[Mike C]

The OEM Dana gears might have had pinion depth markings on them. One nice thing about gear sets is along the outside of the ring gear along with the part number and gear ratio you should be able to find a date code showing when the gears were made if you are interested.

On my Jimmy I replaced the bellhousing mount starter with a Denso style mini starter. This is the one that bolts to the block but has an unsupported Bendix so nothing goes past the bellhousing flange on the block but the drive gear itself.

For the most part I'm done with old style GM starters. The aftermarket gear reduction types are just so much more powerful/lighter. You can get GM style gear reduction marine starters on Amazon for less than $60 FWIW.