can anyone tell me what the spacer in between the seal and bearing in the pic is. call me crazy but i dont think that its supposed to ride on the bearing cage like in the pic. also are the sealed ball bearings better than the tapered roller bearings.
http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...3.jpg&newest=1

 

Not sure with the pic, but it looks like the bearing isn't on all the way. Tapered bearings are far superior to ballbearings

 

Never seen a plate between the seal and the bearing before. Best guess is that it's a way to press the bearing and retaining collar off without damaging the bearing and it shouldn't make contact with the cage. Normally you cut the collar off to get the bearing off. Installing that spacer however will position the axle face outward more. The brakes will need to be repositioned to match up with the drum/rotor. Moving the axle out will also have less splines in the carrier.

My aftermarket axles use a sealed roller bearing but they're not designed for 100,000+ mile life either. They don't need oil from inside the diff to keep them lubricated.

 

it just doesnt look right or make any sense. its stuck on the cage(meaning it wont come off easily but it does move around on the cage). it looks like its just a hair away from the rollers which is def no good. i think because im upgrading axles and 3rd member im just going to order a complete rear from moser. screw currie.

 

Here's what my Currie 9" axle looks like.