Diff carrier bearing preload

[TATER]

How do you determine preload. I have done 6 diffs (44's and 30's) by "feel". Now i want to do it the right way. Im looking for dependability and longevity.

[Goat]

You do it by stretching the case by a couple of thousanths and shimming the bearings; so you have a slip fit between bearings and case. When you release the spreader the case collapses and you have preloaded bearings.

[TATER]

I dont have a spreader.

I looked up preload in an old manual. It said to add .015 to the shim pack. does this seem right? Im thinking that is total instead of doing that to both sides.

D30's have the shims outboard off the bearings. The ones i have done, i can tell how tight the original preload is , and try to match that. Its not hard to adjust the shims.

D44's have the shims inboard. And the carrier is tight. More difficult to change shims.

Maybe i should get the spreader. Anybody have good deals on one?

[Goat]

Shim the carrier so that you can pound it in with medium ease, using a rubber mallet. That's how most guys on this board do it.

[TATER]

Thanks.