^yes^ You will have to make a jugement call. Because the in order to to really check the pre-load of the pinion bearing you have to remove the ring gear and check the turning force of the pinion gear with a torque wrench that measures inch pounds. So unless you tear it all the way down, you'll have to SWAG it.

99 Gen 2.5, fixing blown head gasket
89 SWB- 33's, ARB Front locker, SR rear locker/axle, SR F brakes, winch, WST Offroad Armor all Around, 2.85 Aussie T-case Gears (SOLD)
Sold: (2) 95 SR's, 86 SWB, 90LWB, 91 LWB
-Can Change a timing belt in my sleep..