Strange D44 R&P problems

[Eric the Red]

Alright experts, I need some help. This is my first gear install and it's not going so well. The axle is a high pinion 44 out of a 78-79 Bronco, and I'm putting in 4.56 gears and a Detroit. The gears and master install kit are Genuine Gear brand (Timken bearings). I'm trying to get the pinion preload right first, but I'm missing something because it's way out of range. Right now I have NO shims at all behind either of the races for the pinion and it's still WAY too tight when I torque down the pinion nut. I can't find anything with my naked eye that doesn't appear to be pressed on fully. Once I throw some shims in there to get the pinion depth then the preload is gonna be even further off. I can't really finger this one out. All I can think of is that maybe the other guy that started the gear install re-used the old races with the new bearings, but he hasn't admitted to that yet.

Thanks in advance. :beer:

-Eric