I have all the parts acquired to re-build my front D44. It will be getting new 4.88's, Aussie locker, new carrier, new Alloy USA chromoly shafts, new Warn Premium lock-outs, and all new disc brake components. I had planned on farming out the labor, but for the prices I've been quoted, I've decided to buy the tools that I didn't have and do it myself. It probably won't be the last one I need done, anyway. I have ordered a magnetic base dial indicator and used bearing press. I already own a bearing puller and the other various hand tools needed to complete the task. Anybody have any tips or short cuts to offer? Thanks.

Read read read.

Read this a few times
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

Similar question recently
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=629173

Tools that are good to have
-Brass drift
-Pipe wrench to hold the yokes
-Inch lbs torque wrench (bought mine off of amazon) for pinion preload
-Torque wrench that'll do 250 ft lbs (I like a smaller one for the caps and other stuff)
-Tube of GM gear marking compound (they never give you enough in the kits)
-Calipers for measuring shim thickness
etc. etc.
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Thanks, already read both of those as well as several other Pirate threads and anything else I could find on the subject.

I think the only thing I don't have so far is the calipers. Actually I do have one, I just haven't been able to find it.

actually, a micrometer will work better for reading shim thickness.... i am a union millwright and use them quite often, when you are measuring in thousandths of an inch you will appreciate the mic.

Seating the pinion seal can be tricky. Helps to have a piece of 3" DOM or some other round tubing that fits the inside of the seal and can be tapped with a hammer. I found a piece of PVC at Home Depot that worked great.

Make sure to use red loctite on the ring gear bolts and tighten them in a star pattern.

-Tube of GM gear marking compound (they never give you enough in the kits)

Whaddy'a painting the whole gear with it? The teensy little bit they give ya will do a dozen installs.
You only need a smear on your finger to cover 3 teeth in 4 places.

Also find and read the yukon install manual - I think there's a pdf on Randys Ring & Pinion site. That method of re-using pinion shims and using the pattern to get depth has worked better for me than trying to actually measure pinion depth. I guess it'll depend on what tools you have access too. I'm not sure what the preferred method is for the pros, but that's worked fine for me.