72 Boler American wheel hub size? Options

[Brian Scott]

I want to replace my 4 lug hubs with 5 lug. It'll give me a few more options when I decide to buy new rims.
Does anybody know the size hubs I need? I dont want them to arrive and not fit........then ship them back.....blah, blah, blah....

Anybody?

[floyd]

I want to replace my 4 lug hubs with 5 lug. It'll give me a few more options when I decide to buy new rims.
Does anybody know the size hubs I need? I dont want them to arrive and not fit........then ship them back.....blah, blah, blah....

Anybody?

CAUTION! I am assuming you are talking about straight spindle hubs.
Most older 4-lug hubs are 1" spindles and most 5-lug hubs are 1-1/16".
If you can read the numbers on the bearings (same inner or outer)they will tell you the spindle size by crossing the number. usually the hub size and spindle length are compatible. I have one trailer on which this conversion was successfully accomplished by simply acertaining the spindle size. of course you should replace the bearings, seals,and races when replacing the hubs.
Order the 5 on 4.5 hub that will fit the spinde you have, of course, since the spindle can only be replaced with a new axle assembly.

If you have tapered spindles(doubtful) then you should get the bearing numbers for both innner and outer bearings since they are of course different.
If you can still read the number on the axle housing it too can tell you what you need to know.
Regards:Floyd

This post has been edited by floyd: Nov 1 2009, 10:42 AM

[Brian Scott]

Thanks Floyd,

They appear to be 1" straight axles. This should be an easy swap..

[Roy in TO]

Have you considered swapping the entire axle with new? If it still the original axle it should be well past its expected life. The cost of an entire new axle may not be that much more than the cost of new hubs, bearings labour etc..

[Brian Scott]

Hey Roy,

How've you been? I just cant spend any more $$ right now. I want to get the windows in and seal her all up. It's been clogging up my garage for almost two years. The hubs and bearings won't cost me but $60.00 or so, and the labor is free, so that's my plan for now. Next season, any camping I do(if it's ready)will be local just to work out the kinks.
Maybe next winter, I'll look into replacing the axle. From what I read the axle isnt super expensive, but here on Long Island, the welding won't be cheap. When I had the body off the frame, I had a couple guys do "a jump test" and the suspension still seems to have some spring left in it.

It'll be just fine.........(words I might come to regret!) :-)