MitsuStyle - '99 GSX Tranny Rebuild Question

1999 GSX
80,000+ miles

I'm going to be putting in a new synchros in 1st, 2nd and maybe 3rd gears. This is NOT my first tranny rebuild. I've done them before with my old '97 GST. I have a question regarding the bearings. Some require preload and others endplay. I took the top covers off and took the top bearing race and spacer out. Then i put some solder on top of the bearing races. Then retorqued the covers down to spec. I wanted to see what they used for spacing from the factory to compare it with the manual. I only have a question on the center diff. The others came out fine on measurement.

For the center diff the manual calls for .0031 to .0051" of end play.

Both times my solder was coming out at around .0475 to .0480"
The spacer in there is a #37 with is about .0525 when measured.

Being the spacer is thicker than the solders, I would have PRELOAD of about .0045" The book says it should have end play though.

Have any of you transmission rebuild guys ever used case preload for the center diff instead of what the manual says?

Thanks for any help!