4 Speed mainshaft bearing

[Johnno]

Hoping someone has been here before. Rebuilding 49 4speed trans & the mainshaft ball bearing supplied is sealed both sides. Original (maybe not so original as box has been apart previously) had no seals at all. I'm inclined to flick them out but thought there may be a reason to use a sealed brg that I can't see. I would think a constant supply of trans oil would be better than the small amount of grease they come pre-packed with. What do you think? Cheers Johnno

[Wayne Mc]

HI Johnno,
I'm sure somebody will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the 49's came with a sealed roller bearing on the kicker side of the mainshaft. The OEM part number is 9020

Cheers
Wayne

[Johnno]

Wayne Thanks for your post but now you've got me looking at more than just sealed or open bearing.I just went down to w/shop & checked old brg. Definately ball brg branded 'Norma Made in USA' but as previously stated has been apart before. Best thing about g/box is date code E9 on casing. I also had a look at JP & they list a replacement ball brg. My old parts books don't list a different brg for 49s, I see you own a 49 is this what you have found in yours? Anyone else?

Cheers Johnno

[Bosheff]

Can't say for sure how these bearings came in 1949. Off the top of my head I would guess the earlier units were probably open on both sides, then as technology improved they progressed to sealed units. Been doin 4 speeds for over 35 years and thinkin back on it, all I can remember usin are the sealed units you describe (9020)....bosheff

[Wayne Mc]

HI Johnno,
My 49 tranny is all apart. The bearing in mine is a Chinesse POS that the previous owner must have put in. The 9020 if I recall are sealed on the kicker side and open on the gear side.
Also been doing 4 speeds since dinosaurs ruled the planet but the 9020's are hard to find USA made. I generally call the local bearing supply shop and give them the 9020Z number and ask them to get me a USA made bearing.

Hope this helps
Wayne

[Larry]

Are we talking about "sealed", or "shielded"?

[Wayne Mc]

I've been using shielded bearings

Cheers
Wayne

[Robert Luland]

I asked this question a long time ago on the AMCA forum and I have to agree with my buddy Eric's reply: The oil will get in to the bearing no matter what but the shields are a good thing as they prevent metal chips etc from getting into the bearing. Any of these shit holes like JP or V-Puke are going to sell the cheepest crap they can get thier hands on. Go to your local bearing supply. It should be a stock on the shelf item. Bob L