i got lucky becuase I used ford gears. Do use ford gears. I used all factory shims and it came out decent. If it didnt then just look at your marking pattern when you spin the gears with marking compund on them and search for a website that tells you how to adjust if its not directly in the middle. 8.8s are easy after you have done a Dana 44 front end. I had to take the pinion bearing race out so many times.