The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Front Wheel Bearings for a '46 6400 - 2 questions

Friends:
I am making slow progress on the bringing back to life of my '46. I am working on the front axle, bearings, brakes now and found there were two different wheel bearings L and R. My shock came when I went to buy new ones at the price for these. Sticker shock? You bet. Of course, I turned to SB for any info I can get. One side had Bower and the other Hiatt bearings. These were still available but both were quoted at north of $230.00/each.
I might have to sell the wife now to pay for these and that just breaks my heart.
Do you know of any vendors that make a real dent in these prices? Thanks in advance for any help. Also, do you have any opinion/experience pro or con with the original roller bearings vs. newer tapered? Again, thanks

Hy LevisPop, do you have tapered bearings now, or ball bearings? Could you post the numbers that are on your bearings? I have in my memory that the inner bearing has the seal face incorporated into it, and that protrudes out the rear of the bearing, am I correct about that?

3B, Thanks. The bearings that were there were: Inner: Hiatt A 11410 on one side and a Bower 17883 on the other. The one outer bearing was an RBC A 11020 Maybe someone has other
possible matches to these?? Thanks for any help. LevisPop

Hy LevisPop, I broke down the o.e.m. numbers as best I could
121470 = 3383 Timken, and others
121485 = 3320 Timken, and others $11.25 at RockAuto
121483 = 2687 Timken, and others
119361 = 2631 Timken, and others
the o.e.m. p/n for the outer assembly 173238 = KA11020Z
inner assembly 173241 may be KA11410Z, KA11410Z breaks down into (1)17883 and (1)17830, I could only find the one bearing at RockAuto, but you may be able to find more by going to bearing sites on the internet and typing in the p/ns, hope that helps.

I had the same problems when I rebuilt my 46 2 ton with the inner bear that has the collar for the oil seal on it. I got ahold of timken through a bearing house and they said they could make one for $1000. So 230 sounds cheap. I found another 46 2 ton truck in a Gorgia junk yard and got all the bearings and races off one side for $15. Good luck on finding some new ones. Let us know if you find some thing resonable.

Had the same issue with my 46' 2-ton. Ended up spending $1200 in bearings alone. Thats for all the ins and outs all the way around.
I'm across the river from you.
Talk to Dustin or Mike at Mike's Auto Repair in Vancouver.
He got me all the parts and spent tons of time on the phone searching vendors.
Or just buy mine. Its up on the for sale board!

OUCH!!!! and thanks. I just love the helpfulness of this site. I bet the guys on this site could find world peace if they put their mind to it. No, not whirled peas . . . .

Anyway, here is some additional clues and problems that may change my strategy and definitely create some more questions. Today, my amazing hot rod building neighbor came over and we looked at everything. He declared my drivers side spindle "barked up" and needing to be replaced. So, we talked about that and he suggested I might have better luck
if I replaced the axle. As it happens I have free access to a 1949 1.5 or 2 ton for parts.
Does anyone know if this axle would swap straight across with my '46 2 ton? It is in Idaho. IT may have decent bearings. Worth a look. I'm not keen on used bearings but you never know they might be great. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance!!

Hy LevisPop, the 49 axle has a different part number than the 46 axle. The steering knuckles (spindles) are the same as are the kingpins and wheelbearings, also the plain steering arm is the same, I hope you find usable bearings and a better steering knuckle. The axle may indeed bolt into place, but the fact that the part numbers are different indicates that there is a difference between the two axles, hope that helps.

While the 46 axle beam is different I'm almost certain that the attachment to the springs is the same, it ought to interchange with an AD axle. However the track width is different but within an inch I believe, not a problem.
Some measurements here
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=725027#Post725027

After reviewing the link you (Grigg) sent me to on all the research and work you have done on axles and brakes can you confirm that my bearing situation might be resolved by changing the spindles to a newer model with the same king pins and maybe then be able to use less costly wheel bearings? If so, any suggestions on what might make sense? One benefit
I can imagine is that if a later model would work AND had less costly bearings to boot the
lucky next owner will be happy. Just a thought. If you read my post entirely one of my spindles is a good candidate for the scrap yard so replacing them both for this additional
benefit might make good sense. Thoughts? Also, FYI to those looking to simply buy bearings for your 46 or other things/years: If you live in California I have found great
prices and helpful folks at Bert Williams Auto Parts in Napa, CA. Old school service!!

I can't answer your question about availability of old wheel bearings... all the work I've done is to replace spindles brakes and all with substantially newer stuff, never looked for the old ones..

I do have a set of front spindles through drums from a real low mile 53 2 ton, could be what you're looking for, complete with good used bearings and all. Not sure if shipping is worth it though, they're heavy. Send me a PM if you're interested.

Grigg

I had pitted bearings and found a Timken replacement numbers in Hollander. I was lucky enough to find NOS on eBay by part number and no one knew what they fit. Otherwise, they are very expensive. If I ever need bearings for a 53 or earlier, I am going to find some used ones.

One Issuse I wanted to bring up. If your useing used bearings, make sure you get the races also and make sure there off the same side your replacing so the rotation is the same.

I recently joined your site. Just checking to see if you still need the wheel bearing for this 46 6400. I do have 1 Hyatt KA 11410z. Let me know if you are still in the market.