"So, I contacted a professional, that was recommended to me. He tells me that if I took the 3rd member, with the drivel line still attached, it would take him somewhere between 5 and 6 hours, at $85, an hour."
Rugo,
Maybe you could think of it as paying yourself $400+ to learn a new skill. There are plenty of online tutorials on how to do the job. If you look at one of them you'll see how simple it is. Because it uses shims rather than a crush sleeve the Chevy gear set is simple to install. The only "special" tool required is a dial indicator to measure ring gear - pinion "backlash" (clearance). The gear tooth contact pattern is easily shown by smearing artist's oil paint on the teeth.
You can do it!
