The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Front wheel Bearings

Hi I have a 57 GMC 1/2 ton pickup and i am currently tearing apart the front end. Im doing a complete overhaul of the systems and i was just wondering is it really worth it to convert from ball bearings to tapered roller bearings? I am sticking with front drum brakes and the only thing that iplan on changing with the brakes is putting in power brakes. I know that the roller ones are a little more expensive but if its necessary than i'll pay. Any ideas?

I kept the stock bearings on My 52-3100 cleaned and repacked them but My truck is stock ,216,3 speed,3100 so I'm not going to go any faster than the truck was doing before I started ,if I put in a V8 and disk brakes than for sure I would change the bearings ,more heat and stress on the bearing due to faster speeds and harder corners.

Pete

If your bearings are in good shape there is no reason to change them.

Ok then i think i will tick with the original type but i do need new ones because i noticed some scaring on the racers. I was looking at the ones that LMC has and in the catalogue they have the front wheel bearings but it does not show in the picture or description about the bearing racers. Do they come with the bearings? Probably a dumb question but i'll ask. Just dont want to spend the money and not get everything. thanks

The tapered rollers conversion is $99 + $12 ship in Ebay. (both wheels: bearings, and seals). The ball bearings inner and outer with seals are at
$100 each wheel or more ($200+). Do the math. and consider the benefits. No TF truck should keep (stick with) the balls especially when it's time for new ones or a "rebuild". Classic parts of America, a sponsor to the Stovebolt, has them at $119 minus our %10 discount ($107) plus ship. This may be cheaper, or equal to, the first example depending on your zip. Get em and be happy. There is no question they are better at load handling and wearability. Bearings always come with races. Ball bearings may be a single unit. Tapered roller bearings have press in races with matched tapered roller inserts. Bartamos.

Do you use the rear bearing dust shield with this setup ?

Thanks,Tim

rear bearing as in, rear wheel or inner bearing on front wheel? Assume you mean inner brg, I don't know yet, have not started that area of project yet. Will PM you when I do If you still want to know.