all those who know how to install ring and pinion gear

so right now you have the carrier torn down? and the pinion gear is read to reinstall?

so let me get this straight, You get the pinion gear to set in the rear end all the way forward to get the nut on the end?? Then yes you have to hit it. I highly recommend using a brass punch as they are soft. Once the pinion is in enough to get that cover and nut on then you can just use the nut to pul it down and tighten it to 14-18 in lbs (if using a used bearing I believe) or up 18-29 in lbs for new bearing. You'll feel the crush collar give (as I did) and when that happens you won't be far off from when you need to stop. Check on those torque settings though as I did mine back in March, But I know those are atleast close. Just know that when you are setting the torque on that pinion gear that it is the rotating torque or drag. So the pinion should rotate when you are testing the torque on it. Hope that helps and doesn't confuse you