I'm used to having a pile of shims on each side of the case where the bearing cap goes in on the R160 diffs. The one I pulled apart today had NO SHIMS. Does this mean someone took it apart in the past and didn't put them in, or should I put it back together with no shims? I don't really want to do the whole backlash/contact pattern adjustments but not having any shims worries me. It looked like an origional gasket on the rear cover, and the level of corrosion was in line with it never having been taken apart before..

I say if it doesn't make any unwanted noise while driving, just don't worry.

I do doubt that it came from the factory "perfect." Sounds like something pulled it apart and didn't know/care what the shims are.

I'm used to having a pile of shims on each side of the case where the bearing cap goes in on the R160 diffs. The one I pulled apart today had NO SHIMS. Does this mean someone took it apart in the past and didn't put them in, or should I put it back together with no shims? I don't really want to do the whole backlash/contact pattern adjustments but not having any shims worries me. It looked like an origional gasket on the rear cover, and the level of corrosion was in line with it never having been taken apart before..

 

Best to check it.... I have found rtv to be a good easy substitute for 'blue' - easier to see in low light etc...