1991 XLT 2WD 7.5" rear axle bearing race STUCK

[LumpyFPV]

I was pulling the bearings and seals on the rear axle to replace them since I was replacing my differential's spider gears. Left side was no problem; bearing puller on a slide hammer, came out quick and easy. Bearing went in without much hassle. Left side though? I didn't even know this was possible. I got the seal out with ease, got the bearing puller in there, a couple pulls with the slide hammer and shit flew EVERYWHERE. Rollers all over, cage in bits, pieces of the race scattered about.. then I saw it. The pressed bit of the race is still there. ****. So much ****. I tried heating the tube and using the seal puller, no bueno. Then tried to get a chisel in there and I marred up the inside of the axle tube. You can see the damage and I suspect that's going to leak now regardless of whether or not I can get the race out and a new bearing in.

My question is this; is it salvageable?! I could get someone to weld a bead around the race and pop it out probably - I'm no welder and I don't have the equipment - but is the damage to the tube too much? It's pretty bad.

Another question - any other way you can think of to get that race out other than welding?

At this point I'm looking for used rear ends since I imagine the tube is fucked, but I'd really like some insight from someone with more experience than me with this stuff.

If I do end up going with a new rear end, from what I understand most Ranger models and years from 1991 on - 8.8 and 7.5 - are interchangeable without any modification. Is that correct? I'd like to keep my 10" drum brakes but other than that would I need to modify anything?

I'm a long time lurker and first time poster. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[pjtoledo]

don't see any pictures.
I've had the same situation, guts came out but not the outer race. that was second try, the first broke the cheap tool.
took a mini grinder and spent a couple hours whittling away at the race. carbide bits worked better than stones.
when it was getting thin I was able to crack it with a small chisel.

clean the area real good, abrasive dust is really bad on gears 'n bearings.

 

[Shran]

Get a 3 jaw puller attachment for your slide hammer and use that to get a better grip on it. I usually use a screwdriver to smash out the rollers and cage first then remove the race… they are a bitch. If you’re worried about the axle tube, just clean it really well with brake cleaner and then smear some RTV on the outside of the new bearing race before you install it, and don’t worry about it any further than that. I hate replacing bearings in these.