LSD backlash setup

[MtnRanger160]

Do the bearing cap bolts need to be torqued down before measuring backlash? I'm in the middle of setting up an DTT in the rear. The backlash before was right at .003-.004. Now with the LSD in there I'm getting around .020, but I have not torque the carrier bolts yet, for fear I may have to adjust shims anyway going from an open diff to an LSD. Looking for some pointers. I did not change out ring/pinion and am still using the same shims. @Rob5589 , I appreciate the advice before. There were absolutely no shims underneath the bearings. Just the big ones for outside the bearing, which I fear I may need to buy some more now to get this backlash right.

 

[03sahara]

You just need to snug the bearing caps but you will more than likely have to adjust shims if you change the carrier. What do you have a Dana 44 or Dana 35?

 

[MtnRanger160]

It's a Dana 44.

Any idea if these are the right shims?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0078UBTMS/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[03sahara]

I think your link brought me to yukon sk 30214 then that will work for Dana 44.

 

[MtnRanger160]

I think your link brought me to yukon sk 30214 then that will work for Dana 44.

Ok, so I ordered that kit and it came in super fast! Problem is, they're still not the right shims! They're much smaller like they belong under the pinion bearing or perhaps the carrier bearing. The ones I found online with the right dimensions that are 3.2" outer diameter are what I'm looking for (outboard shims). There are plenty on the market but so far they're reading for JK 44 rears and I've got the 44 non-rubi. Anyone got any advice or perhaps a link to the right shims I need?

 

[03sahara]

I’m not sure about shimming outboard of the bearing the manual says under the carrier bearings. It can be done but harder to set the proper carrier bearing preload while fumbling with a bunch of loose shims. I’m sorry I thought you wanted the regular shims.

 

[03sahara]

Here is a link to the factory service manuals if you need them to set It up.https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...nuals-fsm-technical-documentation.4618/unread

 

[MtnRanger160]

I’m not sure about shimming outboard of the bearing the manual says under the carrier bearings. It can be done but harder to set the proper carrier bearing preload while fumbling with a bunch of loose shims. I’m sorry I thought you wanted the regular shims.

All good. A few others on another thread said I should shim outside the bearing, and I would have no need for setup bearings. Someone else regeared it for me but there were no shins under the bearing when I pulled them off. I have a manual and a book from Randy’s but trying to solve this one still.

 

[MtnRanger160]

Ok, so I’m inching closer but definitely taking my time. The manual says between .005-.009 backlash is within spec but when I checked it before disassembly it was sitting at .004. Does this sound right to anyone? I’m at .005 right now and about to check the pattern. I didn’t install the gears so I have no idea what the open diff was at before regearing.