Ring and Pinion Backlash

[Hubnut]

I moved the guts of a CUCV M1008 rear axle to a 14 bolt tube with the correct perch positions today. I used the shim set that was on the recipient pinion housing. I got a good pattern--working with prussian blue sucks! Anyway, to get the correct pattern, my backlash is at the limit (0.012 inches). It may even be a little over that (0.013 or 0.014). If I move the gear any closer to the pinion, the pattern heads for the toe. I'm a novice and probably dangerous with r/p. Do I add or remove shims from the pinion? The pattern depth is good now.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

We need pictures, but generally a pattern towards the heel or toe is nothing to worry about. Its the root/tip part of the pattern that matters.