so im installing a 4.083 final drive and before i put it all together id like to know if anyones done it before and knows the exact size pinion washer i should use to get the right backlash. also if the know side bearing washers u used that'd be very appreciated too. i do plan on measuring it after its all put together even with for sure answers. just trying to save some time and possibly $ on ordering right parts.

 

Can't possibly know until you put it together once and check it. Your only choice would be to order them all and have them on hand and return the rest if possible if you have to do it in one day. Or put it together and figure out how much you need to change it by and order what is hopefully the right one. Don't be discouraged if you end up buying a second one. This is not a quick job and there are no real accurate calculations - unless you can find one of those $400+ pinion depth measurement gauges that you probably will not be able to find for this car. I looked into them at one time before I understood the cheaper way of just trying a few until you get it right.

Did you have an old bearing to use and make a quick fit bearing for changing the shim quickly instead of having to press it on and off every time you want to try a different shim?

 

i see. i do have an old bearing should i just sand down the inside till it slides on and off. thats a nice pointer!

 

Basically the same as bjr said but:

https://my350z.com/forum/engine-driv...ll-pics-5.html

 

May be some trial and error until the shims and/or combo thereof are just right. My mechanic is very good on this subject and it took a few tries to get the tolerances correct; he said mine are now actually better than stock. A lot of guys don't realize that each car (FD) is different, even same year/model and you don't know which shims are needed until install process. That's why the fd gear kits don't come with shims and the list of available size shims is so long. Good luck with your's and don't settle for "close enough", etc.

 

Machining tolerances, casting tolerances, all of that comes in to play when setting up a ring and pinion. That's why no two vehicles are the same. I strongly suggest you take the diff to someone who is well versed in setting up gears. Have them walk you through it and show you everything. It's well worth the time and money.

 

I will also add that the section in the FSM re: setting up the diff is very detailed, complete with illustrations and the like. A very helpful resource.

 

I just drop off my 3rd member at a driveline shop. $225 all set up, well worth it. They usually have or can make the shims

 

We bought a handful of 'em from the Nissan dealership before installation and used what we needed.

 

Exactly. I sanded down or ground down with my die grinder the inside. It doesn't take much with the die grinder. Hand sanding may take a little long on a hardened surface
I was trying to remember what they call them yesterday and couldn't come up with it. I think there are "pre-made" ones to buy but it's pointless if you have an old bearing. I think they call them setup bearings.
Just sand it evenly all the way around until you can push it on and off by hand! Easiest thing of the whole project...

 

 

This is exactly what we did. Used certain ones alone or as a combo. to get it exact.

 

Not the most technical video, but these really illustrate the trial and error setup process, including using dummy bearings and the like: