1962 Rear Axle Bearings

[Terry D.]

I'm under the impression that there were two different axle bearings in 62, one for a posi rear end and one for an open. If this is true can someone tell me the difference in diameter so I can determine which mine is. As always thanks.

Terry Deusterman
CaptainEgg@aolcom

[Richard E.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Bearings

Terry - No difference in diameters. The posi bearings were "roller" type and had just one O-Ring around the outer diameter. The posi roller bearings are roughly 0.9" wide, and use a 0.1" spacer on the differential side. This fills the 1.0" bearing well depth in the axle housing. These bearings are fairly hard to come by, and moderately expensive.

The non-posi bearings were/ball bearings, have two O-Ring seals, and are 1.0" wide, thus not requiring any spacer. These bearings are relatively easy to get.

There are some great threads in the archives on this subject. The ball bearings will work with attention paid to orientation of the bearing on the axle.

Regards, Dick

[Terry D.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Bearings

My bearings are 2.81" in diameter. The local NAPA Store bearings are 3.01" in diameter. Is this right for a 62 or do I have a different year rear end under it?
Terry

[John T.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Bearings

Just measured my 62. Bearings are 3.01

John

[Richard E.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Bearings

Terry - I,m with John. The ball bearings I just took out of my 62 also measured 3.01. The roller bearings I put in, were similar. Either bearing is a moderate press fit into the axle housing. Can't explain why yours are so much smaller unless you've got a strange rear axle housing. Hope someone has an explanation. Have you measured the bearing well in the axle housing? Regards...Dick

[Terry D.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Bearings

I'm no machinist, but near as I can tell the well is .085"
Terry