Pinion Bearing Preload

[1 Wild R/T]

Just looking for opinions on setting up pinion bearing preload, I'm using a solid spacer not a crush sleeve & I don't have the "ideal" shim... With the thinnest shim bearing preload is about double the correct number at 45 in/lbs the next thicker shim is .004 thicker & drops the preload to about 6 in/lbs... which is about 1/3 the spec... I like to set them up a little on the tight side so 25-30 I'd run but 45 concerns me.... At this point I'm leaning toward leaving the preload at 6 in/lbs.... t I don't trust my skills or my worn out lathe to accurately cut the spacer without creating more runout which would do more harm than leaving the thing alone.... Any thoughts? 

[734406pk]

Sometimes that's the problem with the solid spacers. They leave you hanging inbetween too tight and too loose. I would take the spacer to a machine shop and have them shave it off as necessary to get your correct preload. Setting up the rear axle  bearing preloads correctly is critical.