Axle Shafts: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota and 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lubricate bearing bore and seal lip with gear lubricant. Insert axle shaft through seal, bearing and engage it into side gear splines.
NOTE: Use care to prevent shaft splines from damaging axle shaft seal lip.
Insert C-lock in end of axle shaft. Push axle shaft outward to seat C-lock in side gear.
Insert pinion shaft into differential case and through thrust washers and differential pinions.
Align hole in shaft with hole in the differential case and install lock screw with Loctite(R) on the threads. Tighten lock screw to 11 N-m (8 ft. lbs.).
Apply a bead of red Mopar Silicone Rubber Sealant or equivalent to the housing cover.
CAUTION: If cover is not installed within 3 to 5 minutes, the cover must be cleaned and new RTV applied or adhesion quality will be compromised.
Install cover and tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 41 N-m (30 ft. lbs.).
Fill differential with gear lubricant to bottom of the fill plug hole.
Install the fill hole plug.
Install brake drum/rotor and caliper.