Hi All. Thanks for the paint colour info. Thanks Tony for the idea of painting the surface where the lining mounts. hadn't thought about protecting that from rust.
About the shims. It is like the bottomless teacup as Tony said. I borrowed a chevy manual, I didn't mention that my ford has the chevy axles, and it says it is a 'Front hub inner grease retainer'. Between the inner wheel bearing and the front axle. I'll maybe see if those are available from Ford or Chevy.
About the shimming. If I was to push the axle 1 inch into the hub (exagerating for effect) and turn the steering wheel, the universal joint would bind and be forced to the front or rear of the vehicle. It would not be pivoting at the same point as the steering knuckle. If the steering knuckle and universal joint are not pivoting on the same axis the axle could bend the inner axle seal. I'll try some different thickness spacers.
Thanks again for the help. Hopefully, soon I'll be able to contribute something. Its wonderful having the MLU site and all the other sites.
Phil
