Bearing Press?

[Martin64]

I got into a little project today replacing the bearing on the drive shaft. As soon as I pulled it loose from the rear yoke dry bearings fell out of the cups on the rear u-joint. So, being the cheap bastage that I am, all I have is a wood working vise (steel, not cast like a good garage should have). I did get all the u-joints pressed out and in with some "persuation" and the new bearing on and the shaft back in place but I think I could have made better progress and been a little faster had I owned a good vise and a bearing press.

For those of you that have them (bearing press), how often have you used it on your truck? I mean, I have no problem getting one and having another tool in the garage (you can never have too many tools) and I know I'll use it on other projects/jobs, but is it worth it to buy one just for a truck project? I'm just getting into this project (after owning the truck for 2 years).

[matthufham]

i've asked myself the same question everytime i work on u-joints, but havent bought one yet.

[rkarr]

Hi guys!
I bought a little 12 ton bearing press.... It stands nicely in the corner, out of the way, and is INCREDIBLY handy to have!!!
I think I paid just over $100 shipped.. Ebay.

On the other hand, some parts stores will loan you the u-joint tools, they are a "C" clamp type contraption that you just run the screw in and it presses the joints... I used to do them the way the "od-man" taught me...m with a hammer and a couple of sockets, but it's interesting... they never lasted

Hope it helps.