M38 Dana 25 Pinion outer bearing shim shoulder

My Ring and pinion are badly worn so I got a new one the other day. Same PN 18396 and same manufacture - Salisbury.

My problem is the shoulder is different that the shims rest on and the over length is shorter for the outer bearing and yoke. I think there is a spacer or some kind of bushing that is should be used with this design but I am not familiar with it so I thought I would reach out see what others might have experienced. Any advise is appreciated.

I think I have figured it out but I am still open to comments. I found this part...https://www.willysjeepparts.com/Ring_And_Pinion.htm

Part number 639968 pinion spacer.

I found this data on http://buyaircraftparts.com/part-number/639968. It sounds like the right part but it is usually called out for rear axles not the front. I ordered one and will follow up on if it works or not. Strange that this pinion with the same PN requires a spacer. Maybe it was a later design change.


[h=2]639968 Characteristics[/h]

Body inside diameter	1.3770 inches minimum and 1.3870 inches maximum
Body outside diameter	1.6780 inches minimum and 1.6980 inches maximum
Corner shape	Square all corners
Overall length	2.1820 inches minimum and 2.1920 inches maximum
Material	Steel overall
Style designator	17c solid, plain, no outside flanges

nice work...... well Oli, your in up to your neck now.....

Just got the spacer in today. It looks like its the correct fit. Posting a few pictures of the pinion with the spacer and the old pinion for reference.

O.L. seems correct with the inner bearing pressed in place. I think this is a design improvement. The shims now have more surface area to land on. I will assemble this week end and confirm the alignment but at this point I see no reason why this would work out.