OEM 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Axle Shaft

2003 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 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van?

  A: For a 9 1/4 axle shaft rear axle service, begin by setting the transmission into neutral. Drop the brake assembly, its adapter, rotor and the housing cover to drain the lubricant out of the differential. Turn the differential case so you can remove the lock screw and pinion mate shaft mounted on it. Pushing the axle shaft inward will release the C-lock, so take care not to push it forward onto the axle shaft bearing and seal. To put the carrier in place, grease the seal lip and inside part of the bearing, insert the carrier axle shaft through both the seal and the bearing and twist it into the side gear splines, keeping the axle shaft clear of the seal. Put the C-lock into the far end of the axle shaft and press it out to make sure it sits inside the side gear. Put the pinion shaft into the differential case at the differential pinions while the thrust washers are on both sides, lining up the holes, top it with the lock screw and screw it in with Loctite, stopping at 11 Nm (8 ft. lbs.). A bead of red Mopar Silicone Rubber Sealant or similar should be put on the housing cover and if the cover is not put in place within 3 to 5 minutes, remove the old sealant and apply fresh RTV for a stronger bond. Hook together the original cover and operate the machine so the bearings roll freely. After that, pour gear lubricant into the differential to the level shown on the fill plug hole and secure the fill plug in place, next comes fitting the brake rotor, caliper adapter and caliper.