i honestly dont remember how i turned the gears, this was probably 2 years ago, but i did. and to be honest i dont remember all the steps i followed in setting the preload, but im sure they werent the correct ones. i dont believe that it is necessary to explain my poor installation techniques because you cant believe that it happened to work out ok. all i can say is that the motive gears i used were called "stock replacements" and maybe were machined close enough to stock to not require shim adjustments. or again maybe it was just a lucky fluke.
i hope i dont have trouble down the road, but i might. oh well, im prepared for that. i knew that i was taking a chance when i was installing them, and that i might have to immediately turn around and pay a shop to do them, but that hasnt happened yet.
but lets get something straight, i have in no way recommended that someone do what i did. i simply stated what i did and STRESSED that i knew that i was "lucky", and by stating that i wasnt an expert, i believe its safe to say that i wasnt "advocating" anything, and that one should not look to me for advice in this matter. i didnt say "o yeah this is the way to do it". the original poster asked what else is required, and someone replied a master install kit. if im not mistaken, a master kit includes a new pinion bearing. if there is absolutely no need for a new one, then why would it be put in there? and why would his mechanic tell him to get a new one? its for the peace of mind of the owner that certain parts inside are new. im not saying you cant reuse one, but it doesnt mean that its a bad idea to replace one.
i hear alot of stories about people getting regeared and coming back with whiney and improperly installed gears. if these pros sometimes have trouble setting up gears, what makes you think they cant damage the pinion bearing getting it off? its just one less thing to worry about.
i dont normally post like this, but i get a little defensive if someone criticizes my work on my vehicle when i have no problems with it. also when i get accused of advocating poor workmanship when all i suggested was that a new pinion bearing be used...
but to cover my own a$$, "DONT TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS"
*RANT OVER*