Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 555

13. Install propeller shaft bolts and tighten to specifications.  

14. Fill differential with gear lubricant.  

15. Install skid plate, if equipped.  

ADJUSTMENTS 

FRONT AXLE - 186FIA 

Fig. 80: Pinion Gear ID Numbers 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Ring and pinion gears are supplied as matched sets. Gear match numbers (3) for the ring and pinion gear are 
etched onto each gear. A plus (+) number, minus (-) number or zero (0) is etched into the face of the pinion gear 
(2). This number is the amount (in thousandths of an inch) the depth varies from the standard depth setting of a 
pinion etched with a (0). 

If installing a new gear, note the depth variance number of the original and replacement pinion. The numbers 
represent thousands of an inch deviation from the standard. Add or subtract this number from the original depth 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

shim/oil slinger to compensate for the difference in the depth variances. If the number is negative, add that 
value to the required thickness of the depth shims. If the number is positive, subtract that value from the 
thickness of the depth shim. 

Compensation for pinion depth variance is achieved with a select shim/oil slinger. The shims are placed 
between the rear pinion bearing and pinion gear head. 

Pinion Gear Depth Variance Chart : Note where Old and New Pinion Marking columns intersect. 
Intersecting figure represents plus or minus the amount needed. 

PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE 

PINION DEPTH MEASUREMENT 

Original Pinion Gear 

Depth Variance

Replacement Pinion Gear Depth Variance

-4

-3

-2

-1

0

+1

+2

+3

+4

+4 

+0.008 +0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001

0

+3 

+0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001

0

-0.001

+2 

+0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001

0

-0.001

-0.002

+1 

+0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001

0

-0.001

-0.002

-0.003

0 

+0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001

0

-0.001

-0.002

-0.003

-0.004

-1 

+0.003 +0.002 +0.001

0

-0.001

-0.002

-0.003

-0.004

-0.005

-2 

+0.002 +0.001

0

-0.001

-0.002

-0.003

-0.004

-0.005

-0.006

-3 

+0.001

0

-0.001

-0.002

-0.003

-0.004

-0.005

-0.006

-0.007

-4 

0

-0.001

-0.002

-0.003

-0.004

-0.005

-0.006

-0.007

-0.008

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 81: Pinion Gear Depth Tools 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Measurements are taken with pinion bearing cups and pinion bearings installed in the housing. Take 
measurements with Pinion Gauge Set and Dial Indicator C-3339A (1). 

1. Assemble Pinion Height Block 6739 (3), Pinion Block 8804 (6) and rear pinion bearing onto Screw 6741 

(5).  

2. Insert height gauge components into the housing through pinion bearing cups.  

3. Install front pinion bearing and Cone-nut 6740 (4) onto the screw. Tighten Cone-Nut until Torque To 

Rotate screw is 1.7 N.m (15 in. lbs.). 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 82: Positioning Arbor Discs 6927A And Arbor D-115-3 Into Housing Bearing Cradles 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

4. Position Arbor Discs 6927A (1) and Arbor D-115-3 (2) into the housing bearing cradles. 

Fig. 83: Installing Differential Bearing Caps On Arbor Discs And Tightening Bolts 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

5. Install differential bearing caps (1) on Arbor Discs and tighten bolts (2) to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.). 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro