ring and pignon install

Only way to tell is by using a pinion depth gauge or by "removing and repressing a hundred times". 8.8" rear ends and the ring and pinion gears that go in them are not precision machined components. Ergo, there is no "standard" shim that you use for a given gear ratio.

EricTheCarGuy actually did a pretty well documented how-to on setting up an 8.8" rear end that shows some tricks to get around having to remove and press the bearing every time if you don't have a depth gauge.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fARhE7v5Bg