Assessing two T221 cases

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Still looking for some advice on this.

Is my assumption that the small gear on the 66 case idler shaft is installed backwards correct?

Looks like shims on the counter shaft is for movement of the shaft itself, and not movement of the gears on the shaft. Would shimming at the spacer between the gears to reduce gap be helpful?

I’m having a hard time removing the counter shaft on the 66 case. As I understand it the shaft should be able to be taped out from inside the gears. Both end caps are removed, but even with a steering wheel puller bolted to the 3 holes on the case, I can’t get the shaft to move from either direction. How do I get that thing out of there?

Have been researching past posts on this and other forums, but can’t find the answers to these questions…help!

Thanks for any advice
Tom