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?