Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 97

2 - 22 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE
Fig. 1 Typical Housing Cover With Sealant
CAUTSON: Overfilling the differential can result in
lubricant foaming and overheating.
(9) Install the fill hole plug and lower the vehicle.
DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and position support stands un­
der the frame rails behind the lower suspension arm
brackets.
(2) Remove the front wheels assemblies.
(3) Remove the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5—Brakes.
(4) On 4WD vehicles, disconnect the axle vent
hose. Disconnect vacuum hose and electrical connec­
tor at disconnect housing.
(5) On 4WD vehicles, mark the drive shaft yoke,
axle pinion yoke and transfer case flange for align­
ment reference. Disconnect the drive shaft from the
axle and transfer case.
(6) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link at the axle
bracket.
(7) Disconnect the shock absorbers from axle
bracket.
(8) Disconnect the track bar from the axle bracket.
(9) Disconnect the tie rod and drag link from the
steering knuckle.
(10) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential.
(11) Disconnect the upper and lower suspension
arms from the axle bracket. Mark cams for instal­
lation reference.
B R
(12) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
The coil springs will drop with the axle.
(13) Remove the coil springs from the axle bracket.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas­
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
(1) Install the springs, retainer clip and bolts.
(2) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(3) Raise the axle with a floor jack and align it
with the spring pads.
(4) Position the upper and lower suspension arm at
the axle bracket. Install bolts, nuts and align cams to
reference marks. Do not tighten at this time.
(5) Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
It is important that the springs support the
weight of the vehicle when the track bar is con­
nected. If the springs are not at normal ride
height, the vehicle ride comfort could be af­
fected.
(6) Install the shock absorber and tighten bolts to
121 N-m (89 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle
bracket. Tighten the nut to 37 N-m (27 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(8) Install the drag link and tie rod to the steering
knuckles and tighten the nuts to 88 N-m (65 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(9) Install the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5—Brakes.
(10) On 4WD vehicles, connect the vent hose to the
tube fitting. Connect vacuum hose and electrical con­
nector to disconnect housing.
(11) On 4WD vehicles, align the reference marks
and connect the drive shaft to the axle yoke and
transfer case flange. Tighten the U-joint clamp bolts
to 19 N-m (14 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten flange bolts to
88 N-m (65 ft. lbs.) torque.
(12) Check differential lubricant and add if neces­
sary.
(13) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(14) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(15) Tighten the upper suspension arm nuts at
axle to 121 N-m (89 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the upper
suspension arm nuts at frame to 84 N-m (62 ft. lbs.)
torque.
SEALING CONTOUR OF BEAD