pinion depth

john-9 said
just how accurate are the pinion depth checking distances inscribed on aftermarket gears (Chrysler8-3/4 , Ford 9 inch etc.) -- seems with setting the depth using pinion depth setting tools available gear patterns seem to be off a bit -- compared to old school method of shim changes till you get the best gear pattern available.
any have the same experience when setting up gears,
thanks in advance

I`m setting up my first 8 3/4 and am finding out most of the "good" builders don`t mess w/the tools as they have a starting point on the shims based on the case and go from there. Dr Diff even told me it takes almost as long to set up the tools as it does to just go for it and doesn`t even use em anymore...............