Rear axle bearing vendor choices

[MoPar~Man]

I note that rockauto sells "USA Standard Gear" USA10047 and USA10046 bearing kits for about $175 (for both sides).

I wouldn't be considering the 10046 kit because it's a green (ball) bearing.

Dr. Diff sells a kit that includes steel inner gasket, a choice of Timkin or Precision bearings, for $128.

The DrDiff package seems to be the no-brainer choice here - unless I'm missing something?

How likely would I need to replace the retainer plates? Again we have rock's US Standard Gear retainers coming in at $125 while DrDiff's custom machined (thicker) plates are $72.

For any of these kits, there is no difference between the 489/741/742 case? I have the 741 case.

 

[Big_John]

note that rockauto sells "USA Standard Gear" USA10047 and USA10046 bearing kits for about $175 (for both sides).

I wouldn't be considering the 10046 kit because it's a green (ball) bearing.

Dr. Diff sells a kit that includes steel inner gasket, a choice of Timkin or Precision bearings, for $128.

The DrDiff package seems to be the no-brainer choice here - unless I'm missing something?

In theory, the Timkin bearings would be the better choice. USA Standard is a parts supplier and their bearings are probably made for them and packaged in USA Standard box. They could be just fine, but I would go with the Timkin bearings. Precision Bearing is probably OK, but I think the safer bet, and the one I've always chosen is Timkin.

How likely would I need to replace the retainer plates? Again we have rock's US Standard Gear retainers coming in at $125 while DrDiff's custom machined (thicker) plates are $72.

No reason that I know of unless the retainers are damaged. The only time I've seen them damaged is from some heavy handed installation.

For any of these kits, there is no difference between the 489/741/742 case? I have the 741 case.

No difference on the axles bearings or their seals.

 

[413]

Plates can be saved if the guy had the proper tools to grab the bearing ony and would not destroy the plates.

Look at your plates and adjuster make sure they are flat and in good shape right now. Not rusted up.

 

[Fireflite56]

Timken is a good brand, with many parts still made in the USA. I did a rear end rebuild on my '59 DeSoto last year and most of the original parts I removed were Timken. I looked up all of the factory part numbers in the parts book and then used a website to cross those to the Timken numbers to ensure I was getting the correct parts.

 

[volksworld]

I looked up my Dr Diff receipt and it only showed the carrier bearings and the clutch kit, so I guess I sourced the Timkin ones I used someplace else...but my notes say they were USA made...maybe they were on a separate receipt, cause thought I got it all from him...the set7 bearing comes with the press on retainer ring and I'd be most concerned with the quality of that piece cause it helps keep the bearing on the shaft... so even though some other brand of bearing might be ok, that ring might not be

 

[MoPar~Man]

Yea I agree with the Timken choice, it's hard to know these days where exactly they're made compared to years past. Regarding the axle do I have to worry about anything falling out on the inside or replacing something like a "button" or is that a thing only with a limited-slip diff (which mine is not) ?

 

[Fireflite56]

Timken brand is available on RockAuto FYI.

 

[Big_John]

Regarding the axle do I have to worry about anything falling out on the inside or replacing something like a "button" or is that a thing only with a limited-slip diff (which mine is not) ?

You shouldn't have a problem. The axles butt against the shaft (called a thrust block) with the side gears on it and that's not going any place.

 

[3175375]

@mobileparts - Craig, chime in with your sage advice, please.

 

[MoPar~Man]

Timken brand is available on RockAuto FYI.

Maybe I'm not seeing it, but rock doesn't show a variety of rear axle bearing choices like they do for the front wheels.

 

[Fireflite56]

Maybe I'm not seeing it, but rock doesn't show a variety of rear axle bearing choices like they do for the front wheels.

For some of the ones for my '59, I had to search the Timken p/n directly as it did not show up under my car on its own, but they had it.

 

[RemCharger]

Maybe I'm not seeing it, but rock doesn't show a variety of rear axle bearing choices like they do for the front wheels.

Just looked, they're there.

 

[Mr onetwo]

from the Rockauto site...don't know if it means you actually get Timken or not

 

[Big_John]

Maybe I'm not seeing it, but rock doesn't show a variety of rear axle bearing choices like they do for the front wheels.

The problem with Rock Auto and many others is the listings aren't as complete as they should be. I looked up '67 Monaco (IIRC) and here's a screen shot.

No Timkin bearing listed. Yet we know that there's a Timkin bearing set that fits and RA does carry it. I did a little more searching and I even found that they don't even list a rear axle bearing for a '67 300! Yet they list them for a '67 New Yorker, which we know has the same rear and pretty much the same car.

RA's listings used to be the better source and I would pull part numbers and then go searching for the better deal with shipping with Amazon often winning out. The local independent NAPA store has the RA website open all the time because the NAPA parts website has some serious holes in it and they often look up and cross numbers.

The moral of the story is you have to be prepared to do some research and not believe everything you see.