12 bolt crush sleeve vs. solid spacer w/shims

[Chad E532]

I am starting to gather the parts to get my 12 bolt assembled and am wondering if I should toss the stock style crush sleeve in favor of a solid spacer with shims to set the pinion bearing preload. I already have the crush sleeve as part of the bearing kit but if it will make the rear gear set last longer or benefit bearing wear I will order up the solid spacer.
Please share your thoughts / experiences.
Chad

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Chad E532

I am starting to gather the parts to get my 12 bolt assembled and am wondering if I should toss the stock style crush sleeve in favor of a solid spacer with shims to set the pinion bearing preload. I already have the crush sleeve as part of the bearing kit but if it will make the rear gear set last longer or benefit bearing wear I will order up the solid spacer.
Please share your thoughts / experiences.
Chad

Solid spacer is the only way to go.

[Tom Goldman]

If for no other reason but ease of assembally use the solid spacer. ...... The spacer will maintain the preload on the bearings far better than the crush sleeve, and help with better gear life. ....... Tom

[Lyn Smith]

Set up is alot faster with solid one. Start with about .030 shims .

[Dragsinger]

I also like the solid sleeve. Another advantage of using the solid sleeve is this; if you are crushing the OE style sleeve and go too far, you have a problem. But with the solid sleeve, changing shims will always put the pre-load where you want it.

And speaking of pre-loaded, I like my setup to been VERY lightly preloaded, almost none. With the center section assembled, [less axles] I can very easily turn the assembly.

[Chad E532]

Well is seems unanimous the solid spacer has been ordered.
Thank you for helping out on this one.
Now if I can get the housing back from the chassis shop soon I just may make it out to another race this year before the snow flies.
Chad