Dakota 4WD V8-318 5.2L (1991)
Note: Depth shim(s) are positioned between the pinion gear rear bearing and pinion gear to provide the separation distance. The required thickness of
the depth shim(s) is determined according to the following information.
3. Loosen the compression nut tool. Lubricate the pinion gear front and rear bearings with gear lubricant. Re-tighten the compression nut tool to 1-3
N.m (15 to 25 in.lbs.) torque. Rotate the pinion gear several complete revolutions to align the bearing rollers.
4. 7 1/4-inch diameter ring gear axles. Install Gauge Block SP-3250 at the end of SP5385. Install Cap Screw (SP-536). Tighten it securely with
Wrench (SP-531).
5. 8 1/4-inch diameter ring gear axles. Install Gauge Block (SP-5383) at the end of Tool (SP-5385).
6. 7 1/4-inch axles, position Crossbore Arbor SP3243 in the differential housing.
7. 8 1/4-inch axles, position Crossbore Arbor (SP6029) in the differential housing.
8. Center the tool. Place a piece of 0.002 inch shim stock at each end of the arbor tool. Position the bearing caps on the arbor tool. Install the
attaching bolts. Tighten the cap bolts with 14 N.m (10 ft.lbs.) torque.
9. Trial fit depth shim(s) between the crossbore arbor tool and gauge block tool. The depth shim(s) fit must be snug but not tight (drag friction of a
feeler gauge blade).
Note: Depth shims are available in 0.001-inch increments from 0.002 to 0.0038 inch.
10. Note the etched number on the face of the drive pinion gear (e.g., -0,-1, -2, +1, +2, etc.). The numbers represent thousands-of-an-inch deviation
from the standard. If the number is - (negative), add that value to the required thickness of the depth shim(s). If the number is + (positive), subtract
that value from the thickness of the depth shim(s). If the number is 0, no change is necessary.
11. Remove the tools from the differential housing.
12. Position the depth shim(s) on the pinion gear. After the shims, install the rear bearing. Be sure the contact surfaces are clean and without foreign
particles. 7 1/4-inch axles use Bearing Installer C-3717. 8 1/4-inch axles use Bearing Installer C-4040. Force the rear bearing onto the drive pinion
