Measure your old backlash.
Remove diff
Swap gear to new diff and add new carrier bearings.
Reinstall diff matching old backlash
Verify pattern
Beat if for another 15k miles.
As long as the backlash is the same, the pattern should be identical. If it's not, the gear isn't flat or something odd.
Edit. I read your post above. The 9" used screw in adjusters on each side of the carrier, not shims. You move both to move the diff side to side to set backlash. You also create the preload with them. It's actually easier than shims.
Last edited by MeanMike; 06-15-2015 at 08:34 PM.
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