When you buy a new starter it comes with instructions, shims, and a gauge. I just went out to the shop and checked. I don't have my instructions still though but after looking at what was left in the box it jogged my memory. YOU DON'T NEED THE GEAR OUT AT ALL. THE LITTLE ROD IS YOUR GAUGE AND IT MEASURES THE GAP BETWEEN THE RING GEAR AND THE STARTER GEAR SHAFT. YOU BOLT THE STARTER UP SQARE THEN STICK THE ROD IN BETWEEN THE SHAFT THAT THE GEAR WORMS ON AND THE RING GEAR.