Alfa Factory Tools - Front Suspension

["Herbert Neily" <neily@domain.elided>]

Being fairly new to the list, I suspect that this has already been covered,
etc., but...
   Can anyone enlighten me as to U.S. sources for the Alfa factory service
tools that are identified in the service manuals?  I just called Foreign
Cars Italia in Greensboro, NC and was told that those tools have been
unavailable for about two years.
   In particular, I'm looking for the extractor tools and fitting tools
needed (in concert with a press) to remove and replace the front hub bearing
outer races for my '84 GTV6.  I suspect that I can jury-rig some kind of
extractor, but I don't want to chance damaging the new races upon
installation.
   Does anyone know if these races are made on a "standard" taper that might
be accommodated by a more generic installation tool that is more readily
available?  Who might be a good supplier of such a tool?
   Also, I'm assuming that removal & replacement of the tie-rod ends & ball
joints can be accomplished with fairly "ordinary" suspension servicing
tools.  Is this a good assumption, or is their a pitfall I should be wary
of?  I *am* aware that I've got to deal with the pre-load that remains in
the front torsion bars, when the suspension is in its fully-extended
position, prior to disconnecting the ball joints.
   Since the GTV6 is probably only the beginning of an Alfa transaxle
addiction, I'm not at all averse to investing in tools that I'll likely use
again.  You can never have too many tools....
   Thanks.
Bert Neily
Raleigh, NC
'84 GTV6

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