[Ron Sutton]

Originally Posted by Vince@MSperfab

The GM outer bearings are just tiny, I remember a thread with forces listed. I cannot find it now. I believe it was when Pozzi was addressing the short spindle failures.


Greg, I remember the thread and Rons listing for brake forces. I think it was Rons thread.

Hey Guys,

A post I did on bearing thrust load capacities is here.


A post showing my new Track-Star hubs & the bearing size differences start on THIS PAGE. Be sure to read from post #427 to post #438.

The size & mass of the bearings define their ability to handle thrust loads ... and heat. A front hub bearing is a lot like a brake rotor. The larger it is the better its mass can handle the heat generated. The smaller it is, the higher the temps get & you get grease burn out.


The photos below show the sizes of bearings for reference.

Far left: Timken LM11949 rated at 917# thrust load. (Most GM 58-78, Ford 55-69 & Chrysler 55-72)
2nd from left: Timken LM12748 or LM12749 rated at 922# thrust load. (GM 82+, Ford 70-89)
3rd from left: Timken LM12649 rated at 1130# thrust load. (GM B-body & 1/2T trucks & Ford some HD apps 63-72)
Far right: Timken 2687 rated at 1800# thrust load. (Road Course & Oval Race Cars)