LS/4.8/5.3/6.0 cam bearing installation tool for less than $45

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I started with an axle bearing race installation kit from Harbor Freight for $37 out the door. Several aluminum race installation hubs were included. I used the 59mm one for the extraction and the combination of the 59mm and 63mm for the installation. I had to drill the centers out to the 5/8" all thread and hardware ($8 from a local Farm & City supply store) and I had to sand down the edge of the 59mm hub to clear the OD of the center 3 bearings because the early blocks at least run slightly larger OD on the outer two, slightly less on the next two, and center is the smallest and only by a few thousanths each step. A few taps and they pop out, and the install takes a bit longer as I have to assemble the 63mm hub inside the block each time, but it works!!!!

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more pictures

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Last 2 pictures with all old ones out and new rear one shown installed!

[NewType72]

How awesome is that!! I love the Enginuity sir you friggin rock!

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Slight modification to the above. The 59mm doesn't support the bearing enough for installing them. I ended up firing up my lathe and turning down the 63mm one for the installation, but even that one was still beveled towards the front edge, so I moved to the next larger one. Now I've got it down, but it cost me one bearing learning. So 19 dollars on another new set of cam bearings, still way cheaper than the LS cam bearing installers out there.

[bnoon]

I just realized I never showed the green 63mm puck once I turned it down on the lathe. Supported the bearing much better for the installation. To install the first bearing is easy, the green puck bolts to the end of the tool and you just tap it into place. For the 2-5 bearings, I used the orange puck to rest on the first bearing to support the tool, then assemble the green puck inside the lifter valley, slide the bearing on, then tap into place. Worked very easy. Not as quick to change orientation as the professional tools are, but at less than 1/4 of the cost of the nice one, it worked out great!

[AGearHead4Life]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing! I'll be copying this tool. I've had it on my wish list for a while to get a cam bearing install tool. This price makes it much more possible.