Re: You friends method of using old bearings. THAT'S BLOODY CLEVER. Wish I had thought of it! I don't have a lathe of any sort so I suppose it's a moot point anyway.
I whiled away the hours this morning, working on my version of bearing installer (well.....Ford's really).
Two sizes have been made. That will cover diff bearing cup, output shaft seal and inner hub bearing cup. I have not yet had the parts welded together, but will have someone do this during the week, all going well (which it rarely does!).
The 'T' handle will ultimately have a nut welded to bottom of the shaft, and the turning of handle draws the bearing/seal towards it....slowly. An hydraulic press would be much easier, but not cheaper. I do have one on my wish list for next years budget.
Through good fortune, the large size pipe is just a 'bees dick' smaller than the bearing cup & grease seal, and it even fits the grease seal lip on the inside of the pipe too. The smaller size is not as perfect a fit but should be no problems.