A bearing splitter with a good puller or hydraulic press is a must. The bearings are all pressed on, most are in a place where you can't drive them off.
Buy a master kit for the Dana 30. Most master kits for the AMC 20 come with GM shims that go under the pinion bearing, not under the race like factory. Go to www.ratechmfg.com for the correct AMC 20 shims, they're worth the money.
If you get genuine Dana/spicers gears, there will be a number from -5 to +5 on the head of the pinion. There are charts to get a starting point based on the addition/subtraction of numbers on the old/new pinions.
The old shims are always a good starting point, generally final setup is within .010" of factory.
Close ISN'T good enough, you need to be EXACT. Any more than about .002" off, and your gears will be noisy and wear quickly.
Get some of the manuals here: http://www2.dana.com/expert/wc.dll?cvsp%7EDepdf%7E5%7EAXL%7E
Also, what is your current gear, and what are you going to? The carriers may need to be replaced, depending on ratios.
Bob
tufcj
