what wrong with this 12 bolt ?

[peglegs]

looked @ a 12 bolt 3:73 posi from a 77 1/2 t 4x4 yesterday with new richmond ring & pinion but on the left of the ring gear & right of the posi were round shims? very loose different thickness' & one actually came out broken i passed on it not knowing what was going on here anyone explain this i would like it for the $200 with springs,16" white spokes & 1 excellent tire but dont have the expeience to work the internals thanks

[andrewmp6]

A diff has to to be shimed in for it to work prefectly,Its not hard to build one if you know what your doing.If you have time you can read this http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

[OLDCHEV4X4]

Sounds like they didn't get the bearing preload tight enough and it kicked a shim out/broke. If it wasnt driven too long that way, everything should be ok. I have come across this before and i reset-up the ring and pinion and everything was fine. Its still driving with no failure.