I messed with enough 9"es, but never tried the solid crush shim. Does one normally get the correct pre-load by removing the old crush sleeve, measuring it and then I assume ordering the solid spacer for the thickness you need. Theoretically, I'm sure it's supposed to work that way, but does it???

I would guess you shim the pinion bearing like on a dana axle and just use a solid ring like you described. I don't know fo sho tho yo.

Yes, you have 1 large spacer, and a pack of shims.
You shim it until its right :)

That is correct, you shim it till it's correct. The solid spacer is usually found in daytona pinion supports