Ok at this point I have no idea what I'm doing anymore. I got my pinion preload set by using the shims that came with the crush sleeve eliminator. Then I put my carrier in and check for backlash. Took it out, put it back in numerous times until I got .011" and then I check my pattern... It was right at the toe. And coast side seemed to be fine. The pinion was too close. So I took it all back out, took the 1 shim between the pinion and the bearing (the closest to the teeth) and put it all back in. Now I have like 2in-lbs of pinion preload...wtf??? And I didn't bother checking the pattern because I need the preload.
So, every time I take the pinion bearings off and change the shim I have to adjust the preload again?
So, every time I take the pinion bearings off and change the shim I have to adjust the preload again?