Pulling a pinion shaft bearing - tool question
 

Quick question, I need to purchase a bearing splitter to pull the pinion shaft bearing for my 3.63 swap.

What is the consensus on the size of the splitter? is it based on shaft diameter?

I'm looking at this for $50: Bearing Separator and Puller Set (harborfreight.com)

J

Just has to be large enough to straddle the bearing pinion interface. Sometimes those bearings are very hard to remove.

I've never seen a pinion that would allow a bearing splitter to be used without contacting the roller cage. That means removal of the bearing will be destructive no matter what you do. Cut it off with a Dremel.

+1
I did buy a large bearing separator for mine, but was unable break it loose. Ended up having to use an angle grinder with a metal blade.

Not a Dremel unless you have an hr to waste. You can use an angle grinder, but not to cut through the cross section. It’s more of a radius from the wheel being parallel to the race after the cage and rollers are removed. Even though it’s not the end of the world if you grind into the pinion, you don’t have to grind completely through the race. When it gets thin, maybe .010-.020” it will lose its fit or sometimes even crack. Then use the puller if needed. I have on occasion just tig welded a tube with flange to the race and pressed them off.

When you install the new bearing put the pinion in the freezer and warm the bearing to 200-250F before pressing it on. Use some engine oil for lube. Some diffs use shims behind the pinion, behind the race or both. Every time you reshim you will need a new bearing. The races can usually be removed without being destroyed, but not the bearing. There are tricks, but not something the diy’er can do easily for the onetime gear change.