Axle brg size?

[GJCAT427]

I`m switching my 63-1/2 Galaxie over to 31 spline axles and Finding bearings has been a challenge. I`m wanting to go with Moser axles and  need to spec out size of the axle end. Its still the stock bearing OEM axle under the car. This car is a "Z" code , 390 4 spd That had a T10 from the factory. What bearings will fit? I`ve studied the Timken spec book till I seeing double. I have a set of new Timken 20s in my parts bin from another build but need to know if they can be used with the right axle shaft ends? Any guidance out there?

[hvywrench]

I'm replacing the axle bearings in my '64 Z-code today so maybe this will give you a starting place.
I have a '64 Galaxie Z-code 4 speed with the stock 28 spline axles. The OEM bearings were a FAFNIR number that didn't handily cross over.
However, my parts guy came up with A National #514003, and that appears to be a quality bearing for a 'big bearing' housing.
I've matched them up visually and they look correct for my application.
Not sure if your application with the larger spline axles will be the same, but you can probably use that National number to get a picture with dimensions.
Bill

EDIT:
I did a quick search and came up with this : http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=219360&jsn=8
That shows dimensions, I'm at work so I didn't have time to actually measure mine to confirm, but can do that if it will be helpful.

[BattlestarGalactic]

Only two choices, big or little bearing for the ends.   My wagon was big ends, my 2dr I can't recall?

I think the easiest way to tell is look at the bolts used to hold the axle in(back side of backing plate.  If 3/8", then it is big bearing.  If only 5/16" then small bearing.  Another way is measure the bolt pattern.  The small pattern is 3.375 x 2.00, the large bearing is 3.50 x 2.375.

[Falcon67]

Best to check with Moser also.  Not sure about their parts but the MW 31 splines I run are thicker in the bearing area than a stock Ford 31 spline.  I run small ends in my 9" and use a special bearing with an o-ring. 

[BattlestarGalactic]

Agree, they typically supply the bearings and retainer plates.  They use o-ring on the OD of bearing for sealing.  I typically put a light coat of RTV around and have no issues with leaks without using the typical axle seal in the tube.   You can't use inner seals with 35 spline.

[GJCAT427]

Larry thanks for the heads up, I got to thinking and the axle I measured was from a 61/62 Galaxie and I remembered I had the flange plates at the shop. I took one look and sure enough there a small bearing. The rear under the Galaxie may be a big bearing  and I will crawl under it when the weather breaks again. I think I can reach the brake housing to see if a 9/16s socket fits the nuts. Hvywrench, I looked at the bearing at Rock auto and it may be the one I need but I will talk to a tech and see if you get the brgs with the axles. I really got to check the axle under the car first for brg size. I`m hitting a time line For Beaver Springs and if I don`t make it the 56 F100 goes in its place. Too many things to do and not enough time.

[jayb]

I'm not sure that Larry has the right bolt sizes.  Seems to me they are 3/8" for the small bearing housing and 1/2" for the large bearing housing.  I've got a few small drawers of them here, and they are all either 3/8" or 1/2".

[hvywrench]

Larry has the dimensions correct for the retainer hole spacing, but the bolts are 1/2" as Jay said.
I have my retainers out and separate from the axles so I could easily measure them.
Bill

[BattlestarGalactic]

Doh!!!! 20 lashes with wet noodle.   .  Ya 1\2" is big brg.

[GJCAT427]

OK today I managed to get the rear brake drum off and it defiantly is the big brg rear! Now I can call and get a set of axles made to go with the 31 spline locker. I`ll let them supply the bearing sets and locks.