Good Morning

New to the forum. Bought my second ranger a month ago, a 2001 Super Cab XLT. Got it at auction for a steal and I have spent many many hours fixing it up. After totally rebuilding the front suspension I started working on the rear end. I had a wobble and some noise in the rear drivers side wheel and the seal had a small visible leek. I pulled the axels and pulled the old bearings. I noticed pitting on the axle shaft in the bearing wear area so I opted for axle repair bearings as replacements, but I can't seem to drive these bearings in. I made sure the inside of the axle tubes were clean and I am using a bearing press die and a 4 pound hammer but its super slow going and taking a lot more effort that I feel should be necessary. I stopped last night after I got one side driven in half way. I have verified that the part is correct. Has anyone else done axle repair bearings? is it normal to take a ton of hammering to seat them? Any advise would be appreciated

I have the 7.5" open rear end.
These are the bearings I am using - https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...01-ford-ranger

 

What did you end up doing? I am currently in the same position as you were and I am confused about the repair bearing orientation.... It almost seems, according to the picture in the directions it came with, that the seal end goes in towards the diff, not out towards the tire.... I put one in with the seal on the outside and it wouldn't go in correctly as you were stating... Pulled it out, flipped it, and it drove home with about a 1/4 or less of the bearing race still sticking out, which again According to the picture in the instructions said that is normal.... But the picture is hard to understand... To me anyway.....