First time differential setup; Help from the experts!

[ryeguy2006a]

Hi all,

I'm attempting to step outside my comfort zone and set up the rear differential that I bought recently. I bought a full rebuild from Ron's Machine Shop which included a full rebuild for my 12 bolt complete with new Timken bearings/races, 4.11 Richmond gears, Yukon Suregrip Posi and other misc. installation parts.

I got the shims set for enough pre-load on the carrier bearings so that I had to tap the carrier down with a rubber mallet, and lightly pry out. Then I worked on getting the right setting for backlash.





The instructions for the Richmond gears called for between .007-.009 of backlash. After a few different shim packs, I came up with exactly .009.











Now it was time for the deciding moment of whether or not I did everything correctly. I am hoping that some experts will chime in and let me know what they think, if I am close or need some help. I took a picture of both the drive and coast side of the ring gear. I made sure to put some resistance on the pinion while I turned the gears over too.

I think that I may need to make an adjustment to the pinion shim.










Thanks,
Ryan