Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 556

Fig. 84: Identifying Dial Indicator, Scooter Block & Arbor 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

6. Assemble Dial Indicator C-3339A into Scooter Block D-115-2 and secure set screw.  

7. Position Dial Indicator (1) with Scooter Block (2) flush on the pinion height block. Hold scooter block 

and zero the dial indicator.  

8. Slowly slide the scooter block (2) across the pinion block over to the arbor (3). Move the scooter block 

till the dial indicator probe crests the arbor (3) and record the highest reading.  

9. Select a shim equal to the dial indicator reading plus or minus the pinion depth variance number on the 

face of the pinion. For example: If the depth variance is -2, add 0.002 in. to the dial indicator reading. If 
the depth variance is +2, subtract 0.002 in. from the dial indicator reading.  

DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARING PRELOAD AND GEAR BACKLASH 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 85: Shim Locations 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Differential bearing preload and gear backlash is achieved with selective shims (2) (4) located between the 
differential bearing cups and differential housing. Shim thickness is determined using Dummy Bearings D-348 
and Dummy Shims 8107 in place of the differential side bearings and preload shims. 

Before measuring differential bearing preload and gear backlash, pinion gear depth must be established and 
pinion gear prepared for installation. Pinion gear depth is essential to establishing gear backlash and tooth 
contact patterns. 

PRELOAD SHIM SELECTION 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 86: Identifying Dummy Bearings D-348 & Dummy Shims 8107 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Remove differential side bearings from differential case.  

2. Install ring gear on differential case and tighten bolts to specification.  

3. Install Dummy Bearings D-348 (1) on differential case.  

4. Install differential case in the housing.  

5. Record thickness of Dummy Shims 8107 (2) then install shims between dummy bearings and differential 

housing. 

NOTE:

Each dummy shim is 3 mm (0.118 in.) thick.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 87: Identifying Bearing Caps & Snug Bearing Cap Bolts 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

6. Install bearing caps (1) in their correct positions and snug bearing cap bolts (3). 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro