Toyota Repair: Rear Axle Oil Seal Leak, rear axle seal, backyard mechanic

Question
I have a 1999 Toyota 4 Runner, V-6, Auto, ABS, 179400 miles.
It appears that the driver’s side, outer rear axle seal is leaking.
I looked in the repair manual and it seems that special tools and a hydraulic press are needed (to remove and install the axle bearing) so that the outer seal can be replaced.
Are there any “backyard mechanic” methods that you would recommend for this task or am I better off letting someone with the correct tools handle this job?
Do you think a dealership repair shop would do only the bearing and seal replacement if I brought them the axles (that I would remove and then reinstall myself)?
Also, if only one side is leaking, do you think I should also have the passenger’s side rear axle seals replaced at the same time?
Thanks,
Mike  

Answer
Yes a hydraulic press and a special removal tool are needed, you can remove the axle with the backing plate and brakes attached and take it to an autoparts store that has a machine shop or at least a press and they will put in the new bearing for you, most toyota dealers will also do this at a reasonable cost, if the other seal is not leaking don't replace it but if you want to do so, it's up to you. The seal that is actually leaking is in the rear axle housing and can be replaced without replacing the bearing so if there is no problem with the bearing you can just replace the seal in the axle housing, the other "seal" that is located at the end of the axle and the backing plate is not an oil seal it is more of a dust seal or to retain some of the oil if the inner seal is leaking.