I don't know who is recommending pounding on the pilot bushing, but that would be the LAST thing I would ever try.
The tools to pull it, are probably less than $20 online. You might try o'reilly's, they might even rent them for free.
If you still can't find any help, let me know, maybe I can rustle up something. Where in Tacoma are you? maybe I can connect with you.
