Wheel bearing help!

[60stepside]

Hows everyone doing this fine Sunday evening? My question is about wheel bearings. I have a 1960 Stepside drums all around. What year wheel bearing can I use up to? O'Rileys says the only bearings they can find is 1969 and the guy says that they are interchangable. From all of my info looking up/lurking 1960 -63 and some 4-5-6 parts are interchangable. If anyone knows for sure please educate me. At long last I will get my truck back from the body/painter on Friday! I have so many goodies for it! Just finished the bed wood today! I ramble a bit. Thanks for any info.

[jason65]

Most parts guys are stupid. If you want to make sure there is a # and brand on the backside of the bearing. Have them look that up and match it. Don't take there word for it.

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by jason65

Most parts guys are stupid. If you want to make sure there is a # and brand on the backside of the bearing. Have them look that up and match it. Don't take there word for it.

The original '60-'62 wheel bearings were of the ball type bearing, but there may be a tapered roller to replace them. Since you have this older truck, consider looking around your area and see if you can find a parts store that has someone with a brain that is willing to get out the books and look up parts for the older vehicles. If worst comes to worse, you might have to order the bearing from a truck supplier like LMC or Classic Parts.

[60stepside]

Thanks for the replys! I will try to find that elusive parts person =). Thanks again and if anyone is that elusive parts person please chime in. Take care and have a great night.

[slepysal]

I have been in auto parts for over 25 years, and the lack of "real" parts guys ( or gals) is amazing, especialy at the chain stores. You can almost forget having them look up parts for pre 70's cars/ trucks. A blank stare is all you get.
Try an independat store, you might pay more ,but chance are they will be more helpful and have a bit more knowledge.

[Matt's k5]

i pulled mine out of my 62 they were ball type i took them and the races to kaman bearing supply they were able to match them up now i have roller bearings here is there website http://www.kamandirect.com/branches.asp

[Fred T]

Originals on the front are B-66 inner & B-67 outer. Ball bearings that fit the 60-61 pickup. Rears take R-1502-EL, catalog shows 60-63.

IIRC, the guys at www.stovebolt.com havee the info on the rollers that fit. I would do the swap.

[60stepside]

Sweet! Thanks a bunch!

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by slepysal

You can almost forget having them look up parts for pre 70's cars/ trucks. A blank stare is all you get.

If I had a nickel for every time..........

Another idea is to hit a local industrial parts supplier, like for machine shops and such - they go out of their way to help. We have a couple we use for hydraulic hose assemblies, pump shafts, gears, etc. and I've given them bearings from my truck and even my boat trailer - and as long as they can pick up even part of the identification number - they can usually get you any bearing assembly out there.

Mac.

[derider]

We also use and industrial supplier locally. We just take the parts in or call with the number and they match it up. Many times in stock. We rent and sell construction equipment and always get wierd repairs thrown at us that people need back right away. Their prices are usually good also.