How do you preload and shim carrier bearings in a for 8.8 rearend?

 

well you want to have a couple of different size shims for trial and error, you have to assemble the rear with shims, then measure the backlash of the ring gear, i think with new gears you want between 15 and 20 thousandths? you can add or remove backlash by putting thicker shims on the left or right side. like if you had 30 thousandths backlash, you would try a 10 thousandths thicker shim on the left side of the carrier and a 10 thousandths thinner on the right, that would move the ring gear closer to the pinion. when you get the backlash in spec. i think your supposed to add like 5 thousandths or something to each side to put the proper preload on the bearings. im guessing on these numbers, so a chiltons book would help you more but that is the procedure

 

ya i know all that, just having trouble keeping thecarrier moving side to side, said something bout preloading teh carrier bearigns but i dont know how to do that and do teh shims go betwee nthe housing and bearing or between the bearing cover and housing?

 

To find out how many shims you will use put one shim, any size on one side of your carrier, then jam as many shims on the other side until you cant fit any more in. thats how you find your shim pack. then you get it close and check your backlash. i think it should be more like 8 to 12 thousandths and it sually takes about a ten thousandth shift from side to side before you will notice a change in backlash. if you use the blue or yellow paint to check your tooth contact pattern only use a little bit, it goes a long way. One more thing you donty wanna do is not use loc-tite on your ring gear bolts, i dont think the instructions say to but you dont want them to get loose.

After you drive your car for a week take your driveshaft off and check your pinion preload, if your using new bearing (you are? right?)

 

Oh yeah they go between your outside carrier bearing, (you cant see them when your carrier is bolted in)

 

here you go guys http://www.angelfire.com/theforce/5o...5ohtech001.htm

 

i just got mine done it is between 8-15 thousands.