[Randy Frazier]

I am rebuilding the drivetrain on a '60 Ventura and can't find a driveshaft carrier bearing. Can anyone provide a spicer part number for this bearing/housing assembly and will it interchange with any later model GM carrier bearings? If this bearing is not available, does anyone have any experience with an alternative for using the 2 piece driveshaft?

Thank you.

[Keith Seymore]

I would propose fabricating a one piece drive shaft, depending on your vehicle usage and desire (or lack thereof) to adhere to "stock" appearance.

Is this a street car (only)? or race application?

The one piece shaft would need to withstand bending/harmonics at speed, and is a function of shaft material, diameter, top speed and rear axle ratio of the vehicle. Any reputable driveline shop should be able to help you spec that out (ie, Denny's, Dynotech, etc).

Two piece designs bring some inherent disadvantages along with them, namely additional mass, parts (like your failed center bearing) and twice as many U joint to mess up. I try to avoid them whenever I can.

K

[stevep]

I do not think that you can use a 1 piece shaft on this car since it is an X frame.

[U47]

I saw a guy install a one piece on a 62 Chevy and cut so much out of the X brace so it could swing that seemed to me like he compromised the frame. He was driving it around, but I'm glad it wasn't mine.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by stevep

I do not think that you can use a 1 piece shaft on this car since it is an X frame.

Dang. Could be; might be more fab work than a guy would want to get in to.

I was kinda hoping Troy might chime in - I'd like to know what he is using for a driveline.

K

[Poncho60]

Have you tried to get the bearing anywhere? It comes out of the assembly. I got one from NAPA a few years ago, but it was a little pricey as I recall.....around $55 if I remember right. The other issue you can have with the assembly is that the rubber isolater can rot out. Steele Rubber products can redo that if the metal parts are OK.

[Poncho60]

The brearing I purchased (from NAPA) was an SKF and the part number was 6908-VAL if you want to see if it's still available...or could possibly be cross-referenced to another part number.

[Antique]

I have a 60 Ventura but have never replaced it but plan to while I have the engine out. I put one in a 60 chevy which appeared identical. Autozone had the whole built up assy for under $20. It was not as sturdy as the one coming out of the 60 but I spot welded it in four places to reinforce it and it has held up nice. Just a suggestion if you have the assembly out compare it to one for a 60 at autozone or ask if the show a 60 Pontiac. It is amazing what is available for 60 chevys because they were so common.
Also might try AMES. Good luck

[Poncho60]

Antique-

Do I understand you correctly....you only replaced one in a 60 Chevy? I've looked at some Chevy versions on e-bay and if I remember correctly they did not look very similar to Pontiac. If you have the 60 Chassis manual for Pontiac it shows the hanger bearing assy in pretty good detail. I may be wrong about the Chev vs Pontiac issue tho.

[60man]

Originally Posted by Poncho60

The brearing I purchased (from NAPA) was an SKF and the part number was 6908-VAL if you want to see if it's still available...or could possibly be cross-referenced to another part number.

That sounds like the bearing # I have ...which I no longer need. I went to a one piece shaft a couple of years ago..Not a cut & dried deal..have to cut X-member and cut out
the center support attaching bracket..
FWIW: I ran the two piece shaft with my 508 for a long time..they are pretty beefy..pumping 800 hp through it..
I would just replace the bearing if center support is OK..Steel Rubber Products can rebuild your center support if necessary.
Think I have a spare bearing if interested....$25.00 + S&H..
Pm me if needed..

[Antique]

No. I have not replaced my Pontiac center carrier bearing assy yet but have had the drive shaft out on a previous 60 and other than the housing assy which did not appear as strong they appeared the same as the chevy, also has the same mounting holes. Usually the bearing is not the problem but the vulcanized rubber deteriorating letting dust/dirt in which kills the bearing. Again, if you have yours out you may be able to get a comaprison at Autozone . I am pulling my trans and engine tormorrw morning but since I already have the front clip off, it will be a few days before pulling the drive shaft out the back.

[60man]

FWIW: I did not think Chevy center supports were the same ??!!
At least not for 60's...not sure of other years..
Secures to tunnel different..

[Antique]

Originally Posted by 60man

FWIW: I did not think Chevy center supports were the same ??!!
At least not for 60's...not sure of other years..
Secures to tunnel different..

I got my engine and trans pulled as one and will try to get the drive shaft out tomorrow if not raining and will post after looking at it.

[Antique]

Also, if you look at the rockauto site for 60 Chevy they show pictures of several of the carrier bearing assemblies and also lists just the bearing with the specs on just the bearing. But for that to help you need the specs for the 60 Pontiac bearing to see if they are the same.
http://www.rockauto.com

[60man]

According to the NAPA Bearing & Seal catalog,Chevy & Pontiac are NOT the same.
Pontiac-58-60.............6908-VAL bearing only
Chevy-58-64...............6206-2RSJ bearing only
HB206-FF Support assembly
Rock did not show pic for Pontiac and the Chevy picture is not same as Pontiac
Hope this pic is OK

[Antique]

Originally Posted by 60man

According to the NAPA Bearing & Seal catalog,Chevy & Pontiac are NOT the same.
Pontiac-58-60.............6908-VAL bearing only
Chevy-58-64...............6206-2RSJ bearing only
HB206-FF Support assembly
Rock did not show pic for Pontiac and the Chevy picture is not same as Pontiac
Hope this pic is OK

Thanks for the research. I suspect the rubber dust shiled on my carrier assy will be deriorated. A while back I read about a guy who can repair by vulcanizing.

[60man]

Originally Posted by Antique

Thanks for the research. I suspect the rubber dust shiled on my carrier assy will be deriorated. A while back I read about a guy who can repair by vulcanizing.

Steele Rubber...they do a excellent job with modern day "rubber"..
You have to send them your center support less bearing...if it is good condition they will fix ya up...
I have had several done by them..

[sonjaab]

Give these guys a call. They usually have everything in the driveshaft dept.
(sorry no web link)
Universal Joint Sales Co
805 Spencer St
Syracuse, NY 13204-1288
(315) 475-7241