HELP 8-3/4 741 case new stuff - price for setup - options

So rear end gurus of the FABO and Mopar REALM... Did I just REALLY screw up? What I've done...I bought a 741 case years ago had 3:23 gears non-SG, (I think I paid 50 bux)...was intact but even turning by hand I knew the front pinion bearing would have groaned. I took it apart and pressed out the tapered races. I bought a 3:73 Richmond set (everything I've got I bought from Dr. Diff (Cass is great))...and Timkin rebuild kit and shims as well as a SG-II from him and have been reluctant to press the races in the case again because not sure of too many things. So I reached out to a local (Front Royal Virginia) guy and he wants 730 bux to put all back and I guess I messed up by taking it down to nothing, if I hadn't he would charge me 450 bux...

I'm in need of a sanity check guys please tell me how stupid I am (already know) and maybe offer some options, opinions, thoughts??? Thanks!