need help on a tool purchase

[D7Guy]

ive got an np435 swap in the works and i just got my rebuild kit from novak in the mail today.

im looking on the harbor freight website for a bearing puller/splitter set but im not really sure what ill need.

can somebody reccommend a good set to me for rebuilding a ford transmission?

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

i think the 11 piece slide hammer set is what i want (can be used for other things as well), but will this work for the trans rebuild?

[barrelroll]

Get a really good bearing seperator. The cheap ones are junk and don't last at all, i dread using them like I dread using cheap vice grips. I've used OTC's that my school has and they are ok though still are starting to tweak (they are school's so they get abbused). I'm really eying the snap on splitters but they arn't cheap at all Snap-on Tools anyone try em? I'm thinking 1 1/8, 2 3/8 and 4 1/2, i don't think i've ever used a 6 1/2" splitter for axle gears and I havn't done a tranny .

I don't like cheap hand tools period but I really avoid cheap tools that can "hurt me". I'm a tool snob and I get pissed off when cheap tools cause me problems or make the job a lot harder. I've had some chineese pullers, an OTC and a craftsman, the OTC was the best of the 3, the cheepies just don't grip as well as the good ones. The slide hammer might be allright going with a chepie and just use good puller attachments but they hurt when they slip or fall off something.

[jdoggmoney]

You might try it without a splitter. I have a cheapy that I've only had to use a couple of times. Most often once the snap ring is removed you can slip the bearing off without too much hassle. One thing I would suggest is a quailty pair of flat nose snap ring pliars.

[n0nka]

If you live near an AutoZone, their free loan-a-tool program might be just the ticket. Personally I jump at the chance to buy a new tool. But for something that may not work, it gives you an opportunity to try before you buy. Some pullers look like they'll reach a certain area, but won't due to a nearby obstruction etc...

[GreenMachine]

I bought 2 and I am not sure the sizes but I think they are like 2" and 3". They are not snap on but one of the other drive around and sell tools off the truck company. I suppose that the grade of metal used to make these set them apart from each other in price. I believe I paid less than $100 for both mine and they have been used in a couple transfercase rebuilds 2 transmission and a few times to get bearings off carriers. I am not positive but I think the name of the company that made them was proto tool...

I used to sell hand tools and I know for a fact that up until 2 years ago Mack, husky, and stanley, proto and probably a few other companies were under the same parent company and all made in Texas. Craftsman used to be made by Mack but I think they went lowest bidder on hand tools just like all their other stuff. I don't put a huge amount of stock in one tool being better than another with out holding them both in my hand. I have some snap on stuff thats nice but it is also overpriced in my opinion. I have Husky tools (stuff I used to sell) that have held up to a great amount of abuse. At one time they had the tightest ratchet in the buisness as far as clicks per turn. Home Depot has sincee ruined them though as they licensed the name and have alot of it imported from China and Taiwan....

Anyways I wouldn't spend the money on the snap on I think there are cheaper options that will do what you want in a bearing seperator.