Now I see..? the C-line is different from my A and B lines!
If it does depend on pre-load like you say, you just need a big clamp..? and remove the final cage and tubes.
My biggest clam is not big enough but you get the idea.
Or, nobody says you really need a vernier.? My early T-4X and the up to the early R-4A rigs didn't have them.
I even watched a YouTube recently that the guy bragged about the nice fast adjustment on his early rig!
Just freeze the two shafts somehow, maybe JB Weld or squeezing them?
73,
Gary
WB6OGD