Chrysler RAM TRUCK 2500 1994 Service Manual page 80

FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 23
i O D E L 4 4 / 6 0 A X L E A N D T U B E A X L E (2WD)
INDEX
page
Axle Shaft Oil Sea! 35
Axle Shaft— Cardan U-Joint 26
Backlash and Contact Pattern Analysis 45
Cleaning/Inspection 37
Differential and Pinion Measurement . 40
Differential Assembly 38
Differential Disassembly 35
Differential Installation 44
Differential Removal 34
Differential Shim Pack Measurement and
Adjustment 43
Drive Axle Assembly Replacement 34
GENERAL INF0R1ATI0N
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.
PINION GEAR DEPTH MEASUREMENT WITH
GAUGE SET 6730 and Dial Indicator C-3339 is used
when;
• Axle/differential housing is being replaced
• Original pinion depth shim pack is unknown
page
Final Assembly . 45
General Information 23
Hub Bearing and Axle Shaft 25
Lubricant Change 23
Lubricant Specifications 23
Pinion Gear Assembly/Installation 41
Pinion Gear Depth Information 38
Pinion Removal/Disassembly 36
Pinion Seal Replacement 24
Steering Knuckle and Ball Studs 31
Vacuum Disconnect 44/60 Axle 27
• Ring and pinion gears are replace
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Thermal Stable Multi-Purpose Gear Lubricant is
used for Model 44/60 axles. The lubricant should
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 i f 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. I f not installed the
sealant must be removed and another bead ap­
plied,
(7) Install the cover and any identification tag.
Tighten the cover bolts i n a criss-cross pattern to;