[dan_mtcycle]

What are the steps installing shifters and a new rear derailleur? I have a pair of XT shifters and a Shimano 105 road RD with an 11-32 cassette (yes, I know the recommended max is 11-27) . Will I have to shorten the chain? How do I determine the proper chain length? This will be paired with 36-22 up front.

 

[oldfart]

Wrap the chain around the 32x36 without going through the pulley wheels and add 2 links. Make sure you do this with the suspension compressed (if its a full suspension bike) so that the max length is right.

I'll assume you know how to remove and reinstall the parts and its the adjustment you are wondering about. Set the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur out a couple turns then attach your cable to the rear derailler so that you take up as much slack as you can with the derailleur all the way out in the 11 position. The shifter has to be in the same gear position. The derailleur high and low limit screws should be set to line up the pulley wheels with the last cogs or just a bit beyond. Once all is snugged up, grab the open run of cable at the down tube and pull on it hard, like Ted Nugent wailing a tremendously large compound bow. Then retention the cable if it needs it. Shift up one on the rear to the 12 and either tighten or loosen the the barrel adjuster to fine tune the shifting. Repeat the shifting and adjusting if needed through all gears and both rings until its all good. Then test ride it and fine tune if needed.

 

[D_D]

Use the around the biggest cogs and add 2 links as a guide it tends to give you too much chain when you only have 2 rings at the front.

look here for instructions
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html