[Ed McLawhorn Jr.]

Thanks guys for the responses. I'm able to remove caps without bearings installed without damage. I use a small tail pipe expander with pads installed on top and bottom sides between expander and cap and rod. The pads on the top and bottom not only prevent damage, it also prevents side of expander coming in contact with sides where cap and rod meet. May not have explained it well. I can't take credit for it, but it seems to work pretty well.

Greg, good point on big end tolerances on even new rods. I checked these and they are ok. These also have the threads in the rod and not typical bolts and nuts.

Mike, I will try the brass hammer as well.

Rich, I guess I was trying to explain a homemade cap splitter. I'm not comfortable using mine with the bearing installed.

Ed