The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Dual to single conversion front end question?

I have a 55 ad 3800 that I want to run single wheels on, I have a rear end sourced so my question is about the fronts. Can I just unbolt the spacer like I a newer truck or do I need to swap the whole drums and everything? Any insight would be appreciated Thanks

If it's like my '57, I think you'll need to change the drums on the front. On the rear axle I think the only difference is dual wheels need longer studs. The axle you have may be ok. Others with more knowledge can correct me.

On my 59 3800 the front wheel spacer also contained the outer bearing race. You'll need to change drums and possibly spindles to use the same wheel up front as you're planning to use on the rear, IMHO.
Jerry

I expect the spindles are the same, but hubs will need to be changed.

Some people mention removable adapters for dual to single on the front hubs but I have yet to see such a thing (that isn't aftermarket). I think many people get confused thinking that the bolts that hold the drum on a dual wheel hub are really holding a spacer/adapter, but so far all the dual wheel hubs I've seen were one piece, not a removable adapter. If there is such an adapter I'm curious what models and years it was used on.

Grigg

Hy Guys, as Grigg says all the parts are the same except for the hubs, you'll need to swap the dual mounting hubs for single wheel mounting hubs and you'll have to swap or install new bearings, hope that helps.

I have dual hubs that I am going to look at installing on the front of my '47 single wheel soon. This is so I can use them as spacers for late model wheels. If it works, I may be up for a swap as I have 3 3800s and our son is dragging a 3600 home tonight.

Is there anything I need to be wary of? Spindles are same, right?

Didn't bearings change about 51? Spindles are a little smaller on earlier trucks... That just from memory, though I have researched and posted all the bearing sizes I can't search for and post the link right now. See what you can dig up.

Grigg

Figures. I don't know the year these hubs are off of.

But you can measure and determine that.
Did you find the post with bearing dimensions? Its in a long thread about possibly swapping parts around to get disc brakes for a 1 ton.

Try this
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=604816#Post604816

Thanks, Grigg. I'll check it out. May just take them to work and clean them up and measure them. Probably best to plan for new bearings anyway.

if your going same year dual front hub to same year single front hub all you need it the hub, bearings and seals. The spindle is the same on 3/4 to 1 ton single and dual rear wheel. bearings changed as Grigg said above in 47-52/53-59