I'm getting confused, now. The '49 resto pack, the '49 data book, and the '53 and '54 resto packs show common specs for the 36-38-41-4400 axles. However, the '51 resto pack shows the 41-4400 axle as having the same specs as the 6000. I think that is probably a misprint, unless it was changed for a year or two for whatever reason.
Looking thru the '54 parts manual, I see that, even though the axles have the same dimensional specs (for I-beam size and king pin and spindle diameters), there are many different I-beam forgings listed (
see here at the bottom of the page and on to the next). So there must be differences despite being the same (??). They could be slightly different lengths (the length isn't given in the specs), and/or they could be made of different alloys or heat treated differently to obtain the different weight capacities. :confused:
Frank, your '41 1.5 ton wheels would have a smaller center hole than the '54/'55.1 5000/6000 wheels, which have a center hole diameter of 5.25", up from 4.75" (I think these are correct numbers). It shouldn't be a problem if you get a 6000 front axle with '53 or earlier hubs, though you'll probably want to keep the '53 and later bendix brakes.
