[Spicer]

I would say if the bearings (carrier) are good, I would swap the shims on the carrier as well, and do a test installing the carrier to see where you are, check the pattern and go from there, If you are replacing a factory open carrier to another factory open carrier you will be surprised how close they will be, and if then you need to move the carrier back or closer buy a Mini shim kit it will have (should) a seal, pinion & carrier shims with making compound. When the axle housing is out I use the spreader on the Dana models, but looks as though you already have the gears out so you have a good bead on how to do it.