Within the past ten years I have bought BA 45 and BA 46 from one of the national bearing houses, Applied Industrial Technology. I was appalled at the price then but swallowed hard and ordered them. These apparently were also used on Buicks. The axle rating is 3500 lbs. and I've never been able to get more than that on the front axle so I don't think they are under-sized. How much did the front end of a '50 Buick weigh?
I have searched for tapered rollers in years past and was told by an old (older than me even) NAPA parts man that there was a kit made at one time and he was even able to come up with a part number. BUT he told me it was no longer in the price list. His book did not say NLA just no price. That was t least 30 years ago, so don't get excited.
My truck has two New Departure bearings and two that I replaced. The truck has about 300,000 miles on it that I can account for so the bearings last a long time if cared for. I clean and re-grease them any time I have occasion to pull the front drums. Read the factory book on pre-load and do what it says. Don't guess.
