If you are going to go to the trouble to remove the shaft, why not just get a new gear and put it in? Easier than roughing up the shaft since you only have to push it back far enough to clear the zinc gear.

Six of one and half a dozen of the other, and what is the likelyhood you will put ANOTHER 200,000 miles on the car?

I like the locktite because it is permanent but can still be disassembled, and you don't have to mess about with the number wheels getting out of synch.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!