Hmm, I don't know about the hammering damaging the thrust bearing.I'm know little about physics, but a small block crank is 50-60lbs,plus whatever the flywheel and clutch or torque convertor weighs, the hammer maybe 5 pounds,the damper about 8 lbs,gotta figure the crank mass absorbs the hammer blows before it gets to the bearing.Besides, the GM factory manuals describes the procedure , showing a driver tool and a large hammer.The several I rebuilt, I used a 8 lb sledge hammer, 3 blows ,the job was done.
