Yes, I did. Bearings, shims, swivel ball wipers/seals, etc., but again there is no existing shim arrangement. I have no baseline to work from, which is why the SST. This axle was taken apart several years ago and may or may not still have the original knuckles. Only a couple of the original shims are even still around.

why do i feel like i'm talking to a wall

AGAIN, if you are using Marlin's rebuild kit,  assemble the knuckle with 1 thick shim and 1 thin shim (they come in the kit) on the lower cap and then 1 thick shim and 1 thin shim under the steering arm,  then tighten down  ( this is your baseline )THEN you measure the resistance of the knuckle with a fish scale 10-12 pounds of pull is the projected resistance

AGAIN  if your knuckle is looser than 10-12 pounds  then you need to remove a thin shim

HOWEVER  I've done this on several knuckle rebuilds I've done for friends ALL WITH A BOX OF PARTS ,( < no baseline as you say ) and AN EMPTY HOUSING AND THE MARLIN KIT,   and every one I've done has been within spec with 1 thin and 1 thick shim from the kit on top and bottom on new bearings and races

if your not using Marlins kit then that's another story