8.75 rebuild tips

That's the best tip is about the inner (large) pinion bearing. But you only have to hone the one, the outer (small) is a slip fit, not a press fit. Once the inner bearing is honed for a slip fit, it makes it very easy to set up the proper shim to get pinion gear depth correct. Whenever I do one, I use a new bearing and hone it, since using an old bearing will effect your final outcome. Bearings are cheap compared to having to buy another ring and pinion because you got it wrong. Do it once. Do it right. It's always cheaper in the long run.