NP205 Rebuild help: Idler gear shims

[JMD]

Hi all,
I'm in the process of rebuilding the NP205 in my '68 K20 and I can't seem to get the idler gear shimmed properly. When I took the assembly apart it slipped out of my hand and pieces flew everywhere, so I have no idea which shim went where. I do know there were three shims. Two thin, and one that was a little thicker.

I know that the shims go between the bearing and the spacer. My question is, does it matter which side of the spacer the shims go on?

I played around with putting the spacers in different spots and it didn't seem to make a difference. However, I was never able to get the end play within spec (<.002"). I'm assuming it's okay to remove a shim at this point because the bearings are a little more "broke in", correct? I have about .010" of end play as it sits.

Any info is appreciated, thanks.