Ford9inch axle bearing types interchangeable?

[Alvin in AZ]

Took my '75 F100's rear axles out today and found 31 spline axles
with "outer sealed ball bearings" and the inside-seal-type and not
the roller bearings I was expecting to find with a 31 spline axle. :/

Are the bearing+seal types interchangeable?
(switch from outer-ball bearings to inner-roller bearings)
Is there a difference in the axle housing or something that prevents
me from swapping to the other bearing type?

Either way... which type do you prefer and why? :)

Alvin in AZ

[averagef250]

I prefer the sealed ball bearings to the tapered bearings. I do believe the types interchange, but I've never done it. I've seen 31 spline big bearing housings with both and semi float dana 60's with both. A friend has a 74 F-100 I welded spiders in the 31 spline 9 inch in and found one axle with a tapered bearing and the other with a ball bearing.

The tapered bearings seam to have more issues with the seal failing. I always have a hard time getting the tapered bearing axles back in with the old seal on them. The seal seams to get banged up and leak. I like the ball bearings because you'll know you've got a wheel bearing going out when you find gear oil leaking from the drum and you can pull/replace the axles as often as you like without the fear of messing up the seal.

[ok68crewcab]

I had a 76 F150 that went through bearings after about 15000 miles. I went through a couple of sets (and a broken axle shaft) before I figured out that the housing was bent putting extra stress on the bearings and axle. I replaced with both types and didn't see much difference.

[Alvin in AZ]

Cool. :)
Thanks, you guys. :)

Alvin in AZ