maks10

newbie Question...does it matter which side the carrier (and shims?) bolts are bolted back on??? accidently took these off in the process of removing axles thanks for any help

Atilla the Fun

It matters, a lot! If you got the caps mixed up, you're gonna need to pull the axles and carrier, find some reference pics, try the caps correct-face-in, snug the bolts, then feel the seams. Next, swap the caps and repeat. Whichever way felt closer to seamless is likely correct. Or you can get all technical with micrometers. As for the shims, there is a small chance that both are the same thickness, but probably not. So, more testing. At least use some marking compound and a dial indicator to check pattern and backlash. If it was sloppy-worn before, you may find you can reduce slop by swapping shims side-for-side, but I wouldn't. For final re-assembly, use a torque wrench to get the cap bolts to spec.

Edwardgp

Even though they are mixed up do you have the shims for one side and the other side apart. Yes it does mater what side the shims and bearing caps go.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

As said above, yes it does matter on the caps and shims unless your swapping gears.
The caps you can put on and feel where the bearing race goes, it should be smooth where the cap and housing r bolted together. If not remove and install until you get the cap on the correct side. You have a 50/50 shot at the caps.
There are small cast tabs on the side and center on the curved part of the caps, those point outwards to the axle tubes on each side.

The shims help set the backlash on the gears. You need a dial indicator and digital caliper to help make sure they are on the correct side.
They may or maynot be diff thickness. measure with the digital calipers.
if you get it together and the backlash is to little or to much, swap the shims side to side.

Also I hope you kept the bearing races on the correct sides. If not, I would put new ones in if the bearing rollers look fine.

Atilla the Fun

Once a set of gears has many thousands of miles on it, forget trying to extend their life by correcting the backlash with carrier shims. You would just shorten the remaining life of the gears, drastically.

Edwardgp

All right then did you get your rear end together yet.

maks10

Tnx so much guys...will check and verify b4 i bolt up and drive tnx

maks10

Ps getting my car terminology wrong i just accidently took off caps and cap bolts so i will screw bolts in and mix n match until closest possible....no shim prob.....u guys r awsome tnx again

maks10

One more question for the experts....does this paint mark help identify which side? I read a previous post but nothing was said where the paint mark was located on cap or housing thanks....ps sorry if i confused terminology again ...right cap has reddish paint on top

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

No, the paint tells them that its been torqued properly.
The cap in on the right woul need the tab facing to the right for proper install. Paint marks on the shims tell how thick they are.

maks10

Tnx....u have been very helpful! Long story short mixed and matched caps and got best fit! Now i ran into one last problem and i hope its the last question for u...

i striped a carrier bolt...will a grade 8 of that size work non flanged/flared??? Im guessing ace will have this size just not flanged? Test fitted a lower grade and threaded fine heres a pic....thanx to all tgo members who were able to help!!! Was freaking out just a little

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

What did you strip ??? the head or the threads?? How tight where you going for? there is a TQ spec for those. I'm not sure off the top of my head but I think its someplace around 65-85 lbft. Look that up to b sure.

maks10

Stripped threads on the black bolt....iwanted to just get my carrier caps to fit then i was gonna torque right and out of the 3 bolts this one stripped...luckily i didnt hurt the housing itself...ill double check torqu i believe its like 58 lbs...will another grade 8 work even though its not flared? Tnx for all ur help