'00 Foreman 450 S rear end questions

Hey guys, new to the site. I bought a '00 450 S a while back that the previous owner said needed a new rear end. Got new ring gear, axle, rear diff bearing kit, axle bearings, and swingarm bearings just to be on the safe side. I'm having a problem getting the pinion out though. I also got the special tool to get the lock nut off but I can't get past the nut that's in the collar around the pinion itself. Any suggestions on how to get this off? The service manual shows a special tool but I can't seem to find it anywhere and it probably costs an arm and a leg anyway. Tried wedging something between the case and pinion but nothing works. Also, when I took off the spacers that go on each side of the ring gear I didn't pay attention to which one went where..no idea about lash etc. I'm starting to think maybe I just need to buy a used one off Ebay and be done with it. Any suggestions? Help is appreciated.