the bearing does separate when removing, but it can also separate when putting the new one in as well so be careful
i got a 1 13/16" socket, fits fine
make sure you have a long ass breaker bar!
oh and by the way you wont be able to get the hub off without a bearing puller, its on there tight.
did you get new bolts to attach the strutt to the stearing arms too? they are fairly cheap and go it a lot better than rusted ones.