> Question 1: is it okay to do this, or are there subtle goings-on inside
> the diff that would make it important to use the half-axles that came
> with the new rear end?
I believe you can swap axles with impunity, as long as you adjust the shim
packs.
> Question 2: if it's pretty much okay to put the old half-axles in the
> new rear end, what should I do about the shim packs? The old axle had
> two shims on each side, and the new axle had one on the left and three
> on the right. Guessing that the shims adjust for the centering of the
> guts of the diff, I'm leaning towards using the new axle shim packs (1
> and 3) with the old half-axles. If that makes sense, does it sound
> right? Thanks.
Primary purpose of the shim packs is to set the clearance for the rear wheel
bearings. Centering the diff is secondary, ISTR the manual says simply to
install the same thickness on both sides to center it.
So, it's probably safe to just reuse the shims that came with the axle.
Personally, since you can buy a dial indicator and stand for less than the
price of a set of bearings, I'd check the clearances.
Randall
|