Side Gear Clearance (Open Differentials)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 RAM 1500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Visually inspect differential case, pinion mate shaft, axle shaft end button, C-lock, differential pinion gears, differential side gears and washers for damage or excessive wear. Replace damaged components.
- Assemble differential and install.
- Install differential pinion mate shaft locking screw and hand tighten to locate the shaft.
- Mount dial indicator base on the axle tube flange.
- Push axle shaft inward until its end touches differential pinion mate shaft. Set dial indicator plunger on the end of axle shaft flange surface and zero dial indicator.
- Pull axle shaft out until it stops and record dial indicator end-play reading. Rotate axle shaft about 180 degrees and record dial indicator end-play reading again. Two readings should be within 0.05 mm (0.002 in.).
- Conduct the same procedure on the axle shaft on the opposite side.
End-play specification should be 0.13 mm - 0.38 mm (0.005 - 0.015 in.). If specification can not be met, shim side gears and/or replace differential case.