Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual page 226

DR
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING (Continued)
(19) If exciter ring was removed, position differen-
tial assembly on differential Plug 8965 (Fig. 64) and
place exciter ring on the differential case.
Fig. 64 EXCITER RING
1 - EXCITER RING
2 - RING GEAR
3 - DIFFERENTIAL PLUG
4 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
(20) Install the exciter ring on the differential case
evenly with a hammer and brass punch (Fig. 65).
Drive the ring down until it is seated against the
ring gear.
CAUTION: Do not damage exciter ring teeth during
installation.
(21) Install differential in housing and verify gear
backlash and gear contact pattern.
REAR AXLE - 11 1/2 AA
Fig. 65 EXCITER RING INSTALLATION
1 - EXCITER RING
2 - PUNSH
3 - RING GEAR
(22) Measure final rotating torque with an inch
pound torque wrench. The final pinion rotating
torque plus differential case bearing preload is:
• New Bearings: 3.4-5.6 N·m (30-50 in. lbs.)
• Original Bearings: 2.8-5.1 N·m (25-45 in. lbs.)
(23) Install axle shafts.
(24) Install the propeller shaft with the reference
marks aligned.
(25) Install differential cover with gasket and
tighten bolts to 40 N·m (30 ft. lbs.).
(26) Fill differential with fluid and tighten fill plug
to 32 N·m (24 ft. lbs.).
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