The pinion shims can either between the inner bearing and pinion gear or behind the race depending on the shim kit. The easier way is behind the race so as not to remove and install the bearing multiple times.

Piniopn preload should be set between 25 and 38 inlbs. I prefer the shim over the crush sleeve, but that depends on the gear set ordered. The crush sleeve can acctually crush under heavy load with housing flex,loosing preload and first wasting the pinion bearings,causing pinion seal leaks and ultimately wiping the gear set.

Set the back lash between 6 and .009 at the leading edge of the tooth on the ring gear. When using mock bearings on the carrier,add roughly 1-.002 for final install of new bearings to take up for shim compression on install. this way you will maintain carrier bearing preload on final install.

If the gear pattern is favoring on the inside, the pinion need to be moved closer to the carrier or vice versa if it is favoring the outside. I really don't want to go into pinion depth measurements, but a good starting point would be 4.060 from the cover mating surface. Remember to subtract the thickness of your straight edge.

I build custom axles,so if you have any questions in process feel free to ask.

 

That pinion depth would be 4.460, to start, but better than that, just start with .038 behind the inner race.

 

neilsrpcustoms ,where are you located?

 

pocono's in PA