Questions on Upgrading Spheros 14K FB and 18K FB

[ak555]

Spheros Drive Shaft Bushing Replacement with Bearing

I was reading online about people replacing the drive shaft bushing with a bearing on the Spheros FBs. 

   --   Has anyone here done this and have some comments on the process? 

   --   Do you use the drive shaft bearing that is in the Saragosa for the same model size (aka Saragosa 14K and Spheros 14K)? 

   --   Is the bearing a straight drop in replacement (aka remove bushing  and drop in bearing w/o any other alterations)?

   --   Does anyone have the bearing measurements so that I can order them through Boca Bearings?

            The parts numbers are:

                                              - Spheros 14,000 FB - RD 4004 Drive Shaft Bearing
                                              - Saragosa 14,000  - RD 10463

                                              - Spheros 18000 FB - RD 4004 Drive Shaft Bearing
                                              - Saragosa 18,000 - RD 10463

Upgrading Spheros Handle

Also, does anyone know if you can use Saragosa handles as straight screw-in replacements for the Spheros handles (aka Saragosa 14K handle for a Spheros 14K)?
I talked with Shimano and the gentleman said he did not think it would work, but did not know.  He cited that that the Saragosa has a different drive shaft then the Spheros (which I confirmed on the schematics).  If they are not, any good economical after-market options?

Thank you in advance.

[Cone]

I don't have a spheros but I saw the upgrade on 360 tuna or the Jig n Pop forum. IIRC the bushing was opened up to put in the bearing and then replaced. On the handle do you just want a larger knob? Alan and dawn both sell those. Also Egay has some. HTH Bob