I don't have experience with this exact issue but I can't see how using that shoulder bolt/lock nut would hurt anything. What I would say is to put some bearing grease on the shoulder bolt where it contacts that u joint. Also tighten that lock nut enough to make sure the shoulder bolt won't spin and wear through that bracket. As far as the adjustment, I could try to peak at mine and count exposed threads. I don't know if the mods you have done to your clutch would make it any different? Hope that helps.