Front Axle

GENERAL INFORMATION
The 181 Front Beam-design Iron (FBI) axle consists of a cast iron differential housing with axle shaft tubes extending from either side. The tubes are pressed into the differential housing and welded.

The integral type housing, hypoid gear design has the centerline of the pinion set above the centerline of the ring gear.

The axle has a fitting for a vent hose used to relieve internal pressure caused by lubricant vaporization and internal expansion.

The axles are equipped with semi-floating axle shafts, meaning that loads are supported by the hub bearings. The axle shafts are retained by nuts at the hub bearings. The hub bearings are bolted to the steering knuckle at the outboard end of the axle tube yoke. The hub bearings are serviced as an assembly.

For vehicles with ABS brakes, the ABS wheel speed sensors are attached to the knuckle assemblies. The tone rings for the ABS system are pressed onto the axle shaft. Do not damage ABS tone wheel or the sensor when removing axle shafts.

The stamped steel cover provides a means for inspection and servicing the differential.

The 181 FBI axle has the assembly part number and gear ratio listed on a tag. The tag is attached to the housing cover by a cover bolt. Build date identification codes are stamped on the cover side of the axle shaft tube.

The differential case is a one-piece design. The differential pinion mate shaft is retained with a roll pin. Differential bearing preload and ring gear backlash is adjusted by the use of shims (select thickness). The shims are located between the differential bearing cones and case. Pinion bearing preload is set and maintained by the use of shims (select thickness).

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
A multi-purpose, hypoid gear lubricant which conforms to the following specifications should be used. Mopar Hypoid Gear Lubricant conforms to all of these specifications.
^ The lubricant should have MIL-L-2105C and API GL 5 quality specifications.
^ Lubricant is a thermally stable SAE 80W-90 gear lubricant.
^ Lubricant for axles intended for heavy-duty or trailer tow use is SAE 75W-140 SYNTHETIC gear lubricant.
^ The 181 FBI axle lubricant capacity is 1.48 liters (3.13 pints).

CAUTION: If axle is submerged in water, lubricant must be replaced immediately to avoid possible premature axle failure.