I wonder how many of these are still running the ball bearing steering.
Yes. Tapered rollers are better at that. No question.better particularly at spreading the load
I would have thought that the knotch was due to the age and adjustment of the bearings and not that they were roller?With the oem bearings I was getting a noticeable notch that you could feel in the middle so I installed tapered rollers. That was a long time and many miles ago. Never a problem or in need an adjustment since.
If you have to replace them, the OE bearings cost in the $150 neighborhood. I won't be buying those either.I put tapered in the old '83 and will install them in the '77 if and when the time comes.
If using a punch is difficult or impossible, there is another fairly easy method: Using a stick or MIG welder, run a weld bead all around the inside of the old bearing race. Then have a cup of coffee or tea while everything cools down, and now the bottom race most likely falls out by itself, and the top race can be pulled out by handI put tapered in the old '83 and will install them in the '77 if and when the time comes. I WILL notch the steering head to be able to remove the tapered bearings......or whatever the process is to easily remove the tapered bearings and their race. Why? You never know, as I never imagined.......
And if it doesn't, the built up bead will give enough purchase for a drift to tap it out.If using a punch is difficult or impossible, there is another fairly easy method: Using a stick or MIG welder, run a weld bead all around the inside of the old bearing race. Then have a cup of coffee or tea while everything cools down, and now the bottom race most likely falls out by itself, and the top race can be pulled out by hand