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Once you have the pinion pre-load correct, re-install the pinion assembly (cage) into the rear end housing. The pinion depth is set with shims between the pinion housing and the rear end housing. If you are not changing the gear sets, the original shims removed should be the correct amount. If you are installing a new gear set, the Eaton Manual suggests using .024 shim thickness for initial buildup. Next install the ring gear and re-assemble the carrier. Now you are ready to mock it up to check the gear mesh to see if it correct. I used Prussian Blue by Permatex. The pinion should contact the ring gear in the center of the face and near the tow of the ring tooth. Adjust the pinion depth to get the contact in the center of the face and adjust the ring gear engagement depth to move contact between the toe and heel of the ring gear. Ideal contact should be 1/16 of an inch from the toe (inside of ring gear) and extend about half to two thirds up the ring gear face. A little trial and error is required to get this correct. The Eaton rebuild manual gives detailed examples of what the contact should look like "www.eaton.com/ecm/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=270938".