I recently replaced both rear axles on my 1982 300 TDT. The spline shafts at the differential end of the axles was slightly shorter on the new axles, and when I kept the shims in place that were there originally, it was not possible to get the retaining clips in place that hold the spline shafts in place. So I removed the new axles, removed the shims, and then put the axles back in and was able to get the shims in place.
The shim on the left side was thicker than the shim on the right side. The difference in the lengths of the spline shafts was pretty much equal. I tried the thinner shim on the left side with the new axle, but the shim was still too big and I couldn't get the clip in even with the thinner shim in place. It's maybe .3 mm thick. So I put that side together without a shim too.
But now I am wondering if there is too much end play on that axle at the differential. I have driven about 300 mile with the new axles in place. There is a big improvement in smoothness and I do not notice any problems.
Does anyone have any advice on this?
Also, does anyone know what the end play should be? How could I measure that? What is the thickness of the thinnest shim available?
What happens if the end play is too great?
Thanks.
Paul