So I want to do the wheel bearings up front... I hear it sucks? Will it help if I freeze the new bearings overnight? Maybe the same for the ball joints? Who's done it like this?

 

For what reason?

 

No.

Do it the right way. Find someone with a proper press. With a 20 ton press they slide in like a hand in a glove.

Also, huge hint here: Before removing the old bearing take a micrometer and measure where the factory bearing is seated. Be super precise.

Most people just drive the old bearing until it stops. That's great if you're working on a '72 Chevy, not so good on a precision vehicle like a 4Runner.

Most bearing failures occurr because the bearing isn't seated where it is supposed to be.

Oh, and ONLY buy OEM bearings....Koyo, Nachi, etc.

 

the bearing should shrink a little, allowing easier install

 

You can try all sorts of things. Freeze the bearings, heat the bearings, freeze the shaft. Pound the heck out of them. It works for some people. I've just started using a machine shop. If I ever get a press, I'll do it myself, but until then, I just let someone do it for me. They usually won't charge much at all, and let you stand there while they press the old bearing off, and new bearing on.