[keith460]

Dana is right that you need an additional 0.015" shims when you achieve "0" end play. Bearings WILL seat once things are moving and lubricated.
I had shims left over when I rebuilt the Dana transfer case, AMC20 axle and the Dana 30 front axle thinking it was tight enough when we achieved "0" end play. But went back in and added the shims as per manual. It was a tight fit and felt like the bearings or something would break. But after an initial break-in period of a few thousand miles, all the bearings seated as they should and never needed to open up and redo again.

 

[keith460]

I appreciate your reply. I just again read that some people are only adding 2-3 thousandths to both sides (that is spec for the AMC20

One side only for the AMC20 as well. And if I remember correctly, the shims were on the drivers side only.

 

[keith460]

I just finished my AMC 20 and the service manual specifically calls to 0.004 to be added to both sides. That is where I became alarmed when Dana Spicer calls for 0.015.

I don't know what year your CJ is but for the late model AMC20 axles, at least for the 1982-86 wide tracks, the service manuals only states to put shims on the left side. With a Dana 30, shims on both sides due to the open knuckles on the ends. But your AMC20 axle is not a factory unit anymore with disc brake conversion and possibly with one piece axles.

Excerpt out of the 1984-86 FSM...