I'm installing 3.77 gears and a Torsen carrier into a 7.5" 10 bolt. I'm good to go with back lash and patterns, but I'd like advice on how to set carrier preload. I've read that you should add identical shims to both sides. Good with that, but how many. How much pre-load would you recommend?

Bill

 

Put it together for your backlash measurements with as much shim as you can get to fit; then for final assembly, add about .010" on each side, and use your case spreader to allow it to go in.

If you don't have a case spreader, you can usually fake it with a couple of large C-clamps on the bearing races.

 

Thanks RB. That's what I was planning on doing. Just needed confirmation. I've read that "you can't over preload carrier bearings". That article recommended putting in as many preload shims as you can pound in. Sounded like over kill to me.

Thanks
Bill