CAUTION- long winded post advisory
I have what I think is a solution to the wheel bearing and disk brake issues.
I have a '51 1 ton single wheel pickup. I worked this out on paper but have not tried it. I have since bought a '48 GMC 1/2 ton long WB chassis and have ordered one of Scott Danforth's IRS cross members and will mount my body on this chassis.
This modification will not alter the sock GM spindles.
The solution I worked out is as follows:
purchase 2 #42 weld on trailer spindles without brake flanges. These are 7000 lb spindles. The bearings are much larger than the stock GM ones.
Machine out the INTERIOR of the spindles to match the dimentions of the GM spindles.
Remove the threads from the #42 spindles and cut them to length.
Secure the modified #42 spindles to the GM spindles with Locktite green sleeve sealant.
Buy 2 7000 lb trailer idler hubs (8 lug 6" bolt circle).
Buy 2 7000 lb trailer bearing and seal sets.
You will use your original spindle washer and nut.
Use top hat brake rotors from a GM 4WD front.
Use calipers from same truck.
You will have to fabricate caliper mounting brackets.
Feel free to use this idea or any part of it.
Since I haven't made this modification I am curios to know if it works.
Cliff
