Cj5 steering swivel removed

All this to put nice new bearings on these swivels..

Glad I didn't throw this useless brake flaringtool out. I found some use for it afterall!

At last the bare axle!

Finally started this job on the CJ that got sidetracked by arrival of the Bronco.

Well that took some effort! I thought I'd remove the steering swivel with a little effort and some sort of press. Turned out to be more than a little stubborn. Finaly I could move it with the help of an old and otherwise useless brakeflaring tool. I swapped the press for a biggish nut and bolt. After a while( and killing several of those nuts and bolts) the top swivel joint moved and finally came out. Then I could use a long drift and big hammer to punch out the lower one. The outer bearing rings came out with some slight(really!)tapping with same drift.
Now I need to clean the whole lot and fit the new bearings and rings. Wonder where all the oil went.. Oh and the driveshaft needs a new UJ too. Figures!
It think I might go for a "dry" construction where I can use the "closed knuckle" as a protection, but otherwise grease the UJ and swivel bearing. I know that means I'll have to dismantle the whole thing once in a while. But really when it comes apart more easily it's not that much more work than cleaning the front brakes. The bearings and hubs are off then anyway.
Now I'm getting thoughts of adapting Jeep Cj stubs to the Gipsy. They sure look adaptable.....