End Play question
 

Hi, can someone please explain to me why its thicker spacer=bigger tolerance and smaller spacer = smaller tolerance. To me physically it seems backwards, but according too FSM, Haynes and everyone else its correct. Also, why is torquing everything to the correct ft lb important in the front end mock up when setting end play isn't it just to measure the shafts movement? With a v(.3157) spacer i am currently at ~.004-.0045. Should I just purchase a an A or B spacer and that would solve my problem? Why do I have so much play did I screw something up? Did I pinch something? Also my Thrust plate has scaring on it should I replace them? the bearings look fine do I need to replace those as well? Thank you for your advice.

your end play is probably the result of worn torsen roller bearings and the thrust plates. i bet if you replace the bearings and the thrust plates that are grooved your end play will be toward the tight end of the spectrum again.

reason that a thicker spacer loosens the tolerance is self explanatory. if you have a thick plate of metal with a collar through it exactly as tall as the sheet and a bolt through that collar it will tighten down and not move. now take a spacer that is taller and run it through and tighten the bolt, it will fit loosely because the collar is taller than the sheet.

you do not really need to tighten the front main bolt to spec, it is just a precaution because dirt or crap on either the hub, main bolt or e-shaft may not seat everything properly and skew the results.

the "V" collar shim is the most common size, you really shouldn't need to reshim the engine to accomodate for a worn thrust bearing stack because it will eventually come out of spec again as it wears and wears much faster than a new set.

So I just need to replace the two bearings and the thrust plate. I can keep most of the washers that sit under and above the bearings if they are not damaged? Should I purchase a used plate from atkins or go new?

yes, the 2 bearings and any worn thrust plate in the stack with grooving. i would go with new to be sure you don't have issues with it again later on.