pinion depth, how close does it have to be

Isnt there an order of operations like pinion depth, side clearance then check backlash and ajust? Its been years but i remmeber an order and there was some tool that was bolted in place for the ring gear and carrier and you use feeler guages to select a pinion gear shim keep in mind Im talking Ford 8.8 here not the Mopar chunk but point is there is an order of assembly where if you follow it it goes together quite well. Only bad thing is you need the tools and jigs etc.:)