The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 59 3E dually tow truck front brakes and wheel bearings

New to the forum here. I got a 59 3E dually tow truck that I recently saved from the crusher. I’m looking for information on converting the drum brakes on the truck to disc system and to also put tapered roller bearings on it. I haven’t been able to find any info on kits for the truck on the web as of yet. If anyone has any info on kits or donor trucks for parts that would accomplish what I’m wanting to do I would greatly appreciate any help.

I know there are a couple disc brake kits for the 3/4 & 1 ton trucks, though sadly they won't work with the front hubs on dually trucks.

Welcome to the Bolt

Have you looked into just rebuilding the stock drums? That might be easier and cheaper...just a thougfht!

Mike B

Another question...was your 3/4 ton born a dually or was the rear added at some point?

Can you post a picture of the truck?

Mike B

Hey Mike thanks for taking the time to reply. I’ve got one pix on the welcome center forum under new in sc, but here’s another better side view.

I don’t know if the rear was swapped at one point or not. 57 10500 fire truck looks great. Thanks for restoring it. I’m a volunteer firefighter. Our town had a 53 pumper years ago that I wish I could find. I was looking at a 47 international in greenwood area that’s for sale and was part of callison sc fire department fleet.

Thanks for the kind words on my Fire Engine, it's been a lot of fun driving it all around the eastern half of the US. It had 11,282 miles when I got it...it's over 42k now...it was in service for 38 years. Hallmark made it their 2011 Fire Truck Christmas ornament, so it's famous...lol. I'm currently restoring a a 1953 Willys M38A1 Jeep (ex Navy) that my local VFD made into a Fire Brush Unit.

Your picture confirms your truck was born a dually, the front wheels are dually type and your hubs will have the extensions so those rims will work on the front or rear (only need one spare). That's a rare truck...

Mike B

Thanks for the information. I will rebuild the drums if there isn’t a disc kit for the dually front hubs. I don’t have the time to fab one with all of the projects I have already.

Andy.

Possum, Thanks for your reply also. Seems I’ll be sticking with the drums for now. I definitely still want to swap to tapered rollers. Got any suggestions? How’s your restoration going on the 58 3800?

You Can check us out, we have had a dozen of these installed. Only thing I do not get into is the master cylinder or hydra boosts.
https://www.tsmmfg.net/chevy-gmc-8-lug-truck-complete-front-disc-brake-kit-1847-718421.html