Currently working on rebuilding a 3.07 differential which will replace the 3.69 differential currently in the vehicle.

Had a pretty hard time finding correct bearings and races, but eventually I was able to at a place in Germany at cost of $300 for all 4 bearings needed.
I've had absolutely zero success finding pinion shims, or compensating washers.

At this point I have cleaned and painted the case. I even applied Glyptal to the inside of it because I had it close at hand.
I have pressed in the races for the pinion using the compensating washer and pinion spacer and washers that were fitted when I got it.
I have pressed the big bearing onto the pinion shaft then pressed the smaller bearing on with the pinion inserted through the case and supported.


I am now attempting to get the pinion bearing preload set. The factory manual (YES, I have a factory service manual) sets preload for new bearings at 140 Ncm which I am converting to 1.4Nm. I have the universal flange installed with a new nut that is fairly tight, however there is still no measurable preload on the bearings.


Do you just keep hammering that nut on until you get the reading you want?


I have not installed the pinion oil seal yet because I want to be sure I can get the correct preload with the spacer and shims as installed. I am also wanting to be able to install the differential into the case and check the pattern. As the compensating washer may need to be ground down, or additional shims added depending on what the pattern says. In a perfect world, the pattern will be OK and I will not need to pull everything back apart again.


Can I check my pattern before preload has been set??
Would be nice to know if that is at least good to go.
Obviously, I know that I cannot check preload with differential installed.


Any other insights are of course welcome.