I never used a press when I built my 8-3/4. A heat gun and freezer works just as well. Never used a pinion depth tool either. Set up bearings and marking compound works fine for checking pinion depth - it just take a little longer if adjustments are needed.
I also never used case spread when I built the Dana 60 in my 66. That was a pain in the ***, but it turned out just fine.
