Dana 35 bearing swap

i have a dana 35 non c clip axle in the 89 xj, i had noise issues and changed the axle/wheel bearings and all seals a week ago. i still have noise, not as bad.

so i took the cover off, and put a big screwdriver under the carrier on one side and under ring gear on the other, and pryed it up and down. i have some play/movement on the ring gear side. pinion seams tight as hell and feels smooth.

question is, can i drop the carrier out, keeping the shims on each side where they go, and just put new bearings on the carrier and put shims back on same as they came out and be good? or will new bearings require i get shims and marking compound and reset the rear up? wear pattern seams ok on the ring gear. what do you guys think?

You should be good with the same shims. You might measure the shims and use new ones though.
I've never done the 35, but I have regeared a Dana 44 front and Ford 8.8 rear before. Checking the backlash is easy if your worried. Lots of help on the internet.

yeah i may have a dial indicator around here still to check the backlash. thanks for the input. gonna tear it apart after payday and see what i can get done.

also, whats best to use to spray out the limited slip? dont want to mess up the clutches! lol may put new ones in it tho.