Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 96

mm
FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 21
H X L E S E R V I C E
P R O C E D U R E S
INDEX
page
Axle Shaft Oil Seal .
33
Axle Shaft— Cardan U-Joint 24
Backlash and Contact Pattern Analysis 42
Cleaning/Inspection 34
Differential and Pinion Measurement 37
Differential Assembly 35
Differential Disassembly 33
Differential Installation 41
Differential Removal 32
Differential Shim Pack Measurement and
Adjustment 40
Drive Axle Assembly Replacement 22
GENERAL INFORMATION
The housing for Model 44/60 front axles consists of
an iron center casting with tubes on each side. The
tubes are pressed into and welded to the differential
housing.
The integral type housing, hypoid gear design has
the centerline of the pinion set below the centerline
of the ring gear.
The axle has a vent used to relieve internal pres­
sure caused by lubricant vaporization and internal
expansion.
The axles are equipped with semi-floating axle
shafts, meaning that loads are supported by the hub
bearings. The axle shafts are retained by nuts at the
hub bearings. The hub bearings are bolted to the
steering knuckle at the outboard end of the axle tube
yoke. The hub bearings are serviced as an assembly.
The axles are equipped with ABS brake sensors.
The sensors are attached to the knuckle assemblies
and tone rings are pressed on the axle shaft. Use
care when removing axle shafts as NOT to dam­
age the tone wheel or the sensor.
The stamped steel cover provides a means for in­
spection and servicing the differential.
The Model 44/60 axle has the assembly part num­
ber and gear ratio listed on a tag. The tag is attached
to the housing cover. Build date identification codes
are stamped on the axle shaft tube cover side.
The differential case is a one-piece design. The dif­
ferential pinion mate shaft is retained with a roll
pin. Differential bearing preload and ring gear back­
lash is adjusted by the use of shims. The shims are
located between the differential bearing cones and
case. Pinion bearing preload is set and maintained by
the use of a collapsible spacer.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Thermal Stable Multi-Purpose Gear Lubricant is
used for Model 44/60 axles. The lubricant should
page
Final Assembly 44
General Information 21
Hub Bearing and Axle Shaft 24
Lubricant Change 21
Lubricant Specifications 21
Pinion Gear Assembly/Installation 39
Pinion Gear Depth Information 35
Pinion Removal/Disassembly 33
Pinion Seal Replacement 23
Steering Knuckle and Ball Studs 29
Vacuum Disconnect 44/60 Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
have API GL 5 quality specifications. MOPAR® Ther­
mal Stable Multi-Purpose Gear Lubricant conforms
to these specifications.
• The factory fill for the Model 44/60 axle is SAE
80W-90 gear lubricant
Refer to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance for
additional information.
CAUTION: If axle is submerged in water, the lubri­
cant must be replaced immediately to avoid con­
tamination.
LUBRICANT CHANGE
The gear lubricant will drain quicker if the vehicle
has been recently driven.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lubricant fill hole plug from the dif­
ferential housing cover.
(3) Remove the differential housing cover and
drain the lubricant from the housing.
(4) Clean the housing cavity with a flushing oil,
light engine oil or lint free cloth. Do not use water,
steam, kerosene or gasoline for cleaning.
(5) Remove the sealant from the housing and cover
surfaces. Use solvent to clean the mating surfaces.
(6) Apply a bead of MOPAR® Silicone Rubber Seal­
ant to the housing cover (Fig. 1). Allow the sealant
to cure for a few minutes.
Install the housing cover within 5 minutes af­
ter applying the sealant. If not installed the
sealant must be removed and another bead ap­
plied.
(7) Install the cover and any identification tag.
Tighten the cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern to;
• Model 44: 41 N-m (30 ft. lbs.) torque,
o Model 60: 47 N-m (35 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Refill differential with the specified quantity of
MOPAR® Hypoid Gear Lubricant.