Rear Axle: How "tight" do you press the rear axle bearing on?

[1953champcoupe]

This is a Dana 44 Axle,(58 Hawk) I pressed one of the bearings off last night and it really "popped" when it finally released, I could find no shoulder on the axle so.....how "tight" do you press the axle bearing on. I couldn't find anything in the 53/54 shop manual.

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

You don’t press it on at all. It is a tapered I. D. Bearing and it will fit where it is supposed to be. Do not attempt to force it further.

[1953champcoupe]

Thanks, it took a lot of pressure to get the old one off so it made me wonder if it needed to be pressed on. That must be why nothing is mentioned in the shop manual, probably means I will need to buy shims to get the end play correct

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

Remember, setting end play can just as often mean pulling shims rather than adding shims.

[1953champcoupe]

Remember, setting end play can just as often mean pulling shims rather than adding shims.

I can hope