The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk A case of the wobbles

When my 53 Half ton was up on floor jacks, I noticed the left wheel wobble when I turned it. I exchanged it with the right one which turns true to see if my rim was bent or worse, the axle was. The results were the same. Sounds like I need a new axle. A few questions first though. What would cause this as the truck does not show signs of an accident. Would the purchase from a salvage yard be a good idea? Also, are the right and left the same and are all the 47-53 AD half tons interchangeable? Thanks again, Steve 53movinon

Hy 53Movinon, it sounds like you have worn parts, wheel bearings, king pin bushings, tie rod ends, have all that stuff checked out, hope that helps.

Your describing the rear? or the front? I don't know if the 46 is the same as yours both are closed drive lines. Rear axles are hard to find. No one makes replacements. I found a set for my 46 but the bearing surafces were bad. I moved the bearings out about 1/2 inch to a non damaged axle surface. Good luck.

Sorry, I was not clear, I am talking about the rear axles.

Snowy day, slide into the concrete curb, voilà! Bent axle flange?

Putting a want-ad in the swap meet is probably your best bet, unless you are fortunate
enough to have a junk yard that still has 60 year old trucks in it, and there taint many of
them around.
DG

Thanks Denny, You probably know about Tom Myers salvage in Miami, OK. Would you know if all half ton ADs axles are the same and if the right and left are the same also? How would I know if what I get is any better? I suppose it is a gamble. Steve, Vashon, Wa.

I am pretty sure that the left and right have to be different. Look the axle up here to see how many years they were the same: Old Chevy Manuals Online

Are you sure you don't have two bent rims? There is a place on ebay selling off parts for AD trucks. Try contacting him.