Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 559

Fig. 96: Identifying Spreader W-129-B & Spreader Retainers W-129-1 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

28. Install Spreader Adapters 9959, Spreader W-129-B (1) and Spreader Retainers W-129-1 (2) on housing 

tighten spreader turnbuckle finger-tight.  

29. Attach Dial Indicator C-3339 to spreader retainer stud. Load indicator plunger against opposite side of the 

housing and zero the indicator  

30. Spread the differential case 0.34 mm (0.013 in). 

31. Install differential case with shims.  

GEAR BACKLASH 

CAUTION: Never spread the differential housing over 0.34 mm (0.013 in). Failure 

to follow these instruction could result in distorting the housing.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 97: Identifying Indicator Plunger & Ring Gear Tooth 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Rotate the differential case several times to seat the side bearings.  

2. Position the indicator plunger (1) against a ring gear tooth (2).  

3. Push and hold ring gear upward while not allowing the pinion gear to rotate.  

4. Zero dial indicator face to pointer.  

5. Push and hold ring gear downward while not allowing the pinion gear to rotate. Dial indicator reading 

(backlash ) should be between 0.12 - 0.20 mm (0.005 - 0.008 in.). 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 98: Backlash Shim Correction 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

6. Verify differential case and ring gear runout by measuring ring to pinion gear backlash at eight locations 

around the ring gear. Readings should not vary more than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.). If readings vary more than 
specified, the ring gear or the differential case is defective. 

NOTE:

If backlash is not within specifications, transfer the necessary shim 
thickness from one side of the housing to the other.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

After the proper backlash is achieved, perform Gear Contact Pattern Analysis procedure. 

GEAR CONTACT PATTERN 

Fig. 99: Gear Description 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

The ring gear and pinion teeth contact patterns will show if the pinion depth is correct in the housing. It will 
also show if the ring gear backlash has been adjusted correctly. The backlash can be adjusted within 
specifications to achieve desired tooth contact patterns. 

The TOP LAND (1) of the gear tooth is the top surface of the tooth. The PROFILE (2) of the gear tooth is the 
depth of the tooth. The TOE (3) of the gear is the portion of the tooth surface at the end towards the center. The 
HEEL (4) of the gear is the portion of the tooth at the outer-end. The ROOT (5) of the gear tooth is the lowest 
portion of the tooth. 

NOTE:

If the PROFILE across the tooth is the same it is a 3 Axis cut gear. If the 
PROFILE across the tooth is tapered, it is a 2 Axis cut gear.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro