That should be the right socket. I use a brass punch/rod to install my races, less chance of damaging them.

If you're not doing the spindle bearings, you shouldn't have to remove them.

 

So I ended up not doing the bearings. After jacking it up, all the play is coming from the lower ball joint and tie rod end. It's pretty loose, but I think it'll be fine to take on the trip this weekend and I'll do them when I get back, won't have the funds to do them until after the trip. I was able to freely spin the wheel with no grinding. I pulled on the tire whole spinning it back and forth 90 degrees, and pushed on the while doing the same. No noise or grinding.

I also decided to invest in a pair of snap ring pliers, and also could not find the socket I needed so I'll have to order one. I was never actually able to get to the bearings, I pulled part if the hub off and there were no metal shavings and the grease in there was not gritty. Packed some more grease in there before putting the parts I pulled out back on. I did jack up the passenger side as well just to be sure and that side felt fine too but needs ball joints. Ball joints are pretty dang loose but I've put 500 miles on them as is, I know it's a risk but I'm bound to go on this trip. Hopefully I won't be posting a new thread about a disaster. I've never seen ball joints fail to the point of sheering off, I know it happens but is rare as far as is know. So beginning of the month I'll do ball joints, tie rod ends, and injector orings.

 

I don't know if you put a bunch of grease in your auto lockouts or not, but you shouldn't. Maybe you know that, I'm just letting you know if you don't. I just soak them parts good in 80/90 rear end grease after cleaning them and then install.

 

I didn't stuff them with grease, just a coat. Why?

 

They will get gummed up and not work if there is a bunch of grease in there.