no it's not a dumb idea, it's the way they should be made. i'm not sure but you may have to turn a recess in the gear to use a three piece bearing. OTOH a single hardened washer might work between the two bronze surfaces but i don't know if anyone has done this.

Leigh sent me this some time ago but i never ordered the parts. there had been a post about this very subject
Quote:

"The Torrington number is NTA 815 and you have a choice of two different thicknesses thrust races. First one is .030 and the pn is TRA-815
Second one is .060 and pn TRB-815. You will need two races. I bought both sizes, but am only using the .030 thick ones"






here's the washer if you just wanted to use that washer