Hmm... interesting. I will keep an eye out if I can find any measurements and/or if we have a vehicle in the shop for some axle work.
Sweet. Thanks.
For as relatively easy the front bearings are, those rear ones seem like only a slightly more involved DIY job but for that tool. I've seen a few different ones for sale and none are less than ~ 300. But the few pieces of steel needed could be had for fairly cheap I'd guess, and the welding seems easy enough (keep in mind I'm not a welder) to only warrant a modest fee.
Don't know the prevalence of rear wheel bearing failure, but my fronts went tits up at around 70k (IIRC). I'm sure it would be a very infrequently used tool, but I'll bet T4R members in a region could work out a method to loan that thing around or have "wrench-in's" to share access to tools and extra hands for some jobs. And, who wouldn't enjoy a frosty beverage or 2 after a successful repair/mod...?
The other tools needed (shop press, and tools for fab'ing the SST) would come in useful for future projects, I'd think.
I know owners of earlier gen's and the older trucks can even use old axle housings, which may be an "easier" thing to get hold of, but housings from a 4th gen (at least around these parts) is about as rare as the Holy Grail...
Anyhow, here's hoping you find some info or a truck comes in soon with axle issues..
ray2:
Bob
