K321 Crank End Play
 

I'm putting the crank in today and when checking the end play with the gasket and 3 paper shims I'm at .018, the manual spec (I believe is) .003-.020. The paper shims that came in the gasket kit are .010. I removed one of the paper shims, reassembled the crank, and now the end play is .008. My question is should I run on the tight side or loose side. I guess if the gasket kit had a .005 shim I could get closer to the middle of the spec.

You're good where you're at. I'd rather have it to the tight side.

Be sure your crank bearing on the flywheel side that it has not moved.

As long as you are between .003" and .020" it's fine. Like Tim, I prefer it on the tight side. This is one spec you don't want to shoot for the middle. Actually, most all specs I prefer to shoot for the tight side, except maybe valve adjustment. As the valves wear, they tighten the gap, so I would prefer they be closer to the loose side than the tight side. Especially new valves because they will tighten up a bit when the seat.