
adjust
the
camber
an­
gle by
heating
or bending the axle or any
suspen­

sion
component. If camber angle is
incorrect,
the
component(s)
causing
an
incorrect
angle must be replaced.
(1) It is important that the camber (vertical tilt)
angle be the same for both front wheels.
(2) The camber angle should be measured with ac­
curate wheel alignment equipment. The acceptable
range is -1° to +1°. Refer to the Specifications chart.
Road test the vehicle and observe the steering
wheel return-to-center position. Before road testing,
check
and
correct
the tire
inflation pressures. Inflate
both
of the front tires
with exactly the
same
pressure.
During the road test, make vehicle turns to both
the left and right. If the steering wheel returns to­
ward the center position unassisted, the caster angle is correct. However, if the steering wheel does not re­ turn toward the center position unassisted, an incor­
rect caster angle is probable.
(1) The caster angle is factory preset at positive
two degrees
(
+
2°).
The acceptable range is +1/2° to +
3
1/2°.
(2) The caster angle should be measured with ac­
curate wheel alignment equipment.
(3) Caster angle can be adjusted by installing ta­
pered shims between the front axle pads and the spring brackets. The caster angle should be adjusted
as near as possible to the preferred angle.
(4) Record the caster measurement before remov­
ing the original shims from the spring pads.
(5) The caster should be the same at both sides of
the vehicle. Refer to the Specifications chart.
RN1030

Fig.
2 Caster &
Camber
Adjustment Location—2WD
Vehicles

WHEEL TOE POSITION The wheel toe position adjustment should be the fi­
nal front wheel alignment adjustment. In all in­ stances, follow the equipment manufacturer's
recommended procedure.
(1) Secure the steering wheel with the front wheels
in the straight-ahead position. For vehicles equipped
with power steering, start the engine before straight­ ening the wheels.
With power steering, the engine should be op­
erating during the wheel toe position adjust­
ment.
(2) Loosen the tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp
bolts (Fig. 3).
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by rotating the
tie rod adjustment sleeve (Fig. 3). Rotate each tie-rod end in the direction of
sleeve rotation during the adjustment (Fig. 3).
This will ensure that both tie-rod ends are at the center of their travel.
(4) If applicable, turn the ignition switch off.

2
- 6
FRONT
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE

•
(5) Position the adjustment sleeve clamps so the
ends are not located at the sleeve slot. Tighten the
clamp bolt nuts to 26 N*m (225 in. lbs.) torque.
Tighten Model D350 and all 4WD vehicle (heavy
duty tie rods) nuts to 34 N*m (25 ft. lbs.) torque. En­
sure clamp bolts are located at the underside of the
sleeve.
CLAMP
RN1036

Fig.
3 Toe Position Adjustment
(Typical)

ALIGNMENT
SPECIFICATIONS

ALIGNMENT
(4WD)
ASGSPTABLE RANGE
PREFERRED

Camber
-rto+r
0°

"Caster
+
1/2°
to
37*°
+2°

King
Pin
Inclination
8.5° 8.5°

Toe-In
(at
Hub
Height)
-0.05°
to
+0.45° 0.20°

ALIGNMENT
(2WD)
ACCEPTABLE RANGE PREFERRED

Camber
0°to 1°
+1/2°

'Caster
-1°
to
+2°
+1/2°

Toe-in
(at
Hub
Height)
0°
to
0.50° 0.25°

Turning
Angle
(Base
Tire)
Left
and
Right
33°

33°
J9102-64

*lf vehicle
wanders,
caster
should
be increased. If steering
effort
is very
high
(especially when cornering), caster
should
be decreased.
TIE
RODS

2
- 14
FRONT SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE

• (3) Mount the knuckle to the suspension arms and
install the nuts. Tighten the upper nut to 142 Nnn (105 ft-lbs) torque and the lower nut.
• 11/16-16 bolt, to 183 Nnn (135 ft-lbs) torque
• 3/4-16 bolt, to 237 Nnn (175 ft-lbs) torque Install replacement cotter pins. (4) Connect the tie-rod end. Install and tighten the
nut to 61 Nnn (45 ft-lbs) torque. Install a replace­
ment cotter pin. (5) Position a replacement dust seal on the steer­
ing knuckle. Install the splash shield and tighten the
bolts to 24 Nnn (18 ft. lbs.) torque. (6) Install the shock absorber, refer to the installa­
tion procedures.
(7) Install the hub/rotor, refer to the procedures
above.
(8) Install the brake caliper, refer to Group 5,
Brakes for additional installation information.

(9)
Install the wheel and tire, refer to Wheel and
Tire Installation in this section. Lower the vehicle.
(10) Test the vehicle brakes and the front suspen­
sion for proper operation.

FRONT
SUSPENSION—4WD VEHICLES

STABILIZER
BAR REMOVAL
(1) Remove the link rod nut at each end of the sta­
bilizer bar (Fig. 1).
STABILIZER BAR

FRONT

STABILIZER BAR BUSHING
RETAINER

LINK
ROD

J9017-37

Fig.
1
Stabilizer
Bar (2) Remove the outer retainers and rubber bush­
ings from the link rods (Fig. 1). (3) Remove the bolts or nuts from the U-shaped
stabilizer bar support brackets. Remove the stabilizer
bar from the vehicle (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION (1) Position the stabilizer bar ends over the link

rods.
Install the U-shaped support brackets and bolts/
nuts (Fig. 1). Tighten the bolts/nuts to 23 Nnn (200
in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install the outer retainers and rubber bushings
on the link rods (Fig. 1). (3) Install the link rod nuts (Fig. 1). Tighten the
nuts to 11 Nnn (100 in. lbs.).
SHOCK
ABSORBER

SERVICE INFORM
A TION Air-adjustable shock absorbers are installed on ve­
hicles equipped with the Heavy Duty Snow Plow Package and Diesel engine.

REMOVAL
(1) Remove the shock absorber upper nut and re­
tainer from the frame bracket (Fig. 2).
PLATE
BRACKET
NUT
AXLE NUT
AXLE

J9202-99

Fig.
2
Shock
Absorber
(4
WD)
(2) Remove the shock absorber lower nut and re­
tainer from the axle. Pull the shock outward at top and swing down to remove.
(3) Remove the inner retainers from the mounting

studs.

INSTALLATION (1) Before installing the shock absorber, ensure
that the bushing is inserted in the shock absorber
eye.

2
- 32
FRONT
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE

• (5) Disconnect flexible brake fluid hose fittings at
the frame crossmember. Plug the hoses at the fit­

tings.

(6) Remove the shock absorber lower nut and stud
from the axle shaft tube bracket. Remove the nuts and disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the
spring brackets.
(7) Disconnect the vacuum hoses and wiring con­
nections from the shift motor housing.
(8) Remove nuts and the washers from the spring
U-bolts. Remove the complete front axle from the ve­
hicle.

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the front axle under the front of the
vehicle with the axle spring pads under the springs.
Place the spring brackets over the springs. Make sure the stabilizer bar link bolt holes face toward the
rear of the vehicle.
(2) Install the spring U-bolts, washers and nuts.
Refer to Front Suspension — 4WD Vehicles within
this group. (3) Install the shock absorber. Refer to Front Sus­
pension — 4WD Vehicles within this group. (4) Connect the stabilizer bar links to the spring
brackets. Refer to Front Suspension-4WD Vehicles
within this group.
(5) Remove plugs and connect the brake hose fit­

tings.
Refer to Group 5, Brakes. (6) Connect the drag-link ball stud to the steering
knuckle arm. Refer to Group 19, Steering. (7) Connect the drive shaft to the pinion yoke with
the installation reference marks aligned. Install the
washers and the nuts and tighten to 19 N*m (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Connect the vacuum hoses and wiring connec­
tions to the shift motor housing. (9) Remove the supports, lower the vehicle and re­
move the block from the brake pedal.
(10) Raise the vehicle.
• Bleed and adjust the brakes
• Lubricate all the ball stud fittings
• Inspect the differential housing lubricant level. Re­
fer to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance. (11) Lower the vehicle and test the axle and sus­
pension operation.

DIFFERENTIAL
DISASSEMBLY

REMOVAL/DISASSEMBLY (1) Note the installation reference letters
stamped on the bearing caps and housing ma­
chined sealing surface (Fig. 38). (2) Remove the differential bearing caps.
(3) Position Spreader W-129-A with the tool dowel
pins seated in the locating holes (Fig. 39). Install the
holddown clamps and tighten the tool turnbuckle fin­ ger-tight.
INSTALLATION

EFERENCE
LETTERS

J9003-92

Fig.
38 Bearing Cap
Identification
SPECIAL
TOOL

MODEL
44-W-129-A
MODEL
60-D-167
DIAL

INDICATOR

«ar"P—

J9202-113

Fig.
39
Differential
Housing
Separation
(4) Install a pilot stud at the left side of the differ­
ential housing. Attach Dial Indicator to housing pilot stud. Load the indicator plunger against the opposite
side of the housing (Fig. 39) and zero the indicator.

CAUTION:
Do not
spread
over the specified
dis­

tance.
If the
housing
is over-separated, it
could
be distorted or
damaged.

(5) Separate the housing enough to remove the
case from the housing. Separate housing a maxi­
mum distance of 0.38 mm (0.015 in) with the spreader tool. Measure the distance with the dial
indicator (Fig. 39).
(6) Remove the dial indicator.
(7) Pry the differential case loose from the hous­
ing. To prevent damage, pivot on housing with the end of the pry bar against case.
(8) Remove the case from housing. If they are re­
usable, retain the differential bearing cups and bear­ ings together as matched sets.

•

TAPERED

BUSHING

J9202-53

Fig.
32 Tapered
Bushing
Installation

J9202-52

Fig.
33
Lower
King
Pin and Retainer
Installation
(12) Install the axle shaft, refer to Axle Shaft and
U-Joint Installation.

COMPLETE
AXLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION SERVICE
INFORMATION
It is not necessary to remove the complete front
axle from the vehicle for routine service. If the hous­
ing or axle shaft tubes are damaged, the complete axle can be removed and installed via the following
procedures.

REMOVAL
(1) Block the brake pedal in the up position. Raise
and support the vehicle at a comfortable working
height.
(2) Remove the front wheels/tires.
FRONT SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
2 - 59
(3) Mark the front drive shaft and the pinion yoke
for installation alignment reference.
(4) Disconnect the front drive shaft from the axle
yoke. Attach the drive shaft to the frame rail with
wire.

(5) Remove the cotter pin, the nut, and disconnect
the drag link from the steering knuckle arm (left side only). Discard the cotter pin.
(6) Disconnect flexible brake fluid hose fittings at
the frame crossmember. Plug the hoses at the fit­

tings.
(7) Remove the shock absorber lower nut and stud
from the axle shaft tube bracket. Remove the nuts and disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the
spring brackets. (8) Remove nuts and the washers from the spring
U-bolts. Remove the complete front axle from the ve­
hicle.
INSTALLATION (1) Position the front axle under the front of the
vehicle with the axle spring pads under the springs.
Place the spring brackets over the springs. Make sure the stabilizer bar link bolt holes face toward the
rear of the vehicle.
(2) Install the spring U-bolts, washers and nuts.
Refer to Front Suspension — 4WD Vehicles within
this group. (3) Install the shock absorber. Refer to Front Sus­
pension—4 WD Vehicles within this group.
(4) Connect the stabilizer bar links to the spring
brackets. Refer to Front Suspension—4WD Vehicles within this group.
(5) Remove plugs and connect the brake hose fit­

tings.
Refer to Group 5, Brakes. (6) Connect the drag-link ball stud to the steering
knuckle arm. Refer to Group 19, Steering. (7) Connect the drive shaft to the pinion yoke with
the installation reference marks aligned. Install the
washers and the nuts and tighten to 19 N-m (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Remove the supports, lower the vehicle and re­
move the block from the brake pedal.
(9) Raise the vehicle.
• Bleed and adjust the brakes
• Lubricate all the ball stud fittings
• Inspect the differential housing lubricant level. Re­
fer to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance.
(10) Lower the vehicle and test the axle and sus­
pension operation.

DIFFERENTIAL DISASSEMBLY
REMOVAL/DISASSEMBLY
(1) Note the installation reference letters
stamped on the bearing caps and housing ma­
chined sealing surface (Fig. 34).
(2) Remove the differential bearing caps.

FRONT
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
2 - 75

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL
60
FRONT
AXLE

Axle Type........
Semi-floating,
hypoid

Application
D-TRK Ring Gear
Diameter
9.75
in.
(24.76 cm)
Lubricants
MOPAR
Gear
Lubricant
or
equivalent
SAE
75W-90,

API
Grade
GL-5,
MIL-L-2105C

Locking
Hubs Manual
type

Lubricant Capacity
6.5
pts. (3.1L)
Axle Model Dana
M60F

Axle Ratio.........
3.54
Tol
4.10
4.56
Track... 65.7
in.
GAWR....................
4500
lbs.

TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
Differential
Bearing
Preload Shim 0.015
in.
0.38
mm

Differential
Side Gear-to-Case Clearance..
0.000-0.007
in.
0.00-0.18
mm

Ring
Gear Backlash 0.005-0,008
in.
0.12-0.20 mm
Drive Pinion Gearshaft Bearing Break-Away Preload Torque
Original
Bearings....
10-20
in. lbs. l-2N®m Replacement Bearings. 20-40
in.
lbs. 2-5 N®m
Drive Pinion Gear Depth Select shims Standard Setting.... 3.125
in.
79.37 mm

Side
Gear Clearance (max.) 0.006
in.
0.15
mm

Case
Runout (max.) 0.006
in.
0.15
mm
J9202-107

FRONT
SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS-
2WD
FRONT
SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS-
4WD

FRONT
SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS
%
WHEEL
DRIVE
FRONT
SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS

4
WHEEL
DRIVE

DESCRIPTION
TOROUE

Brake Rotor
Dust
Shield
Jounce Bumper to Bracket.... Lower
Suspension
Arm Pivot.
Lower Ball Stud
Nut
(11/16-18 Bolt)...............
Lower Ball Stud
Nut

(3/4-16 Bolt).....

Shock
Absorber Upper Nut..
Shock
Absorber Lower Bolt
..

Stabilizer Bar Retainer
Bolts
.

Stabilizer Bar Link Nut
Steering Arm to Knuckle 5/8-18 Bolt/Nut
.............

Steering Arm to Knuckle 3/4-16 Bolt/Nut . 20 N-m (180 in.
lbs.

....
41
N-m
(30
ft. lbs.
305
N-m (225
ft. lbs.

183
N-m (135
ft. lbs.

237 N-m (175
ft. lbs.

....
34
N-m
(25 ft.
lbs. .
23
N-m
(200
in. lbs.
.
23
N-m
(200
in. lbs.
. 11 N-m
(100
in. lbs.
Strut/Jounce Bumper to
Suspension
Arm Bolt/Nut.
Strut
Front
Nut Upper Ball Stud
Nut
290 N-m (215
ft. lbs.

330 N-m (225
ft.
lbs.

.. 129 N-m (95
ft.
lbs.
....
68
N-m
(50
ft.
lbs.
142
N-m
(105
ft.
lbs.

J9202-108
DESCRIPTION

TORQUE

Jounce Bumper to Bracket
....
Stabilizer Bar Retainer
Bolts..

Stabilizer Bar Link Nut

Shock
Absorber/Jounce Bracket to Frame

Shock
Absorber (Standard) Upper and Lower Nut

Shock
Absorber (Air Adjust) Upper Nut

Shock
Absorber (Air Adjust) Lower Nut

Spring
U-bolt/Stud Nuts (Model
44) ...

Spring
Front Pivot Nut (Model
44)

Spring
Rear Shackle
Nut
(Model
44)

Spring
U-bolt/Stud Nuts (Model
60)

Spring
Front
Pivot Nut (Model
60)

Spring
Rear Shackle Nut (Model
60)
...
41
N-m (30
ft.
lbs.)

23
N-m (200 in.
lbs.)
11
N-m
(100
in.
lbs.)

.. 101 N-m (75
ft.
lbs.)

.... 75 N-m (55
ft.
lbs.)

.... 75 N-m (55
ft.
lbs.)

271 N-m
(200
ft.
lbs.)

.. 115 N-m (85
ft.
lbs.)

135
N-m (100
ft.
lbs.)

.... 81 N-m
(60
ft.
lbs.)

..
129
N-m
(95
ft.
lbs.)

135
N-m (100
ft.
lbs.)

,.
108
N-m
(80
ft.
lbs.)
J9202-109

•

REAR
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
3 - 1
CONTENTS

page

8
3/8 and 9 1/4
AXLE
11
GENERAL
INFORMATION
1
MODEL
60 and 70
AXLES
29

POWER-LOK DIFFERENTIAL
55

REAR
SUSPENSION—2WD
and
4WD VEHICLES
3
page

SERVICE
DIAGNOSIS
6

SPECIFICATIONS
27

SURE-GRIP
DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE
28

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
59

TRAC-LOK DIFFERENTIAL
51

GENERAL INFORMATION

SUSPENSION
Ram Truck rear suspensions
are
comprised
of;

• Drive axle
• Leaf springs
• Dual-action shock absorbers
• Jounce bumpers (used
to
limit
the
travel
of the
suspension) All
Ram
Truck
and
Ramcharger vehicles
are

equipped with leaf-type rear springs.
The
springs
have
a
one-piece, rubber bushing pressed into their main leaf front
eye.
Model
150 and
Ramcharger
ve­

hicles
are
equipped with
a
fixed-rate type leaf spring. Progressive-rate type rear leaf springs
are
standard equipment
for all
Model
250 and 350
vehicles.

AXLES
The
8 3/8, 9
1/4-Inch
,
Model
60 and 70
axle hous­
ings consist
of a
cast iron center section. They also
have
two
steel axle shaft tubes that
are
pressed into and welded
to the
differential housing. The removable, stamped steel cover provides
a

means
for
inspection
and
service without removing
the complete axle from
the
vehicle. Both axle types
are
equipped with
a
remote vent
fitting. A small, stamped metal axle gear ratio identifica­
tion
tag is
attached
to the
housing cover. 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-plaee when
the
wire connector
is
connected
to the
sensor.
The
RWAL brake exciter
ring
is
press-fitted onto
the
differential case against
the flange. A rear axle equipped with
a
Sure-Grip differential
is optionally available
for
both
Ram
Truck
and
Ram­
charger vehicles.
The
Sure-Grip
has a
two-piece case
that
is
interchangeable with
a
standard differential.
A limited-slip differential
is
optional
on
Model
60,

and
70
rear axles.
The
Model
60
uses
the
Trac-Lok
differential
and the
Model
70
uses
the
Power-Lok
dif­

ferential.
The
Trac-Lok differential uses
a
one-piece case while
the
Power-Lok differential uses
a two-

piece case. Both
use the
same internal components
as
a standard differential, plus
two
clutch disc packs.
IDENTIFICATION The axle differential covers
can be
used
for
identi­
fication (Fig.
1, 2, 3).
Model
60
axle
has the
assembly part number
and

gear ratio listed
on a tag. The tag is
attached
to the
left side
of the
housing cover
(Fig. 3).
Build date
identification codes
on
axles
are
stamped
on the
axle
shaft tube cover side.

LUBRICANTS
Multi-purpose, hypoid gear lubricant should
be

used
for
rear axles with either
a
standard
or a
Sure- Grip differential.
The
lubricant should have MIL-L-
2105-B
and by API GL 5
quality specifications.
MOPAR Hypoid Gear Lubricant conforms
to
both
of

these specifications.
In
addition,
4
ounces
of
Hypoid Additive must
be
included with
a
re-fill
for
Sure-Grip differentials.
If
the
rear axle
is
submerged
in
water,
the lu­

bricant must
be
replaced immediately. Avoid axle failure resulting from water contamination
of
the
lubricant.

REAR
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE

•

REAR
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
3 - 3
REAR SUSPENSION—2WD
and 4WD
VEHICLES

SPRING
AND
SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A squeak noise from the shock absorber or spring
bushings can be produced if movement between the
rubber bushings and the metal occurs. This noise can usually be stopped by tightening the attaching nuts.
If the squeak noise persists, inspect for damaged and
worn bushings, and attaching components. Repair as
necessary if any of these conditions exist. The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not lubricate the bushings to reduce bushing noise. Grease or mineral oil-base lu­
bricants will deteriorate the bushing rubber. The shock absorbers are not reflllable or adjust­

able.
If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in an upright position and force the piston into and out
of the cylinder four or five times. The action through­
out each stroke should be smooth and even. The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deterio­
rate the bushing rubber. If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check for broken and shifted leafs, loose and missing clips, and broken center bolts.

VEHICLE LOADING
AND
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
A vehicle should always be loaded so the vehicle
weight center-line is located immediately forward of
the rear axle. Correct vehicle loading provides proper
front tire-to-road contact. This results in maximum
vehicle handling stability and safety. Refer to Spring and Shock Absorber Diagnosis chart for further in­
formation. Incorrect weight distribution should be consid­
ered as a possible cause for erratic steering, spring failure or tire wear. SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER DIAGNOSIS

FATIGUE FROM
OPERATION
ON SEVERE
TERRAIN
OR

OVERLOADING
LOOSE

U-BOLT
NUTS
SHOCK

ABSORBERS
NOT

FUNCTIONING
LOOSE
EYE
BOLT
OR
NUT
OR
WORN BUSHINGS WORN

SEAL

BROKEN
LEAVES
WORN

BUSHINGS
UNDERCOATING
ON SHOCK
ABSORBER
CYLINDER
DAMAGED

FLUID

RESERVOIR

VEHICLE
OVERLOADED LEAF-TIP

LINERS
WORN OR MISSING VEHICLE
OVERLOADING OR SEVERE

CORROSION
AIR TRAPPED
INTERNALLY INTERNAL

SHOCK

ABSORBER
DEFECT

J9017-17