OK, I'm a hack. I take the old shim off and put it on the new pinion, then I press on the new bearing. The big thing I worry about is preload. I always pack the pinion bearings with grease before I install the pinion. I do everything else by feel. When I shim my carrier, I like a pretty snug fit. After I get that where I want it I start moving shims around to get the desired play between the ring and pinion. I would recommend that you use your dial indicator for this. Although I never do. Pay attention on play and fit when you disassemble the rear end. Believe it or not, I have never smoked a rear end. I have seen guys smoke rear ends and it's usually because of the wrong bearing pre-load on the pinion. Of coarse theres always the dummy that decides he doesn't need any play between the ring and pinion! I'm sure alot of guys will not agree with me on this one, but like I said, I'm a hack!!
I grease the carrier bearings too. Don't listen to me man, it's late and I'm on drugs!!
You will never learn if you don't try. Get the pinion preload right or your screwed. This is a 10 bolt point of view, not a 12.
[ May 12, 2002, 02:41 AM: Message edited by: Garry Sr ]