Steve,

Front bearings are easy, and should be done every time you renew the
brakes.  Rear bearings are different, and much larger and more durable.
They will last a long time as long as the seals are intact, mine have
200,000 miles so far, and maybe I'll repack them next time I do the CVs.

It is time consuming to do right.  After removing the axles, you must
remove the brake drum and hub (rent an electric impact driver and socket
to save yourself much aggravation), drive the stub axles out of the
bearings, then pry out (destroying in the process) the two seals (inner
and outer).  Then you need a fairly long punch (drift) to evenly tap out
the two bearings by hitting on the outer race only.  Then clean them in
solvent, spray with Brakleen to remove any residue, and use a cone type
bearing packer to inject new bearing grease of your choice.  then tap
them back in and replace the seals with new ones.  (put a little grease
on the lips too.)  Drive in the stub axle and use the impact driver to
tighten the hub nut.  Replace the brake drum and wheel and you are done.

It'll cost less than $50 including the impact driver, and about four
hours. This is one of those that is a pain but will save you a lot of
money.  I say do it every 100,000 miles, or every CV replacement if you
are up to the extra work.

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext. 8208

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