Single front wheel rotor on rear hub?

[mike sadlon]

I have been doing a little research and the 70's-early 80's one ton single wheel trucks front rotors use the same bearings as our rear hubs.
Has anyone ever tried to fit them on.
My thought would be, a disc brake setup that would use a late model rim.
After my tire lose the other day, it got me thinking.
If you are going to add discs, and at the price of aluminum rims, you might be able to save money on the conversion.

Thoughts?

 

[Jim Hupy]

I think that is one wheel that does not need much re-invention. The rear
spindles and bearings are very much up to the task required of them. But,
they require periodic maintence. The coach is very much a product of the
70's, with engineering that precedes that time frame. No sealed throw away
unitized hubs to be found. Up until the HEI ignition was fitted in 75-76,
10,000 mile plug changes and points and condenser were the order of the
day. Wheel bearings needed to be disassembled and repacked with fresh
grease. Still do. If you neglect your maintenance, it is like playing
Russian Roulette with all chambers loaded.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

I have been doing a little research and the 70's-early 80's one ton single
wheel trucks front rotors use the same bearings as our rear hubs.
Has anyone ever tried to fit them on.
My thought would be, a disc brake setup that would use a late model rim.
After my tire lose the other day, it got me thinking.
If you are going to add discs, and at the price of aluminum rims, you might
be able to save money on the conversion.

Thoughts?

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[Matt Colie]

> I think that is one wheel that does not need much re-invention. The rear spindles and bearings are very much up to the task required of them. But,
> they require periodic maintence. The coach is very much a product of the 70's, with engineering that precedes that time frame. No sealed throw away
> unitized hubs to be found. Up until the HEI ignition was fitted in 75-76, 10,000 mile plug changes and points and condenser were the order of the
> day. Wheel bearings needed to be disassembled and repacked with fresh grease. Still do. If you neglect your maintenance, it is like playing Russian
> Roulette with all chambers loaded.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403

Jim,

Your observations are largely correct, but the problem with the rear bearings is simple that the grease of the day oxidized badly and with very little
provocation. This was the same issue with the front bearings.

While bearing seals are better, the real change there was materials that don't age as badly. These materials are used in all the new seals as well.
Even OE had validated it for use in the few numbers still in production.

How good is the new grease?
Well we have two cars in the garage. Both have sealed front wheel bearings and one had one replaced at 150K when about 10 years old. The other and
the rears are still there. That is the NEW car. The other is 22 years old and is somewhere north of 200K and that is unknown, it could be a lot
more.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit

 

[Bruce Hart]

Matt,
I had a 97 chevy 4x4 with 350k miles and never changed front bearings.

> > I think that is one wheel that does not need much re-invention. The rear
> spindles and bearings are very much up to the task required of them. But,
> > they require periodic maintence. The coach is very much a product of the
> 70's, with engineering that precedes that time frame. No sealed throw away
> > unitized hubs to be found. Up until the HEI ignition was fitted in
> 75-76, 10,000 mile plug changes and points and condenser were the order of
> the
> > day. Wheel bearings needed to be disassembled and repacked with fresh
> grease. Still do. If you neglect your maintenance, it is like playing
> Russian
> > Roulette with all chambers loaded.
> > Jim Hupy
> > Salem, Or
> > 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>
> Jim,
>
> Your observations are largely correct, but the problem with the rear
> bearings is simple that the grease of the day oxidized badly and with very
> little
> provocation. This was the same issue with the front bearings.
>
> While bearing seals are better, the real change there was materials that
> don't age as badly. These materials are used in all the new seals as well.
> Even OE had validated it for use in the few numbers still in production.
>
> How good is the new grease?
> Well we have two cars in the garage. Both have sealed front wheel
> bearings and one had one replaced at 150K when about 10 years old. The
> other and
> the rears are still there. That is the NEW car. The other is 22 years
> old and is somewhere north of 200K and that is unknown, it could be a lot
> more.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
> OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class

 

[mike sadlon]

Uhmmm, My question isn't about new sealed hubs, but 78-91 1 ton front hub/rotor that uses the same bearings as our rear.

I have seen Ken Hendersons' drawing for the spindle, but the number I'm looking for, he has labeled X.

And will the rotor clear the bogie arm?

Mike

 

[jim kanomata1]

there are simpler ways to get to where you need.
Call me as we do this type of mods for customers and at our shop.

> I think that is one wheel that does not need much re-invention. The rear
> spindles and bearings are very much up to the task required of them. But,
> they require periodic maintence. The coach is very much a product of the
> 70's, with engineering that precedes that time frame. No sealed throw away
> unitized hubs to be found. Up until the HEI ignition was fitted in 75-76,
> 10,000 mile plug changes and points and condenser were the order of the
> day. Wheel bearings needed to be disassembled and repacked with fresh
> grease. Still do. If you neglect your maintenance, it is like playing
> Russian Roulette with all chambers loaded.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>

>
> I have been doing a little research and the 70's-early 80's one ton single
> wheel trucks front rotors use the same bearings as our rear hubs.
> Has anyone ever tried to fit them on.
> My thought would be, a disc brake setup that would use a late model rim.
> After my tire lose the other day, it got me thinking.
> If you are going to add discs, and at the price of aluminum rims, you might
> be able to save money on the conversion.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502

 

[hal stclair]

Now that's impressive Bruce, especially in your weather conditions.
Hal

> Matt,
> I had a 97 chevy 4x4 with 350k miles and never changed front bearings.
>

>

> >> I think that is one wheel that does not need much re-invention. The rear
> > spindles and bearings are very much up to the task required of them. But,
> >> they require periodic maintence. The coach is very much a product of the
> > 70's, with engineering that precedes that time frame. No sealed throw away
> >> unitized hubs to be found. Up until the HEI ignition was fitted in
> > 75-76, 10,000 mile plug changes and points and condenser were the order of
> > the
> >> day. Wheel bearings needed to be disassembled and repacked with fresh
> > grease. Still do. If you neglect your maintenance, it is like playing
> > Russian
> >> Roulette with all chambers loaded.
> >> Jim Hupy
> >> Salem, Or
> >> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
> >
> > Jim,
> >
> > Your observations are largely correct, but the problem with the rear
> > bearings is simple that the grease of the day oxidized badly and with very
> > little
> > provocation. This was the same issue with the front bearings.
> >
> > While bearing seals are better, the real change there was materials that
> > don't age as badly. These materials are used in all the new seals as well.
> > Even OE had validated it for use in the few numbers still in production.
> >
> > How good is the new grease?
> > Well we have two cars in the garage. Both have sealed front wheel
> > bearings and one had one replaced at 150K when about 10 years old. The
> > other and
> > the rears are still there. That is the NEW car. The other is 22 years
> > old and is somewhere north of 200K and that is unknown, it could be a lot
> > more.
> >
> > Matt
> > --
> > Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> > Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
> > OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> > SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Bruce Hart
> 1976 Palm Beach
> Milliken, Co
> GMC=Got More Class
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
1977 Royale 101348,

1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,

1975 Eleganza II, 101230

1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout

 

[Ken H.]

Hmmm...wonder why I didn't measure & label that? If you really need it, I
probably still have the spindle.

Ken H.

> Uhmmm, My question isn't about new sealed hubs, but 78-91 1 ton front
> hub/rotor that uses the same bearings as our rear.
>
> I have seen Ken Hendersons' drawing for the spindle, but the number I'm
> looking for, he has labeled X.
>
> And will the rotor clear the bogie arm?
>
> Mike
>
>

 

[mike sadlon]

Thanks Ken

But not necessary, I ordered a hub, and next time I take parts to Jeff Sirum, I will get an arm.

I am real interested to see if it clears.

 

[hal stclair]

That would be a real find if it fits Mike. Keep us posted.
Hal
--
1977 Royale 101348,

1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,

1975 Eleganza II, 101230

1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout

 

[david shafer]

There is a hub that will fit and use the same bearings. I have trial fitted it onto my parts 73. It clears the bogie but moves the wheel inboard too
much. I think a 2 inch spacer puts the wheel very close to where it needs to be. I got side-tracked and did not go any further. I do have some
calipers and chevy brackets that I hope to make fit. I decided that I need a mill and lathe to finish the project... anyway it's as good an excuse as
I am likely to get soon. The lathe and mill have been acquired but are not running yet. I don't remember the specifics but I do think it is a one ton
rotor from about the year stated by Mike Sadlon. may even be more than one thickness of rotor to chose from. I do have the part number available...
somewhere. The question now is whether to alter someone's brackets and reaction arms or make my own.
Dave
--
1977 26 foot 403

 

[mike sadlon]

Thanks Dave, that's what I was looking for.

The 2 inches would be about perfect to run late model SRW rims.

Jeff has brake kits in stock and once I get a hub on the arm, I will see if anything already out there fits.

The late model SRW rims are out there cheap, $100-$250 for 4.

And with the hub and rotor at $70 on rockauto. It would be much cheaper that New Aluminum dually rims.

Mike

 

[Jim Hupy]

Originally, during the testing of the "pie wagon" rear suspension, photo's
depict it using toronado wheels and hubs. That stuff proved to be NOT
STRONG ENOUGH, and was replaced with what we have now. Proceed with
caution. People's lives depend upon you getting it right the first time.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> Thanks Dave, that's what I was looking for.
>
> The 2 inches would be about perfect to run late model SRW rims.
>
> Jeff has brake kits in stock and once I get a hub on the arm, I will see
> if anything already out there fits.
>
> The late model SRW rims are out there cheap, $100-$250 for 4.
>
> And with the hub and rotor at $70 on rockauto. It would be much cheaper
> that New Aluminum dually rims.
>
> Mike
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[david shafer]

Mike, The problem as I remember is that the wheel well only has room for the 6 inch wide rim. Other mods will need be made to get in the wheels you
mentioned which I think are 8 inches wide.
Good Luck, I'm right behind you.
Dave
--
1977 26 foot 403