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OK, everywhere I look I see shims being placed on the pinion itself. I would much prefer punching out the race and doing it that way but I'm kind of confused based on the size of the shims...
When I rebuilt my 8.25 there were no shims between the bearing and the pinion and there were (3) between the race and the case. The master kit I got also had shims for the pinion. I lucked out and two of the ones behind the race got mine pinion where it needed to be so I never had to go looking for the larger shims.
BTW, I mocked up mine with some gauge blocks and a drop indicator to set it for the depth engraved onto the end of the new pinion. I was within 0.002" and when I put it together the pattern was perfect. Also, a lot of pinions will have another number engraved onto the bottom like +.004 or -.002. If the existing one has a similar number you take the difference and adjust the shim pack by that much and you will be where you need to be.
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