I purchased a Penn vi 4500 back when they came out. Felt a bit "geary " . Didn't send it back. Thought it would smooth out over time. Didn't, so I bit the bullet and ordered a new main and pinion. Question I have is there a method for shimming main gear besides reinstalling the factory shims?
Use the amount that was in the original main gear if you have them. The only way to do it is too put it together each time until you get it right. It's a pain.
If not add just enough do there is no in and out on the handle play. Pulling in and out on the handle.
I have found that most of the time when adding new shine I have to remove one of the originals. The inner dimensions of the shim is 8mm. The same as the bearings.
Keith