Front Disc Conversion Turned Into Front Axle Work

I don’t know the answer for real, but on of a 55 year old truck, I would just clean, grease and set the preload correctly and call it even. I’ve got a bunch of extra shims if you need them.
FWIW, I think I came out even on both sides but I chalked that up to luck.

Let me know if you ever get over here to the beach.

 

The number of shims doesn't matter, it's the preload that counts and you could get the same stack thickness with different shim counts.

 

Shims come in different thicknesses so the number of them is not relevant.

Since the knuckles aren't machined to any real tolerances, varying shim thicknesses side to side is a commonplace in order to get the proper rotational torque.

Oops, late to the party..........

 

We have a place down the street in Shell Beach, so I may take you up on that!

Now I get to do some research on how to set preload...

 

Ready for primer! Am I correct in assuming that I can paint all of the surfaces of the brake backing plate and rear hub without worrying about whether it’s going to walk down any rotational movement?
I’m planning to remove the differential covers, drain and clean the insides of the differentials, and paint the outside of the differential cover separate from the rest of the differential housing.