8 1/4 axle inspection.

I have my buddy's lift lined up next weekend to look at rear end. One question I have is the pinion preload. In the field service manual it says 30-35 inch pounds, but this is with just the pinion installed. What should the measurement be with carrier and axles installed? I know you should record this reading before you tear down, but what is correct? I know to remove drums to not affect reading. I assume the carrier and axles will add to preload measurement.

Also I may be getting a head of myself but in the field manual they use the special tool to measure pinion shim then assemble the pinion with crush sleeve, then set carrier in and set up carrier. I do not have special tool so I will probably be re assembling several times. So do I set pinion preload and crush the sleeve last? Is there on order to assembly if you do not have the special pinion measuring tool?