Glad to help Jim. Sounds like you have the wrong carrier for your gear set. There were 2 carriers for 8-1/4"s depending on what gear ratio you have. I can't remember what the gear ratio split was but I bet RustyRatRod would know. You might try messaging him
I got the carrier off ebay out of a dakota or something new If all I have to do is make shim than I'll do that. I just wish I could get a pinion measurement I'll try Rusty