Dorman 697-027 Differential Bearing Kit - Rear

Differential Bearing Kit for 8.25 In. Ring Gear Applications

Dorman 697-027 is a differential bearing kit for rear axle service on select Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, and Mitsubishi vehicles with a standard design 8.25 in. ring gear. It includes the installation components needed for differential ring and pinion service, with tapered steel bearings, races, shims, a crush collar, gasket material, gear marking compound, application brush, and thread lock compound.

Built for rear differential rebuild work, this kit supports precise bearing setup and gear pattern verification during service. The Dorman 697-027 differential bearing kit is a direct-fit service solution for common 8.25 in. rear axle applications, including Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram 1500, and Jeep Grand Cherokee models.

Key Features

• Brand: Dorman
• Part number: 697-027
• Type: Differential bearing kit
• Bearing type: Tapered
• Bearing material: Steel
• Bearing races included: Yes
• Sealed: No
• Ring gear bolt quantity: 10
• Package contents include bearings, shims, crush collar, hardware, gasket material, gear marking compound, application brush, and thread lock compound
• Fits rear axle service on select vehicles with a standard design 8.25 in. ring gear

Detailed Description

This Dorman 697-027 kit is intended for differential ring and pinion installation and setup on select rear axle applications. The tapered bearing design and included races support proper carrier and pinion bearing service, while the supplied shims and crush collar help establish correct preload and gear mesh during rebuild work. It is a practical choice when servicing the rear differential on a Dodge Dakota, Jeep Liberty, or Dodge Ram 1500 with the 8.25 in. ring gear configuration.

Fits 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty, rear; Fits 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro, rear; Fits 2011 Ram Dakota, rear; Fits 2000-2010 Dodge Dakota, rear; Fits 2006-2010 Jeep Commander, rear; Fits 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, rear; Fits 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, rear; Fits 2000-2009 Dodge Durango, rear; Fits 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider, rear; Fits 2000-2006 Dodge Ram 1500, rear; Fits 2000-2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van, rear.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Rear differential bearing wear or rough operation
• Ring and pinion setup during axle rebuilds
• Incorrect bearing preload after differential service
• Gear pattern adjustment during installation
• Noise from worn carrier or pinion bearings

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify axle configuration before ordering, including the standard design 8.25 in. ring gear application and rear position. During installation, measure bearing preload, check gear contact pattern with the included marking compound, and follow service specifications for shim selection and crush collar setup. Confirm the bearing dimensions and race sizes match the axle being serviced before assembly.

Quality Assurance

Dorman manufactures service parts for vehicle-specific repair applications, and this kit is built around the dimensions and components required for select rear differential rebuilds. Part number 697-027 is specified for confirmed fitment on the listed Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, and Mitsubishi models.