Can a '87 Limited Slip (LS) be installed in a '02 housing that does not have LS? Ratio is 3.23 for both units. I ended up with too much backlash - .070 with the shims from the '02 unit - .242 left and .240 right (total shims .482). Used the shims out of the '87 and reduced backlash to .046 by using .246 on left and .228 on left (total shims .474).
To get to .008 backlash is looks like I need a .260 left. Does dealers have this thick of shim or am I needing another trip to the wrecking yard for a '99-'02 Limited Slip Unit with 3.23 gears? This is for a rod I am building using Camaro
powertrain. Appreciate any shared experiences regarding this.

 

The 87 carrier will fit the 02 housing just fine. You need to get a ring and pinion install kit from any gear manufacturer. The install kit wil have all the shims needed to get the backlash correct.