Has anyone successfully set rear axle end play?

[mchattod]

I replaced my bearings, collars, seals, etc. I checked the axle end play with a dial indicator, 0.010” left, 0.009” right. I added two shims (0.0035” each) to the left side, still 0.010” end play. Frustrated, I temporarily shoved a feeler gauge 0.020” in there, tightened the nuts, and measured again. Still 0.010” end play.

I’m beginning to think this is an exercise in futility. Still frustrated, I checked the end play on my parts car, different axle entirely. Guess what 0.0010”.

Manuals are terrible. Clymer tells you to add shims and gives you the part number (still available from Nissan) but, never tells you what the measurement should be. Chilton gives you all kinds of specs for the differential specific to each model (including SPL311 and SRL 311) but… when it comes to axle end play it shows: 0.012”-0.020” for the WBL510; 0.004” for the LB110; 1st axle 0.033-0.043” / 2nd axle 0.004” for the L320/L520. Nothing for the roadster. The only manual that shows a measurement for the roadster is the paper re-print manual I got from Dean years ago, 0.012”-0.020”.

I’m ready to install the original shims, that were in it, 2 each side and be done with it.

Searching the archives, Spyder says they aren’t necessary. Mark, Ray B, and Linda appeared to give it a shot. Has anyone pulled this off? If so, how?

Thanks,
Dan
’66 1600