I started this as a new thread because someone may want the info I find out here.

In my previous posts about rebuilding the transfer case and transmission, I was trying to find what type press to use to do so. U-joints could use replaced too. Gathering the information. Now I need to decide which press to get. Sounds like you need a 12 ton press to remove and install the bearings in the transmission and transfer case. I would just like to get a press that will handle anything I might run across on my samurai without getting more than I need. Budget is a concern so I want to get something that will hold up, do all the jobs I need it to do, and not break the bank.

Looking at harbor freight and northern tools and equipment, I can't decide what to go with.

1. If anyone has bought a press from one of these places or somewhere else, can you tell me where, what it is, what it cost, and your impression?

2. Do you need to buy some sort of accessory package with the unit to be able to do all the different tasks?

3. If anyone is using less tonnage, I want to know.

Any input appreciated

-Adam

One quick note: It appears that northern tool charges more for shipping. An 80.00 item from Harbor is around $10.00 shipped and from northern is around $30.00 (from what I could tell)

I guess I'll run to harbor freight to see what they have today. Just kind of wondering which configuration and what tonnage will meet all my needs.

-Adam 

harbor freight has a 30 ton bottle jack on sale for 59.99, make your own frame for it.

I wouldn't know where to begin since I don't weld and time's kind of scarce. I would have to come up with all the steel and what ever components necessary and by the time I was done doing all the running around, it could be weeks till I actually get around to putting it all together.

 I actually got Friday and Saturday night off this weekend but typically work 6 days a week, and more often than not, 12 hour days. I was self employed a couple of years ago and had the time (kind of) to do this kind of stuff but then I ended up not making money because I was home in the garage. Ha Ha!

I'll look up a home made plan anyways. You never know.

-Adam

I bought one of these:
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=17533.0

It is the welded frame 20 ton unit. I was going to buy a 12 ton version, but after talking with friends they suggested I stay far away from those piles. Seems they rack really badly with a load on them, and just scare everyone around them.

I was going to wait till Harbor Freight had a sale and then use a discount coupon for super savings, but I needed one for a diff build and ran down to the local store. They had one in stock, had to dig it out of the bottom of the storage area (3 heavy boxes) and then they rang it up on a discounted sale price for me.

I'm very happy with the press. We plan to use it for a lot more than just pressing on and off bearings. If you only need something for bearing use on occasion, then a 12 ton version for half the money will do you fine. I'd suggest the non A-frame version. Like this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=33497

If it starts racking, have someone weld up the frame, and maybe add some gussets.

If you are going to be using the things a lot, I highly recommend the 20 ton. Will work well as a press brake, dimple dies, etc.

-Wayne

I went down to harbor freight and looked at what they had. I agree with you. The 12 ton rocked back and forth. The 20 ton was not as bad. I didn't like the height of either one. Here's the one I'm considering. It is bench top but only 10 ton. Maybe I can switch out the pump if I need too. It seems like it would handle more than 10 tons. I believe it is cast iron, bench top, and very heavy.  I think you have to cut and paste it into the browser since I don't know how you did yours.

  http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=10+ton+shop+press

 or this one

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200332763_200332763

:http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200332763_200332763

I like the harbor freight one because there's no shipping. But it's only 10 ton. Hopefully enough. I hate to pay that much for a 20 that feels so flimsy and takes up extra floor space. I want to be able to do my axles and a few other things on my vehicle but I don't know if a 10 ton will do what I want.

I guess if I go with the 12 or 20 ton, I'll get it reinforced. If I can get by with the 10 ton, I think I'll go harbor freight. The only other disadvantage is that you don't get the height capacity.

Maybe I need one of these bearing separators to speed things up?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=7343


What do you think.

-Adam