Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 180

DR
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: If same gears and thrust washers are being
used, install them into their original locations.
(1) Lubricate all differential components with axle
lubricant.
Fig. 35 SIDE GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL WINDOW
2 - SIDE GEAR
(2) Install differential side gears (2) and thrust
washers (Fig. 35).
Fig. 36 PINION GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL WINDOW
2 - SIDE GEARS
3 - PINION GEAR
(3) Install first pinion gear (3) with thrust washer
into differential window (1) and side gears (2). Rotate
pinion gear into the case (Fig. 36).
(4) Install remaining pinion gear and thrust
washer. Rotate gears to align hole in the pinion gears
with hole in the differential case.
Fig. 37 PINION SHAFT
1 - PINION SHAFT SNAP-RING
2 - SIDE GEAR
3 - PINION GEAR
4 - PINION SHAFT
(5) Slide pinion shaft (4) into the case and through
the pinion gears (3) to align the gears (Fig. 37).
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply a coating of hypoid gear lubricant to the
differential bearings, bearing cups, and threaded
adjusters. A dab of grease can be used to keep the
adjusters in position.
(2) Install differential assembly into the housing.
(3) Install differential bearing caps in their origi-
nal locations (Fig. 38).
(4) Install bearing cap bolts and tighten the upper
bolts to 14 N·m (10 ft. lbs.). Tighten the lower bolts
finger-tight until the bolt head is seated.
(5) Perform the differential bearing preload and
adjustment procedure.
NOTE: Be sure that all bearing cap bolts are tight-
ened to their final torque of 136 N·m (100 ft.lbs.)
before proceeding.
(6) Install axle shafts.
(7) Apply a bead of orange Mopar Axle RTV Seal-
ant or equivalent to the housing cover (Fig. 39).
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 3 - 99