1985 Johnson 2.6L HELP

I have a 1985 Johnson 2.6L that I am replacing the stock gearcase with a Bobs Performance Nose Cone. Ithe has the integrated LWPU. I got this unit for $150 but it was in need of some refirbishing. I called Bobs and asked about the internals. They said that the stock internals would work because it is a stock unit with the LWPU.

My dilemma:

1. I don't have a OMC shim guage so I don't know if the spacing between the shims and the gear is correct. Any way I can measure it with a tape measure or a feeler guage?

2. I don't have the special tool to remove the driveshaft bearing that's inside the gearcase. Any way to remove it and replace it without that tool?

I have the OMC repair manual for this motor but it doesn't give the specific measurements for the shim spacing.

Any and all help is appreciated

Your gearcase purchase may be the typical "stock" V6 gearcase. On the other hand, it could be a factory 2.6 gearcase. I was told that the 2.6 gearcase was assembled differently that other V6 engines. Something about the shimming procedure for this 2.6 model only. Makes it different from all other V6 gearcases. Perhaps an expert knows some particulars/details.

These gearcases are only shimmed on the pinion gear. It is set to the drive shaft and top bearing carrier. To my memory only the 76 to 78 models had shimming on the front bearing/gear assembly. Again if memory serves the 83 to 85 2.6XP had a different process in the gear manufacturing, they now sub to the same gears as the standard 235 of that vintage.

You could make your own tool to remove and use the correct size socket with extension to install the pinion bearing.