Ring Gear Bolts

I’m installing an aftermarket limited slip in my 9 in rear and the flange that mounts the ring gear is thicker than stock necessitating a longer bolt as well as one with a smaller head to clear the “pocket” on the differential. I’ve found some grade 8 bolts that will do the trick but I’m questioning the need for washers. The differential I’m installing seems to be an aluminum shell and I want to make sure I distribute the load from the bolts well but I worry about installed height of the bolt heads and them not clearing the case. The factory bolts seem to be a shallow head and didn’t use washers BUT they had a 3/4” head as opposed to the 5/8” head I have to use with the new differential. 

Edited by Notmikeb - 26-July-2020 at 2:18PM

it’s a Yukon Dura Grip and they suggest a 1.25” long bolt (which is what I got) but make no mention of washers. I’m probably overthinking this and they’ll be fine without washers, just loctite. 

The bolts I got with the 5/8” head fit just fine without a washer. Barring any instruction otherwise I’m going to run them as is without a washer and not worry about it. Continuing my trend of overthinking this, I think I’d rather have the extra little bit of thread engagement that running without a washer provided anyway.