Dakota Quad Cab 2WD V8-4.7L VIN N (2001)
Axle Shaft: Service and Repair
Rear Axle - 8 1/4
Axle Shaft
REMOVAL
1. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL and raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove brake drum.
4. Clean all foreign material from housing cover area.
5. Remove the housing cover and drain lubricant.
6. Rotate differential case to access the pinion shaft lock screw. Remove lock screw and pinion shaft from differential case (Fig. 16).
7. Push axle shaft inward then remove axle shaft C-lock (Fig. 17).
8. Remove axle shaft being careful not to damage shaft bearing and seal.
9. Inspect axle shaft seal for leakage or damage.
10. Inspect axle shaft bearing contact surface for signs of brinelling, galling and pitting.
INSTALLATION
1. 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 dam-aging axle shaft seal lip.
2. Insert C-lock in end of axle shaft. Push axle shaft outward to seat C-lock in side gear.
3. Insert pinion shaft into differential case and through thrust washers and differential pinions.
