I noticed in the LMC catalog today that they started selling new fan spindle assemblies. I seem to recall that no one had a replacement a couple of years ago.

Truck Parts and Truck Accessories

It's an updated design with sealed bearings. I'm guessing that means it won't require oiling?

 

That's nice to have that alternative! I wish they'd make a quality fan blade replacement, 65 yr old fans make me nervous!

 

Bob Drake sells one like it. Not sure if it is the same.

 

Speaking of fan spindles. The fan hub on my flathead has some detectable end play. It also leaks oil out the rear side of the hub. But that happened when I had it sitting on the bench rear side down. What say you guys on the end play? I have a used fan and hub assembly with a 5 blade fan that has no end play.

 

After reading the description, It certainly sounds like the same one.

https://www.bobdrake.com/FordItem.aspx?Item=21A-8600-K

 

What is the difference between the '52 and '53 truck fan? Is it the belt width?

 

I believe 53's used the sealed bearing fans that cars had been using for 2 - 3 years. Can you post a pic of your belt arrangement? I had saved it and can't find it. Do you have the big wide long belt driving both WP's and gen, or is it like car engines with one belt driving one WP and the gen, another driving the other WP and the fan?

 

Mine is the sealed bearing with wide belts. One belt for both pumps and generator, one for the fan.

 

Thanks for the pic! I don't know why the new fan wouldn't work on yours, it could just be a catalog error.

 

I found that the 53 fan spindle was a one year, truck only part. I could not find one. I had to have it fabricated.

 

There was a lot of that for '53. The radiators, upper metal radiator hoses, and bell housings, to name a few. I guess I'll add fan spindle to the list.

I've always heard it was because they wanted the Y-Block in the redesigned truck for '53, but the Y-Block production wasn't ready. They ended up using the Flattie, with an assortment of one-year parts.

 

Let me know if you need to rebuild your fan, I can show you how.