Chrysler RAM TRUCK 2500 1994 Service Manual page 110

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REAR SUSPENSION AND AXLE 3 - 3
lows the side gear and axle shaft attached to the out­
side wheel to rotate at a faster speed.
LUBRICANTS
Multi-purpose, hypoid gear lubricant should be
used for rear.axles with standard differential. The lu­
bricant should have a API GL 5 quality specifica­
tions.
The lubricant recommended for Track-Lok and
Power-Lok differential is API grade GL 5. A container
of friction modifier should be added after service.
Refer to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance for
additional information.
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.
J AXLE « f c J
OUTER W H E E L 100% DIFFERENTIAL I N N E R W H E E L
110% CASE SPEED CASE SPEED 9 0 % CASE SPEED
i
P I N I O N GEARS ROTATE
O N P I N I O N SHAFT
J9303-14
Fig. 6 Differential Operation—On Turns
REAR SUSPENSION—2WD and 4WD V E H I C L E S
SPRING AND SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A squeak noise from shock absorber or spring bush­
ings can be caused i f movement between rubber
bushings and metal occurs. This noise can usually be
stopped by tightening the attaching nuts. I f the noise
persists, inspect for damaged or worn bushings and
attaching components.
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 refillable or adjust­
able. I f a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold i t i n
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.
I f the vehicle is used for severe off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check
for broken or shifted leafs, loose missing clips and
broken center spring 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 i n maximum
vehicle handling stability and safety. Refer to Spring
and Shock Absorber Diagnosis chart for further infor­
mation.
Incorrect weight distribution should be con­
sidered as a possible cause for erratic steering,
spring failure or tire wear.
SHOCK ABSORBER
The rear shock absorbers are mounted in two
configurations. Type 1 has both shocks
mounted rearward of the axle. Type 2 has right
shock mounted forward of the axle and left
shock mounted rearward. Service procedures
are the same for both configurations.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and support axle.
(2) Remove the bolt and flag nut from the frame
crossmember bracket (Fig. 1).
(3) Remove the bolt and nut from the axle bracket
(Fig. 1).
(4) Remove the rear shock absorber from the vehi­
cle.
CROSSMEMBER
J9403-49
Fig. 1 Rear Shock Absorber Type 1
INSTALLATION
(1) Position shock absorber i n brackets.