TOPIC:

After cleaning the race and cup, lightly oil them and place the race in the cup. With your finger apply light pressure and turn the race in the cone and "Feel" if there's any spots where the race hesitates while turning. Bear in mind that this particular bearing set really doesn't rotate at all compared to the same race installed on a motor. And as far as weight on the race, it might be 100 lbs at the most since 90% or better is carried by the shocks loading on the rear axle. The only reason you might have to change it out would be due to rust if the seals leaked.

Thanks Kawboy, that's how i estimated the state of my bearing too. With no visible damage and the way the race turns in the seat of the bearing, with out any resistance throughout it must be ok.

Just managed to remove both pins in under 20 minutes using an even simpler tool (see pic).

No drama, but it was helped by the fact that the engine and driveshaft were removed, and that there apparently was little rust.

But I can tell the bearings are shot by simply looking at them!

Paul