Thanks Denny you were a huge help. And Gmoniz too.

I'm going to fab up a tool like I found on one of the chevy boards to set up the carrier bearings, looks simple but effective - bend some bar stock and weld on a nut.

tooltime

Now bro in law says to pack the pinion bearing ( and the carrier bearings) with grease, but others say this is a no no - won't allow axle lube in and may cook up the bearings.