Measure you housing before you buy a bearing. I thought I had a 57 and after I pressed on the new bearing I found out I had a 56 housing. A costly mistake. Even 20 years ago.
I obtain my bearings (stock 1957 Chevy) from NAPA. I think, but not sure, that the OD of the 57 rear axle bearing is 3.0 and the 55 and 56 are a little less, something like 2.875. My issue was, and it also cost me a set of bearings, was that my axle bearings was the same as a 55-56 but the drain plug was bottom center, like a normal 57 and you had to put a wrench on it to remove. Since the machine shop, that I use, cut off the old bearings and press on the new, it is better to "mike" the old bearing before removing it from the axle.
LOTS of people think 55-57 Chevrolet rear ends and parts are ALL the SAME; NOT SO! Many learn the hard way, including me, just not on these rear ends. There's a guy I call the guru of the TRI-Five ear ends, and even up to 64 full size Chevrolet Cars, over on ChevyTalk.Org, DZAUTO. He'll answer any E-Mail, just be respectful; he's a NO B.S. kind of guy, just like me. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
The Jalopy Journal
