Since I found good prices and excellant quality bearings.
I have had a roots 33 blower forever that well... Roots wanted $300 for the bearings and another $125 for the seals. I decided not to touch it..
I bought it off eBay for a staggering $15 plus $56 shipping in 07..
I have built my suitorbilt in 06 using zirconium bearings at a cost of $225 each. Back when money was gud..
Zirconium bearings are ten times stronger than steel and that blower will last 30 plus years.  unless it rusts away into nothingness.. lol
and did I mention it will never need grease??

My next project after these two will be to ADD a heatsink to it.. Just like a thermaltake on steroids..

I still envy you guys who can do that stuff.

C'mon, you can do it. Heck even my then 11 year old daughter helped me build a gokart.. 
She helped take apart the comet clutch system, she changed the oil, the plugs, the clutch belts, removed the seats installed new ones. We pulled apart the motor the steering.

I think you just over think it.. Grab a repair manual for one of your vehicles. and just read it.
Think of mechanical work as simple as changing a light bulb.. you take apart old broken stuff, then put back new stuff. Some things need special tools. thats about it..

I am like that with skunked beer.