Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and to Dodge. I just got a 1998 Ram, 4x4. It has the 9.25 rear axle and the Pinion Seal is leaking. I've read up about changing it and I'm going to try to tackle it myself.

First, does anyone know exactly what size socket I need to remove the pinion nut? I was hoping the Hayes manual would say, but it didn't. I think I remember seeing somewhere about 1 1/4", is this correct?

Also, according to the manual, the nut is torqued down to 300+ ft/lbs. Am I going to be able to remove this without an impact wrench? Will a breaker bar work? Last, when I go to put it back on, Will I be able to torque it back to the correct specs by hand? Sorry to sound dumb, but I've never torqued anything before.

I was thinking of getting an electric impact wrench because I can't afford to get an air compressor and accessories right now. But, the electric gun only goes to like 240 ft/lbs.

Please help...and thanks,
SR

 

Hi and welcome to DF. After reading your post, I think you should have the work done by someone who knows what they are doing. Or plan on spending alot more money.

 

Stick to oil changes and general maintenance until you have the skills and proper tools.

 

Slkills? Napoleon Dynaclub has spoken, LOL

 

the pinion nut is 210ft. lbs. minimum according to haynes. if you can't get that one off with a breaker bar then i say its time to hit the gym.

 

Taking it apart is one thing, putting it back together is another story.

 

it probably would make a good story.
"so i had the truck jacked up 3 feet in the air and i had one foot on the ground with my legs spread apart with a knee on the end of the torque wrench and one hand on the axle and the other about half way up the torque wrench..."

"then when that didn't work i laid on my back with both feet on the bottom of the bed and both hands on the end of the torque wrench..."

"halfway through i had to take a break to visit the doc for a hernia, a couple knots on my head and a lot of skin missing from my knuckles..."

 

That sucks, nuff said. Only thing is, you can't put it correctly back together that way. Hence to original posts made to the OP's question.

 

Whatever

 

i'm just screwin with ya man. i know 175lbs of torque (hub nuts) takes a good bit of force and when you're under the truck it would take a little creativity to get in a comfortable position to crank that torque wrench.