[GaTechKid]

As you can see there are many many ways to setup for an instrument approach. As long as they achieve the desired objective they are all correct. The way I teach it in our GNS430 equipped Seminoles is that there are three steps to setting up for an approach:

1) Load the GPS
2) Tune (nav freq), Set (FA course/DTK IAF), Mode (GPS or VLOC), ID, DME
3) Approach checklist (which includes the approach briefing)

We do the Gear Down Before Landing checklist at 1/2 dot below glideslope intercept or at 1.5-2.0 miles before the FAF. As for the actual briefing of the approach, I just follow the briefing strip making sure not to miss the name of the approach/airport, elevation, nav frequency, inbound course, GS intercept or FAF altitude, minimums, and missed approach instructions.