we are putting a 1957 chevy rear end in a 1950 chevy styleline. we pulled it apart and cleaned everything. the axle bearings need to be replaced. we heard you can upgrade to tapered roller bearings. would anyone know of part numbers for bearing and seal upgrade? can you use 1951 chevy brakes on the 1957 rear end?
Upgrade ? Why change what works .... just try to find US made parts. The rear shoes are same both years, cylinders same diameter but different plumbing.
I just did a bunch of research on this and didn't see anything about tapered bearings. I do know that the 57 HR a ONE YEAR ONLY bearing. So keep that in mind while ordering. I'm not sure you can be guaranteed USA bearing these days so good luck.
You can replace the front wheel ball bearings on a 51 or a 57 chevy with tapered roller bearings...maybe that's what someone was telling you? or supposed to be telling you?
What Jim said--as stated 57 rear bearings are one yr only but may be the same as 57-58 Corvette-wider than 55-56 bearing and retainer plate is different. Got mine at NAPA about 4 yrs ago.
Throwing something else on this "fire". Some guys say there was an optional HD/Police/Taxi bearing used on 1957 Chevrolet passenger cars and Corvettes, that were a roller bearing. But, I agree on why fix what is't broke? Brakes are the same 51-58. I am Butch/56sedandelivery. OK, go to E-Bay, item number 331827163518 for those "optional roller bearings" NOS.
we ordered standard bearings and a pinion seal. rtv the center section. will be putting '51 rear brakes on the '57 axle. thank as always for your help. since we have so many projects we will be posting more questions as they come up.
the differential we bought didn't have any brakes on it. we have a set of brakes from a 51. we were told on the hamb that the 50 brakes were terrible and to upgrade to 51 and newer. our car is a 50 styleline, with a 194 chevy, aluminum power glide and the 57 differential.
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