Well, it turns out it was easier than I could have dreamed. That tool lists for $850-$900, obscene. Someone was listing one online for $550 new, R rated, not obscene. Turns out the company is located about 25 minutes from where I live. So, after making a drawing of the tool with fill in the blanks for required dimensions I proceeded to the shop planning on offering them some cash if they would allow me to take measurements. At first there was some confusion as they thought I wanted to borrow the tool and return it. Once they realized I just wanted to dimension the tool, there, they said go for it and did not want to accept any money! Pulling out my handy digital caliper I proceeded to measure the welded tool and filled in the blanks. Double and triple checking my measurement took all of about 12-15 minutes. Next stop is to pick up some 6 inch and 1 inch round stock and hit the lathe and Bridgeport. A little MIG or TIG later I will have a fully operational 5.44 case pinion height measuring tool, all for the princely sum of about $60 and 2-3 hours of my time. That price includes $30 to the parts guys for coffee.
Confidence level high. Fairly basic machining skills involved in making this.
