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| | | | Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 3 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 3 | I have a 56 Chevy 4400 truck which I believe is called a 1 & ½ ton. Originally these trucks came with ball bearings in the front axle wheel bearings. These bearings are still available but as you know ball bearings are not near as durable as roller bearings. Has anyone done a conversion from ball bearings to roller bearings on the front axle wheel bearings on a 56 Chevy 4400 truck? I am familiar with converting 55 to 57 Chevy car front axle wheel bearings to roller type bearings so I hope there is also a similar conversion for the 56 Chevy big trucks. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,276 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,276 | I had a 56 1 1/2 ton GMC parts truck and it had roller bearings are you sure it has ball bearings? | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,101 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,101 | Hy guys, in my Bower bearing book the light duty trucks had ball bearings, and the heavy duty trucks used tapered roller bearings, hope that helps. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | Check the bearings first and if the lighter axle with ball bearings. If so you may have some luck with the roller bearings available through a few of the restoration parts suppliers for the 1 ton axles. Obviously check the dimensions.
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,004 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,004 | My 58 1.5 ton has tapper bearings and my 59 bus (1.5 ton frame) has roller bearings. I haven't taken measurements (spindle, etc) but I'm thinking they can be converted and will be interested in what you find out.
Victor
~ Victor 1941 3/4-Ton Pickup (in process). Read about it in the DITY Gallery1955 Grumman Kurbside "Doughboy" 235/3 on tree w/ OD 1957 3100 - moved on 1959 C4500 Short Bus "Magic Bus" - moved on 1959 G3800 1 Ton Dually "Chief" - moved on 1958 C4400 Viking "Thor" ~ moved on to fellow Bolter | | | | | Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 3 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 3 | Thanks for the feedback. I do for sure have ball bearings in the front axle wheel bearings of my 56 Chevy 4400 truck. I will check more sources for a roller type bearing and race as well as what bearing was on the 58 Chevy 1&1/2 ton front axle. In the mean time if anyone has any more info on converting front wheel bearings from ball bearings to roller bearings on a 56 Chevy 4400 just let me know.
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