[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Rocky 389

Also, 59 was the last year for ball bearings for the front hubs while 60 was the first year for roller bearings...a much better bearing IMHO.

They actually used ball bearings on the front wheels through 1961, and changed to roller bearings in 1962.

[Rocky 389]

Originally Posted by Stuart

They actually used ball bearings on the front wheels through 1961, and changed to roller bearings in 1962.

Woops! I should have qualified that post....Hollander number 110 [hub and drum section] shows 60 and 61 front hubs with roller bearings for police cars.........doesn't say anything about ambulances or hearses tho.
Al spindles are the same from 59-64 with no changes for heavy duty brakes or changes from ball to roller bearings. And a H.D. front hub from a 60 Poncho is the same as a normal duty for a 61...weird.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Rocky 389

Woops! I should have qualified that post....Hollander number 110 [hub and drum section] shows 60 and 61 front hubs with roller bearings for police cars.........doesn't say anything about ambulances or hearses tho.
Al spindles are the same from 59-64 with no changes for heavy duty brakes or changes from ball to roller bearings. And a H.D. front hub from a 60 Poncho is the same as a normal duty for a 61...weird.

The good thing about that is swapping to roller bearings is as simple as using later hubs. I have 1962 8 lugs on my car, they bolt right on.

There was a special roller bearing available that would fit 1961 and earlier hubs (they had a larger outside diameter to match the ball bearing race size); someone was selling them on eBay a few years back, but they were pretty expensive.

[Poncho60]

I have the conversion bearings on my '60. The outer races are extra thick in order to compensate for the smaller OD of the roller bearings compared to original ball bearings. I saw a set recently on E-bay....I think the starting price was around $150.00 for the set.