The valve shims are most likely 31mm in diameter. But dont struggle making them bc you would regret as they are widely available. Instead, spend the time and effort to find the tool to lift cam up and the catcher that grabs the shims for ya.
The length of the dial indicator doesnt matter as long as you are able to read values off it properly. The in and out movements of the pump 'plunger' dont exceed 2mm so you'll be fine with a simple vw diesel tool. But the face of the dial ideally reads from 0 to 100 not just until 50 as the vw tools do.
Do the ip retiming in your spare car that has no brakes but runs/ran. Master your skills there... there's nothing that goes wrong as long as you dont butcher things up.
Go by the greenbook or i highly suggest the method in the forum sticky.
When you remove the ip or loosen up the pump, first loosen all hard lines at the injectors and at the pump also, best to remove the thing if you wanna be safest. Why?
These hard lines are fragile and you want to preserve them from bending especially at the ends where they attach. also loosen their three or four clamps on them that are located at various places if still present...hopefully are because they have a function and are needed to keep them safe against vibration.
Then you will be free to do ip removal if necessary and/or testing your tools etc. When the vacuum pump comes off be careful to note the plunger orientation and dont lose the gasket. Do this in cyl 1 at top dead center. You'll have a lot of space to experiment and learn the relatively easy and def straightforward injection pump timing setting procedure. It literally takes minutes when done right. If set right, it runs right.
As the vacuum pump removed, while you remove valve cover also, to positively confirm about the cyl 1 TDC; you can also do valve adjustments if have the tools avail. Or at least check clearances!!! No tools needed for that! You would at least know how off they are or maybe just maybe within specs.
Keep everything immaculately clean. Spray off everything, dirt can not be tolerated in pump or injectors and wont be. Dont forget the hood pad above. Cowl. Head. Valve cover and return lines etc all must be surgically cleaned when you open an inj pump in-car. So dont do it in a sandstorm
