the special tool, collars, and shim gauges are several hundred dollars. Most good dealers will shim your pinion, bearings, and housing for about 1/2 hr. labor if you bring them the parts.
You can also ask them the shim gauge measurement that is stamped on each one, then measure with a height gauge from the pinion to the bearing housing flange and perform the calculations, per the service manual.
thank you sir for the height gauge info. i am gathering all this info for my son. i want him to know how to be able to use other tools and gauges besides specialty tools that are designed for production purpose, and be able also to use different resources. thanks again.
