Rebuilding front end

I've ordered a new CVJ 9550TR axles, OEM steering rack, 333 fab billet rack clamp w/red energy bushings, LCA siberian bushings, OEM LBJs, tie rod ends, limit straps, Weld-on spindle supports, etc....my question is that since I'm going to weld on the spindle reinforcements I'm assuming I'll need to press out the bearings because of the heat that will be there? The bearing seem fine but would it be smart to just go ahead and get new ones? I've never done that job before but do have a press and can figure it out. I've put over 100k on the truck which now has over 400k on it and I don't know if the previous owner ever had new ones put on or not but it was meticulously taken care of according to the brief glimpse I saw of the dealership records when I bought the truck. I'm assuming I'll wind up rebuilding the entire assembly but is there a particular kit somewhere that has everything I'll need? I'm not looking for a cheap Amazon or ebay kit...just whatever is the best.

I'm going to have to rent a ball joints clamp from the parts store tomorrow. Tired of trying to separate my lbj's. Not really worried about my tie rods because I'm getting new ones but they might appreciate them being off when I ship back my core. Couldn't get my jba UCAs out either. Since they are flipped from how factory ubjs go in then I'm not sure how well they'll pop out without messing them up.

 

I have limited welding experience, but I think if I was in your situation I would weld on the gussets with the bearings in place, then replace them for new ones. This sounds like the best option in my brain. I would think that having a bearing in the spindle would hopefully eliminate the spindle being damaged from the heat. Personally I'd replace the bearings while you're in there. I'm pretty sure that the spindle needs to be removed from the control arms to press the bearing in/out.

Hopefully someone that has experience with spindle gussets and/or wheel bearings can chime in.

 

Yea I'm not sure. A couple times a year I go on a big road trip and hit the most difficult trails I can go down without tearing things up and I figured if I was tearing the front end apart then that might be a mod I would go ahead and do.

 

Separating LBJ: Get a pitman arm puller.

 

Since you don't know the mileage on your bearings, and since your spindles would be out anyway, I'd go ahead and replace the bearings with new OEM ones.

If you decide not to do bearings, then I'd leave the bearings in while welding. I'd just go slow and let the spindle cool down between beads.

As another user suggested, if you do decide to swap bearings, leave the old bearings in while you do your welding. You wouldn't want to risk having the bearing race warp in any way.