Carrier bearing preload ??

[CMcAllister]

If you don't have the luxury of a good selection of solid shims, I like the good adjustable shim packs. You can measure what came out of it, take a few thou off each side, to get a starting point,

With the pinion set and the turning torque of that known, start with shim packs that allow you to tap them in with some drag, making sure the bearings are seated. Install and snug the caps each time. Checking BL each time, move shim from one side to the other to move the carrier as needed. Fine tune the pattern as you get the BL where it needs to be.

When you get everything where you want it, load an equal amount of shim to each side to get the desired preload. I like to add 6-8 lbin to the total turning torque for a race set. Shim pack should go in snug with a soft wide faced drift or better yet, a tool with an internal radius to fit the shims. Not so tight that you damage the shims. I don't use a spreader to put it together. Final check and confirm the pattern

This has worked for me for years.

[Mike Pearson]

I have a Dana 60 in my car. The shims for the carrier/spool go between the bearing and the spool so you have to put them on before the bearing. Most Dana 60 spools are made where the carrier bearings slide on and off without a puller or hammer. I like mine to be snug where you can tap the spool in with a dead blow mallet. Not so tight that you have to beat it in with a hammer. once the shim pack is the right thickness you can move shims side to side to get the backlash where you want it. I like about .010 on the BL

[SSGN]

I ordered 2 sets of Carrier Shims from Richmond and Ratech to have a good assortment. Motive sells a collared stack-able design and I did not order that kit. I hope to have a good variety and then get back to this project. Thanks for the input .

[SSGN]

Final update for future searches. I received the adjustable shim packs from Richmond and they made it so much easier. The only issue I had was the 8.2 is narrower than other 10 bolts and I had to machine .040 of each holding shim. Then the job went easy. Thanks again for all the input.