The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk taper wheel bearing upgrades

Has any body paid close attention to taper wheel bearing kits that come from several suppliers for the 47 to 53 truck? Where were the bearings made? Only answers I get(from the three suppliers I called) is "I think they are made in Taiwan". I have enough experience with bearings to know I do not want Taiwan bearings. That is like the cheap crap that comes on low end trailer axles when buying a new trailer. Most guys, that really need the trailer, immediately take them out and get good Timken bearings. Is there a number on the bearing? I am thinking about doing the machine work myself and sizing new Timken bearings if Taiwan junk is all that is available.

If the ball bearings are in good shape I see no reason to change. Cleaned and properly greased they will give many years of good service. You might check with the Fiiling Station they used to have a good selection of new and nos parts.

I believe these are the correct numbers and all may be National. I bought mine from Classic Parts and later discovered this information. A quick check at your local FLAPS should verify.

Inner: 909052R
Outer: 909067R
Seal: National 6064

Yeah I don't know why the ball bearings wouldn't be serviceable. I mean they worked for years. What is all the hype about changing to taper roller bearings just because of disc brakes? Why wouldn't the other bearings take it? I did change to disc brakes six lug. I plan to drive her a great deal. Czechman, are those part numbers for ball bearings or rollers?

I don't know for sure but I believe they are for the roller bearings. It's been years since I found that information posted here.

The six-lug disk kits use the original hub and therefore the original ball bearings can be used.

The five-lug kits use an integrated hub/rotor that was designed to use roller bearings.

If you are going with a six-lug kit and your bearings are serviceable there would be no reason to replace them. Going with a five-lug kit you may have no choice but to convert to rollers.