I purchased a 2004 ram 1500 that had a rear problem. I took it apart and found that the pinion bearing locked up and as a result it cut grooves into the pinion and if there were any shims they are gone. I found no evidence of the shims in the housing. My question is, is it possible there were no shims? I'm wanting to get the bearing pressed on and put it back together asap. Is there anyone that has done enough to know if there is a average amount of shims used, 1 or 2 etc? I'm in need of this truck quickly and I'm hoping to get some help here. Thanks for any input.

 

I would check first to see if your truck was part of the pinion nut recall, and if so, was it accomplished. That may be your issue right there.

 

That could be the problem. The pinion nut was no where near as tight as it should have been. Took very little to back it off. Bad thing is now o have it torn down in my driveway and I dont know how to go about checkimg on recall.

 

I just called. This truck did not have a recall on the pinion nut.