steering head bearings...how do you support the front

[lifeinohio]

When changing the steering head bearings, what is the best way to hold up the front end while you work on it?  Is it ok to put a jack directly under the crankcase(crankcase strong enough?) or would it be better to somehow hang the frame from the ceiling?  Any and all thoughts would be welcome. Thanks

[battlecry]

I hanged it.  Didn't want to mess with the exhaust.

1/2" long steel rod fits in the DSS swingarm pivot hole.  I used two car jacks to hold the rod and lift the rear of the bike from the swingarm pivot, which reduced the weight on the front end.  Then I screwed two angle iron brackets on the ceiling rafters.  Used 12 screws each.   Lashed a block and tackle to the brackets and it held for me.   

I was scared when hammering the races off, and wished I had something more solid.     

[atomic410]

pitbull jack stands or hang it

[Nomad]

I just took some straps and supported the front of the frame after I had it lifted from a front stand, left it on the rear stand the whole time.  Worked for weeks at a time.  Of course you have to have a convenient ceiling to do this from....

[corey]

i hung it from a cieling beam with ratcheting straps.
works great.

[lifeinohio]

pitbull jack stands or hang it

Should I look for some straps that are made of bacon?

[junior varsity]

rafters and ratchet straps for me.

[TJR178]

Hang it from a tall ladder if you have one.

[COP TZR]

rafters and ratchet straps for me.

+1

[Nomad]

And hopefully, if you haven't had the experience already, you enjoy learning about 'interference fit' more than I did.  Prepare to spend some quality time with a hammer or rubber mallet.