Dodge Dakota (ND). Manual - part 42
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 measure the
thrust washer thickness. Record the thickness 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 clear-
ance measurements repeated.
8. If clearance (above) continues to be 0.012 inch (0.305 mm) or greater, the case must be replaced.
SPECIFICATIONS
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.)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION
N·m
Ft. Lbs.
In. Lbs.
Differential Cover Bolts
41
30
-
Bearing Cap Bolts
95
70
-
Ring Gear Bolts
102
75
-
Pinion Nut Minimum
285
210
-
Adjuster Lock Screw
10
-
90
Pinion Shaft Lock Screw
11
8
3 - 84
REAR AXLE - 8 1/4
ND