as i understand it, this is exactly what needs to be done in order to precisely duplicate those measurements, assuming you are reusing the same pitman/idler arms and tapered pins. however, the thickness of the bushing/packing just below it (the one with the curved/beveled edge) will also affect the gap measurement once assembled...Would taking the measurements on the gaps between the centrelink and the pitman/idler arms it is currently attached too be suffecient to make the bushes to transfer it to the steering parts on my car, or are they likely to be radically different?
that being said, the whole point is to have material filling this gap that will give lateral support without interfering with the press-fit of the pitman/idler arms. my first attempt used a stack of washers that was too tall, and it prevented the idler arm from pressing on fully; the nut was tight, but thats because the arm had bottomed out on the washers, not the taper, so once the nut was removed the arm basically just fell off...so for me, it made more sense to calculate the length after the insides were fully assembled. in fact, i did both just to be sure, and had a difference of about 0.010".
the important thing about measuring the gap later is to be sure about the pin being secure & centered...or it will foul up your measurement. beveling the outer edge of that particular bushing will also affect how much pin sticks out and the gap...
