Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 580

Fig. 203: Identifying Installer 8681 & Handle C-4171 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

9. Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the lip of pinion seal. Install seal with Installer 8681 (1) and 

Handle C-4171 (2). 

Fig. 204: Identifying Installer W-162-D & Screw 8112 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

10. Install pinion flange with Installer W-162-D (1) Screw 8112 (2). 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 205: Holding Pinion Flange With Flange Holder C-3281 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

11. Install new pinion nut. Hold flange (1) with Holder C-3281 (2) and tighten the nut to 217 N.m (160 ft. 

lbs.). Do not exceed minimum tighten torque 217 N.m (160 ft. lbs.).  

12. With a torque wrench set at 352 N.m (260 ft. lbs.) Tighten pinion nut until pinion end play is eliminated. 

Fig. 206: Measuring Pinion Torque To Rotate (PTTR) With An Inch Pound Torque Wrench 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

13. Rotate pinion several times to seat bearings and verify pinion (1) rotates smoothly.  

14. Slowly tighten the pinion nut in 6.8 N.m (5 ft. lbs.) increments until pinion torque to rotate is achieved. 

Measure rotating torque frequently to avoid over crushing the collapsible spacer.  

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

15. Measure pinion torque to rotate (PTTR) with an inch pound torque wrench (2). 

Pinion Torque To Rotate is: 

Original Bearings: 1.0 - 2.2 N.m (10 - 20 in. lbs.).  

New Bearings: 1.7 - 2.8 N.m (15 - 25 in. lbs.).  

Fig. 207: Identifying Ring Gear & Bolts 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

16. Invert differential case and start two ring gear bolts. This will provide case-to-ring gear bolt hole 

CAUTION: Never loosen pinion gear nut to decrease pinion rotating torque and 

never exceed specified preload torque. Failure to follow these 
instructions will result in damage.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

alignment.  

17. Invert differential case in the vise. Install new ring gear (2) bolts (1) and alternately tighten to 108 N.m 

(80 ft. lbs.). 

18. Install differential in housing. 

Fig. 208: Measuring Pinion Torque To Rotate (PTTR) With An Inch Pound Torque Wrench 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

19. Measure Total Torque to Rotate (TTTR) with an inch pound torque wrench (2). This will verify the 

correct differential bearing preload. 

Total Torque to Rotate (TTTR) is Pinion Torque To Rotate (PTTR) plus: 

Gear Ratio 3.21: 0.53 - 0.87 N.m (4.6 - 7.7 in. lbs.)  

Gear Ratio 3.55: 0.48 - 0.78 N.m (4.2 - 6.9 in. lbs.)  

Gear Ratio 3.73: 0.45 - 0.75 N.m (3.9 - 6.6 in. lbs.) 

If TTTR is high, decrease shim thickness equally on both sides of the differential and check TTTR 
again. If TTTR is low, increase shim thickness equally on both sides of the differential and check 
TTTR again. 

20. Verify differential gear contact pattern.  

REAR AXLE - 8 1/4 

CAUTION: Never reuse the ring gear bolts. Failure to follow these instructions 

will result in damage.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro