I used to use the parting line method. The line was not always in the middle but easy to compensate for. Just measure the caps and the housing. Add the results and split the difference. Add or subtract the result of the split to the carrier. Like everyone has said you need to read the pattern anyway so now I just start with the old shim.
Doug
This is quite correct,when using the parting line first measure the depth of the bearing seat(apex of the radius of half the bore) then devide the total radius by 1/2.ie: a Dana bearing race measures 3.813 devided by 2 equals 1.9065,if the housing depth measures 1.881 ,this tells us the housing part line surface is machines .025 below the true bearing centerline and we must add .025 to correct our pinion depth.
We have and use all the fancy tools,but in the end we do what ever to obtain the best pattern and clearance which is the most important thing.
