So I decided to jump into the differential in my 8.8 swap from explorer with disc. I had a setup in there with the stock carrier i was not fond of. It was installed by a pro and with my new ox locker going in I knew I had to take some backlash measurements and such that ive never done before. All went well until I went to put new carrier back in. I used the cast shims that were in the axle and made sure they went to the proper side (only 2 shims in carrier, none inside carrier bearings.) The carrier is the same dimensions as the factory carrier I removed. It seems like it is very tight going in as I did get it started with the cast shims from ford and race together. Shims were exactly the same and labeled to proper side. I found myself hitting it in with a plastic deadblow. I kept measuring each side with every hit so i would be installing this even. Some of these were not love taps, I wasn't really smashing on it either. I had to struggle and wiggle the old carrier out by prying and turning. I understand there needs to be preload on these bearings so it needs to be snug. My gut just said it was to snug as i was hitting it in. I got it about 3/4 the way in and stopped. I wanted to get some advice and opinions before proceeding. Nothing is binding as far as the ring and pinion, but its not all the way in either. All bearings were replaced less than a year on the pinion, so pinion removal was not needed. Are these just a huge bear to get in? Im scared its not going to come out! haha. This is something i have not done before but feel capable of doing the work and checking backlash after the bearing caps are on. Thanks