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DocHornet

The Hudson service manual indicates that axle end-play is set by shims between the brake backing plate and diff. end plate, but only on the RIGHT side of the differential only.

When I pulled the brake backing plates off the Dana 44 I'm swapping into my '51 Hornet, there was a single shim plate on each Right AND Left sides. I'm wondering if perhaps some Goober from the past just figured they should be installed symmetrically, and just put one shim on each side.

Anyone have any thoughts or feedback as to whether I should move both of these shims to the Right side only?

kamzack

On one side only. I may be wrong, but I think .003 to .006 endplay. Or just enough so there is slight movement. Been a few years and memory isn't what it used to be.
Kim

lostmind

I have a shim pack if you need it .
Send a PM
Roy

Ken U-Tx

Doing brakes on mine. So while I had the drum and shoes off I decided to check axle shaft end play. It is at .006". It was .003 when I checked it about 20 years ago with freshly packed bearings. Book says .001 to .004" is acceptable, so looks like I am going to pull the right backing plate and remove the .003" shim and repack the bearings. That should bring it back to about .002".
There is a shim and gasket on the left side from when axle was assembled new, but the adjustment shims are on the right side, so no, I wouldn't transfer the shim on the left to the right. Pack the bearings and check end play, if more than .004" remove the thinnest .003" shim from back of backing plate and put it under the seal retainer on the right side only. I use my magnetic base test indicator to read the play as per the pics. Kenneth

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