Acceptable play in carrier and pinion?

[MAKG]

Is there an inexpensive "tool" to hold the flange stationary or would it be cheaper to have one fabricated.

Though what you did works fine, an easier "tool" is a bolt sized like the driveshaft bolts only longer, with a nut on the end. Thread it through the flange and use the nut to protect the threads. Crank away.