OEM 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Axle Shaft

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Axle Shaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service the rear axle with a 9 1/4 axle shaft on 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Van?

  A: Before servicing a rear axle with a 9 1/4 axle shaft, put the transmission in neutral and lift the vehicle up to support it. Remove the tire and wheel and then take out the brake drum. Once the differential housing cover is moved to drain the oil, rotate the case to get to the lock screw on the pinion mate shaft. Take out the lock screw and the pinion mate shaft from the differential case. While holding the rim of the axle shaft, gently inward to take out the axle shaft C-lock and then carefully unseat the axle shaft without harming the bearing or seal inside the axle tube. When you install the axles, first apply gear lubricant to the outside of the seal and around the bearing, then insert the shaft so the seal rests on the bearing and don't allow the side splines to touch and pinch the seal. Push the C-lock into the axle by hand and then push it inward to seat the lock in the side gear. After that, insert the pinion shaft through the thrust washers and differential pinions into the differential case, making sure the holes on both match. Put the Lock Screw on with Loctite and tighten it to 11 Nm (8 ft. lbs.). Install the differential cover and pour in suitable gear lubricant, then place the brake drum and wheel and tire combination on top. After that, take away the support and carefully drop the vehicle back onto the ground.