wheel bearing conversion

[65chevypickupguy]

I recently acquired a 51 chevy 1/2 ton pickup and want to convert the ball bearing type front wheel bearing to taper roller bearings. Does any have part numbers for Timken or any other brand? I've seen conversion kits from aftermarket dealers, but I'm trying to buy from my local parts store. I believe someone told me these are just newer chevy pickup wheel bearings?


Thanks

[Knothead]

I've got a set out of a '56, Not sure they are the same.

[mbgmike]

I can get you the numbers but our shop is shut down for Ike right now. If know one replies sooner I will get them for you.

[Knothead]

These are from a '56 2wd 6 lug. They are BOWER #'s. the outer # is LM11949, race is LM11918. the inner # is LM48541 , race is LM48519. the seal is a VICTOR # 49412 , Hope these help

[mbgmike]

I believe the Timkin numbers are inner 4739 seal, and SET3 for outer and SET5 for the inner numbers but will recheck

SORRY INFO IS INCORRECT . WON'T FIT STOCK HUBS but will fit from 1963 up

I went ahead and submitted it to Timkin for a reply since my computer can't find the x-ref or find the server today. We can get a straight answer maybe next week

[mbgmike]

Timkin does not make any tapered bearing conversions, Here is what they told me.

mike, I could not find any conversion to tapers.



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[dan76]

Has anyone done this conversion? I'm looking at doing this to a 49 but wonder if it's worth the effort if the stock bearings are sufficiently durable for DD.

[65chevypickupguy]

Originally Posted by dan76

Has anyone done this conversion? I'm looking at doing this to a 49 but wonder if it's worth the effort if the stock bearings are sufficiently durable for DD.

Just about any of the restoration companies offer this conversion kits. I'm just trying to save money by getting the numbers myself and having my local parts store order them. The new roller bearings are much better than the ball bearings. If you've driven old rigs a lot you know how much they tend to wander around and the roller bearings are suppose to help with this.

[Knothead]

The numbers I posted are tapered bearings, I believe they may be the same for your truck?

[mr48chev]

I think that the problem with parts house bearings is that none have the shape on the inside edge of the inner cone to match the inner spindle. The outer bearing shouldn't be a problem.

I've seen tech articles about guys reshaping that edge with a die grinder to match the spindle's shape but that could cause real problems if you burned a bearing out on the road and had to replace it.