Theoretically, you don't need to leave the solenoid off to pull the drive into engagement with the ring gear. The starter housing has a slot on the underside that you cram a pick or thin screwdriver into, which allows you to pry the starter drive rearward until it engages the ring gear.
Having said that, I've never done it that way (although I probably should start.) I just listen to the starter and deal with whatever shims are needed--thin or thick, multiple shims, half-a-shim under the inner, or the outer bolt. It is--sometimes--greatly frustrating.
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