Symptoms
A heavy clunk when shifting into Drive or Reverse, or on and off the throttle. The pinion yoke moves in and out, or the gear oil is full of metal.
The fix, step by step
- First rule out the easy causes.
- Check the U-joints, and grease the rear driveshaft slip-yoke splines, which owners say are often dry.
- With the driveshaft off, pull and push the pinion yoke.
- RamCharger Central's Elwenil says in-and-out movement usually means the pinion has lost preload and worn its bearings.
- The proper fix is new pinion bearings, a new crush sleeve and pinion nut, then resetting preload and backlash.
- On Sure-Grip axles, inspect the clutch packs while you're in there.
Tools & part numbers
- Inch-pound torque wrench
- dial indicator
- bearing puller and drivers
- gear marking compound
Where to buy the parts
QA50268 bearing & seal kit, 1974–99 Dodge 9.25Torque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
QU11077 pinion crush sleeve, Dodge 9.25Torque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
QU40443 limited-slip clutch kit, 1986–2007 Dodge 9.25Torque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
QU50271 rear wheel seal, Dodge 9.25Torque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Dodge Ramcharger (1981–1993) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.