Dodge Dakota (R1). Manual - part 210
SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE
When measuring side gear clearance, check each
gear independently. If it necessary to replace a side
gear, replace both gears as a matched set.
(1) Install the axle shafts and C-locks and pinion
mate shaft.
(2) Measure each side gear clearance. Insert a
matched pair of feeler gauge blades between the gear
and differential housing on opposite sides of the hub
(Fig. 14) .
(3) If side gear clearances is no more than 0.005
inch. Determine if the axle shaft is contacting the
pinion mate shaft. Do not remove the feeler
gauges, inspect the axle shaft with the feeler
gauge inserted behind the side gear. If the end of
the axle shaft is not contacting the pinion mate
shaft, the side gear clearance is acceptable.
(4) If clearance is more than 0.005 inch (axle shaft
not contacting mate shaft), record the side gear clear-
ance. Remove the thrust washer and measure its
thickness with a micrometer. Add the washer thick-
ness to the recorded side gear clearance. The sum of
gear clearance and washer thickness will determine
required thickness of replacement thrust washer
(Fig. 15). In some cases, the end of the axle shaft will
move and contact the mate shaft when the feeler
gauge is inserted. The C-lock is preventing the side
gear from sliding on the axle shaft.
(5) If there is no side gear clearance, remove the
C-lock from the axle shaft. Use a micrometer to mea-
sure the thrust washer thickness. Record the thick-
ness and re-install the thrust washer. Assemble the
differential case without the C-lock installed and re-
measure the side gear clearance.
(6) Compare both clearance measurements. If the
difference is less than 0.012 inch (0.305 mm), add
clearance recorded when the C-lock was installed to
thrust washer thickness measured. The sum will
determine the required thickness of the replacement
thrust washer.
(7) If clearance is 0.012 inch (0.305 mm) or
greater, both side gears must be replaced (matched
set) and the clearance measurements repeated.
(8) If clearance (above) continues to be 0.012 inch
(0.305 mm) or greater, the case must be replaced.
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR AXLE - 8 1/4
AXLE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION
SPECIFICATION
Axle Ratio
3.21, 3.55, 3.92
Differential Case Flange Runout
0.076 mm (0.003 in.)
Differential Case Clearance
0.12 mm (0.005 in.)
Ring Gear Diameter
209.5 mm (8.25 in.)
Ring Gear Backlash
0.12-0.20 mm (0.005-0.008 in.)
Ring Gear Runout
0.12 mm (0.005 in.)
Pinion Bearing Preload - Original Bearings
1-2 N·m (10-20 in. lbs.)
Pinion Bearing Preload - New Bearings
1.7-4 N·m (15-35 in. lbs.)
Fig. 14 Side Gear Clearance
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - SIDE GEARS
Fig. 15 Side Gear
3 - 58
REAR AXLE - 8 1/4
AN
REAR AXLE - 8 1/4 (Continued)