1966 U14 170 2.8L - Rear End Small Bearing Axle or Large Bearing Axle?

[RattleTheGlass]

Hello CB,
Hope everyone out there is well.

I'm working on getting some new brake kits for our 1966 half-cab (Aug '65 build), and I'm stuck at whether or not our rear end has a small bearing (2780 lb.) axle w/ 10 x 2.5" drums or a large bearing (3300 lbs.) axle w/ 11 x 1.75" drums.

Anybody know if there is a way to tell without taking a wheel off, pulling the drum, and measuring the depth and the radius?



Thanks,
RTG

 

[Viperwolf1]

Several ways. You can look for a bulge in the end of the axle tube where the bearing sits. Wild Horses has some pics on their website you can compare that to.

You can look at the axle code on the warranty plate. This assumes everything is still original which it may not be.

You can look for the part number stamped on the backing plate. This might require wire brushing to find it.

 

[RattleTheGlass]

I had to put this on the back burner for a while, but I'm trying to get back to it. Thanks for the original reply. Still working on figuring out whether small bearing or large bearing.

I had a look but can't find a number stamped on the backing plate, except for possibly an 11?

I'm hoping that this photo helps.

Thanks,

RTG

 

[Viperwolf1]

That's small bearing.

 

[RattleTheGlass]

Thanks, V.

If you wouldn't mind helping me understand the identification better, I've been trying to get it from this link. https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/bronco-rear-axle-school/tech_faq

Is this what you're looking at for identification? The axle housing meets the backing plate and doesn't have a size increase, other than a few mm?

"...large bearing axle housing...you can see a noticeable size increase where the axle housing meets the backing plate."



Regards,
RTG

 

[armynavy17]

That's correct. I'm pretty sure you're tracking, but the circled part is what you're looking at for the small/large bearing identification.

 

[RattleTheGlass]

Thanks, all. I really appreciate the assistance. Tough to get it right on the first try, even though it may seem more apparent after some help. Ha! And, shipping can be super pricey to return heavy parts.

Getting Raybestos drum brake rebuild kits for front and back.



Regards,
RTG

 

[armynavy17]

If you don't know the history of the wheel bearings, I'd highly recommend replacing all of them. It's a little bit of project creep, but you're already right there and have to take the hubs apart anyways to do the front brakes.

 

[Rustytruck]

If the backing plate bolts are 1/2 then its large bearing 3/8 are small bearing.

 

[RattleTheGlass]

Thanks for the additional feedback. Appreciated.


RTG