[Fwilkinson]

I have used trial bearings to check set-ups in building gear sets in farm equipment where I worked. You hone out the trial bearing just enough to slip on the shaft and check for proper shims behind the bearing. Once you figure out what you need you instal the shims with the service bearing. Works every time.
This way you don’t use a puller to remove a tight fitting bearing and perhaps damage it. Makes quick work of a difficult problem. I’ve done hundreds of gear sets on farm equipment machinery this way. Pretty much just like Tom Endy describes in his wonderful article on rebuilding the Model A rear axle.
Fred