My 9" Ford (getting transplanted into my '47 truck) needs new wheel bearings - I see there's a few to choose from - from what I can tell it boils down to the standard "Timken set 20" (tapered roller bearings) or the new sealed ball bearings. Can someone school me on the Pro's and Con's for each???
The Timken bearings will better handle the thrust loading ***ociated with driving on the road. The ball bearings have a much lower coefficient of friction then the taper bearings. Taper has a line of contact, the ball bearing has a point of contact. Unless you are autocrossing/open track day a 4500lb car, you are probably going to be better off with the ball bearings. The tapers are better for extremely heavy loads as encountered in a large truck. They are used on front wheels because it was determined the opposing tapers would be better suited to removal and repacking of the bearings. Get me the number on the ball bearing and I will see what I can do for a price. Just PM me.
Cyclops, Well put. One other thing I will add. Tapers will increase the stiffness of the axle. It all comes down to how you are going to use the truck. If you are just cruising long distance on good roads without load in the bed or towing a trailer, ball bearings will do well & give you good gas mileage. If it is just the opposite, go with Timken Tapers. With all that said, go with the Timken Tapers. Made in the USA with American steel. (and it helps my bottom line too.)
The Timken Set 20 is 45.57 plus tax and shipping. I would have to ship from Timken. We have none in stock. This is the HAMB/good buddy price.
It uses the big bearings, right? should be fine with ball bearings. I would use them just to keep life simple.
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