I pretty well understand all the condsiderations for setting pinion depth and carrier shims and setting the patterns to look for seem to determine proper setup better than precision gauges. I already have a dial indicator. I still need an inch-lb beam wrench and some home made pinion spanners.

I've never opened an axle beyond removing and replacing the axles for seal replacement or bent axle replacement. The couple of axles I have worked with had c-clips and the retainer bolt wasn't broken or stuck. Those were serviced while on my back. This axle will be on the bench.

I have a 12-bolt Chevy rear that needs lower numeric gears. Either 3.08 or 3.42 seem to be my best available choices lower than 3.55. If I were satisfied with 3.55, I would have stayed with my BOP for the project and put in aftermarket parts in place of my open 3.08.

The rest of this axle assembly is all new stuff. It has new bearings, new Eaton posi, and a brand new racing gear set. I think it has new bearings in the axle ends too. I don't think the 3.73 will be highway-friendly. I think the swap would cost $200 at a local shop, maybe more around here and I might not like what they do if I watch. It's always best to not watch sausage made if you're a consumer.

What are the cheapest tools I can buy to slip the pinion bearings off and on numerous times while I set up the new gear set? I know I could whittle out an old bearing for trial fit, but I don't have one to sacrafice.

I'm assuming the carrier bearings are new because that is what I was told (axle was gone through for my Nova") and the seller had receipts for much of the work done. So I assume they won't need to be removed to swap the ring gear. Does anyone have advice on this swap with out making a big investment in one time use tools?