big to big, not thru the mech, add 2 links

Thank TJ. Running a Stinger for the first time too. Does this affect things?

No idea. does it alter the chain run?

I'd run it through the Stinger, as it will (very, very slightly) shorten your chain, as it adds tension, then as TJ says, 'big to big and add 2 links'.

Stinger's actually going to lengthen the chain as with the Stinger on the chain won't take the shortest (straight) route from chainring to rear mech [God I must be bored to have bothered to write that!]

i run a 36 tooth race face front, with bashguard.

keep the chain as short as possible, really stretch the rear mech out, as long as it changes; keep it tight.

may be worth looking at a short cage mech; road style. in the old days downhillers used road cassettes and mechs. this made for a smoother transition, there was always a sharp drop between some of the lower gears

this may be feasible if your ran a 32 front and maybe bodged if possible a 10 tooth rear?

36T with an 11-34 cassette. Cut it now and fitted. Seems OK, will give an initial indexing, short ride and get back to you. Thanks for the replies.