Tony,
The axle shims are used to set axle endplay. There is metal piece in the
differential that basically transfers the bearing load when cornering.
Axle I======= ( =) ==========I Axle
Consider the ( ) as the differential and the equal sign inside the (= ) as
the metal piece that transfers the axle load. There should be .006 to .008
which occurs between the axles and the metal piece in the differential. You
measure this with a dial indicator on the hub.
If you have too little endplay you can load the bearings and they can make
noise. Assuming you used the same differential and axles I would thing
putting it back together the way you found it (same shims, same location)
would be appropriate. I reused my shims with a VERY thin film of silicone on
each. While the recommended "centering" (with equal shims) is ideal I do
not think it extremely critical. I think their main point was to not be
lazy and set the endplay with shims only on one side. I guess there can be
some situations where that metal piece can be too off center and cause
issues. But to me it seems remote.
So, sleep and then put the same shims back in the same location they came
out of. After all that work for years, - Right?
Tom
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