differential question
 

This is regarding the little fiber washers in the carrier and between the axle shaft ends. How do I know if I need one, two, or one plus another shaved down?

Re: differential question
 

One is rarely enough and two is generally too many, so one plus a shaved down one would be correct.

Re: differential question
 

There is no set this is how direction. If you can't spin the axles when the two half's are bolted together then it to tight, if you have a large amount of back and fourth slop then it too loose.

Re: differential question
 

I generally use a brass washer instead of the little fiber thingie. The fiber does not last long. Brass lasts a long time and works great. Use a dial indicator on the end of one axle to determine the thickness needed during a rebuild.

I've never found evidence of one upon disassembly of a used T rear end. They just disintegrate.

You can tell it is gone if the axle shaft has in / out play with the wheel removed on the passenger side.

Re: differential question
 

redmodelt has the answer.

Those original fiber discs were tough.

With the oil running around inside the axle, they get lots of lube. They do wear over time, as in 80 years, the top original disc has some wear on surface, you can see the 'dimple' left by the centering divot on the axle shaft!

Re: differential question
 

Was always told a $5 gold piece worked real well there.It makes tearing down a differential more fun ,when you think about it.(I'm still looking.)

Re: differential question
 

When I took mine apart the fiber spacer was as described earlier, obviously compressed, with the edge and the center still the original thickness and otherwise compressed by the ends of the axles. I don't know how long it had been in service as the rearend had been apart before. One thrust washer had been replaced with brass while one was the original babbit.

Re: differential question
 

Thrust washers were the first thing to fail in my 23. After many years sitting I only traveled about 500 ft when it broke.