MTFCA Forum

I am finally getting around to rebuilding the drive shaft and rear end of my '27. I think that I want to order the Timken bearing for the pinion bearing kit, rather than the standard roller bearing. Also the hot set up seems to be Timken bearings for both the inner and outer rear axle bearings. The outer Timken bearings seem to be a direct replacement for the roller bearings. The inner Timken requires machining the axle. What is is involved with machining the inner portion of the axles?
Thanks, J.R.

I’ve just used roller bearings inboard.
Make sure your housings are straight. I live with 1/8” misalignment at the outboard end. I’ve seen enough housings that are 1/2” or more out.

John, I have always been happy with the origional Ford Set up with origional Hyat bearings.

Has anyone adapted axles to use the inner Timken bearings? What type of modification is required?

I honestly have never used anything other than stock axle shaft bearings so, I have no idea what has to be done to install the modern bearings. I agree with the others though. The stock axle bearings are perfectly adequate and do not need to be replaced with modern bearings. In fact, the original bearings are better because they allow for a small amount of misalignment and flexing in the rear axle assembly which is inherent in it's design. Having said that, the tapered roller pinion bearing is a definite improvement over the stock arrangement.

Stephen

In my opinion, the Fun Projects adjustable pinion bearing kit, standard Hyatt bearings and sleeves on the inner ends of the axles and a set of safety hubs/floating bearings on the outer end is the best combination.

The adjustable pinion bearing set-up allows the optimum setting of the crown wheel and pinion mesh.

The use of standard Hyatt bearings and sleeves in the centre means there are no problems fitting reproduction rollers over original axles and they are usually in good order, as is the inner axle bearing journal.

A set of safety hubs/floating outer bearings takes the load off the axle and transfers it to the axle housing. This also allows the use of original axles which may otherwise be compromised by wear in the outer journals. It does mean making an easy but irreversible modification to the rear axle housings, but this cannot be seen once assembled.

Others wil have different ideas.
Allan from down under.

After much pondering, and searching for compatible parts, I am going to put in the adjustable pinion bearing, new front bushing, and the standard axle bearings and sleeves. I would have loved to use the safety hubs, but this has become a money pit. I should have bought a boat instead. My next project, when I get out of hock, would be to install Rocky Mountain brakes. Thanks for the sugestions.

Rosenfelder wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 16, 2020 1:58 pm

After much pondering, and searching for compatible parts, I am going to put in the adjustable pinion bearing, new front bushing, and the standard axle bearings and sleeves.

This is what I did but I used the non-adjustable FunProjects pinion. I'm pleased with how it turned out.

The non-adjustable pinion bearing is the way to go if it isn’t too late.

I vote for the non-adjustable one too.

Stephen

When I did one of mine Mr. Regan told me to go with the non-adjustable set up, which I did. What I’ve experienced with the original Ford set up had me dreading the rebuild. I’m not saying the rebuild was simple but it was easier. I’m voting for the non adjustable too.

Ya, the rear axle on my 18 cost me a bundle $$$ too but the only things able to be reused were the grease cups!
John didn't want to sell me the adjustable pinion either. Worked out great! I set the gear clearance tighter than most here but that axle sounds so good and it's done until something breaks.