Starting w/ serial #ow100000, the upper of the Bravo will now take shimming tools and gear lash flags to set up.They have shims and a new bearing cup in the bearing pack.Then you use a shim tool to check the pinion depth. Next they have a gear lash flag to check back-lash. 7 new tools will be needed and 4 new flags. Maybe they will last a little longer w/ this new set-up process.

Sounds like more that my mechanic can potentially screw up/forget? Why?

when it's time to freshen my 03 xr drive can these newer methods be used or does it require a new housing/internals (aside from shims etc) makes sense to me- I've done lots of ring and pinion jobs.

When it comes time to do mine I'm going to purchase the proper tools and do it myself. if it can be done, I can do it. Now off to West Marine to buy a tow rope..

Roby