Roller wheel bearing conversion

[PbFlinger]

Hello all! I'm interested in converting to roller front wheel bearings on my '56 1/2 ton. I'm wondering why the conversion kits are so expensive. Are they special bearings, standard bearings modified in some way, or just regular 'ol wheel bearings repackaged for a huge profit? I'm concerned about available replacement bearings in the future. (What happens if I ever wound a bearing for some reason?) Can anybody tell me what bearing & seal numbers are used? Thanks!

Happy motoring, Flinger.

[Coleman396]

Hi. I too priced out the bearings for my truck. Wow! I thought the jobber price was way too high so I tried the local bearing distributor seeings how I already had the part numbers from the jobber.
They were almost as much from there so I guess those are just a rare or not often used bearing. If you want to go with rollers you gotta pay the price.
I actually bought a disc brake conversion for my truck and the roller bearings are part of the kit so that was really the way to go for me. Good luck.

[PbFlinger]

Hi Coleman, thanks for the reply. I've considered the disc brake swap too. How do you like yours? Did you have to make any other modifications to your truck to install them? What sort of master cylinder setup are you running?
I have some of the same parts availability concerns with this swap as well. Are replacement rotors/calipers/wheel bearings etc. over the counter items?
I don't like the idea of putting specialty parts on the truck that I can't get local replacements for.
Thanks for any input you can offer.

Happy motoring, Flinger.

[Coleman396]

Hi Flinger.
I am really pleased with the disc brake conversion. It is just a bolt on deal and can be done quite easily.
Mine has the smaller nine inch rotors and still stops really well.
The calipers etc are all g.m. style just like a chevelle or Nova would use so parts are a breeze to find.
I am actually using a power booster and dual master cylinder from a late 80's Jeep Cherokee. It worked really well due to the compact size but it is mounted on the firewall. I don't know if you want to stick with the original style under the floor type but if not I would certainly recommend using the whole setup from the JEEP.
They are plentiful and the booster is small enough to allow your hood hinge to clear it. Hopefully this helps you. If you need more info just ask and I will help if I can. Good Luck!

[Blue Beard]

Does anyone know if this conversion would be available for standard drum brakes?

[Coleman396]

That is what the conversion is for. Trucks that came with drum brakes. You can run them with or without power. That choice is all yours. Good luck!

[57CAMEO3124]

Can anyone tell me if anyone offers the Disc for the conversion in a 6 lug pattern.

Thanks
Richard