So far this hasn't been a big deal at all. All you need is the socket for the slot nut for the rear axle shaft flange and a machinist to press out/in the races and brearings. Any half decent machine shop can do this. Sure you could spend $300 for Mercedes' "special bearing tools", but for a one time job that doesn't make sense. Heck the machinist is even going to set the proper end play so I don't have to mess around with my dial indicator. They'll do all this for just a few bucks. Their dial indicator is much more accurate anyway. After pulling it apart I found lots of grooves and pits in the races. Good that I did this job. And to think everyone is so scared of doing this job....

To follow the progress of the complete suspension restoration you can go to the other thread I started:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=164789

And I should note that the machinist said I didn't even have to purchase the special nut. He said if they don't already have something that would work, they'll simply make it for a lot less than $65. Granted it won't be a socket. Instead it would probably be nothing more than a bar of steel with a couple of nibs to fit the nut. Use it once and toss it.