No worries, I think I'm in good hands now.
I spent an hour just getting things cleaned up and organizing -- putting parts and pieces into bins and containers -- to make sure I'm keeping track of everything before I go forward.
I also mocked up the shafts with some wooden dowels screwed into a piece of scrap plywood, this way I can keep all of the gears, snaprings, shims, etc. etc. in order, straight and organized.
Got some heavy-duty snapring pliers too, along with some new safety glasses and work-gloves to commemorate the occasion.
I hope I'm doin' you guys proud.