In my quest to install disc brakes on my 54 3/4 ton, I started investigating the whole ball bearing/taper roller bearing conversion. I know Classictruck.com and Chev's of the 40's has the tapered roller bearings, but alas they are EXPENSIVE! I'm not one to cut corners when it comes to safety, but I though I might be able to come up with a less expensive alternative. To make a long story short, what I found was that the new (not old stock) B45 and B46 bearings that are offered by Timken and others, seem to be sealed unit bearings. The replacement bearings are actually insert type ball bearings that you would typically find in shaft drive/industrial application.
Has anyone else ran into this?
Timken, NTN, Federal Mogul numbers: B45, B46
SKF numbers: YET-208-108CW, YET 207-107
