48 Chrysler axle shims and end play not making sense ???

[harmony]

13 minutes ago, Bryan said:

Thanks for letting me know. It's been sitting for about 30 yrs in a barn, since the motor started knocking and I was overseas a long time.  Starting the process of getting it running. The rear end is probably empty.  When I get the pinion seal & housing gasket replaced (hoping nothing else is wrong) I'll check it. Gives me hope it's okay.  Never heard any rear end problems when it was running but that was in the late 70s - early 80s.

Good luck and have fun

[61farnham]

I was looking for similar info as the OP and found the answers in this thread, thanks for everyone's input. Much appreciated.

[61farnham]

Finally got time to make some axle shims. Started with 0.045" and now got 0.030" of shims at each end giving me 0.008" of end play with new bearings. The book states 0.008" to 0.003" of end play with a preference for the lower value. In a post above James_Douglas said he set his axle end play at 0.010" to allow for heat from highway speeds, my  question is is it ok to leave the end play at 0.008" or should I remove some shims to give a bit less end play. I've not tackled this job before so any advice is welcome.

Regards to all.

[Plymouthy Adams]

well, .008 is within factory specs..just at the upper end..you can ride as is..and monitor this and address should it change...or go the added step to reduce this now while you are working this issue.  The problem with many values and ideas expressed here is they do not reflect the values and standards of the engineers and it was well known, Chrysler aligned the company with the best engineers out there. Some folks just like to yell out, close enough and throw in the towel as it may be labor intensive.  

[61farnham]

32 minutes ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

well, .008 is within factory specs..just at the upper end..you can ride as is..and monitor this and address should it change...or go the added step to reduce this now while you are working this issue.  The problem with many values and ideas expressed here is they do not reflect the values and standards of the engineers and it was well known, Chrysler aligned the company with the best engineers out there. Some folks just like to yell out, close enough and throw in the towel as it may be labor intensive.  

Sound advice, appreciate your input.