Update. The bearing sets are expensive to say the least . I had to resort to vice grips for the other brake line . And yes, the bearings are really pressed on hard. Currently using a cold chisel to remove the collar . I do have a press lined up to put them in place. Next time....do a little maintenance and pack grease before another bearing ever goes out. Everything is easy up to the point of removing the bearings - arrrrg!

Good to hear the progress being made. At least the bearings will be good for another 30 years ...

Progress is being made! A dremel tool with a cut off disc does quick wonders to getting the bearing off. I bet if I had repacked the bearing like you said in the first post then everything would be OK. The bearing was stiff and dry of any hint of grease, but it sure started working again after getting the bearing retainer off. So, I'm repacking the other side for now and hanging on to the other new bearing and associated parts for future use. Because of this lesson learned, I plan to pull and repack the bearings on my 87 NISSAN P/U axle. Thanks to all who contributed.

Finally, job done. Had to go to the Firestone shop so they could press the bearing on. The only hard part about putting it together is the reattaching the brake line - it seems to be bent at a slightly different angle than when it came out. Going to fill it full of fluid and give it a road test. Many thanks to all for your involvment.
COLD and plenty!