Front wheel question

[Disco]

I know the front wheel bearings are different for '97, but is it just the bearings or are the front wheels (or anything else) different, too?  TIA, DFG

[MP]

Just the bearings.  They have a smaller outer diameter.  Axle is the same.  If you get a newer wheel, just put the newer bearings in it, and good to go.  I have the larger bearings in my 97 std.

MP

[Disco]

Thanks, MP.  I guess I posted before I was fully awake and could figure it out.  Although the parts fiche give different part numbers for your '97 & my 2000 front axle, by referring to the bearings (and their respective sizes) listed in the Generic Parts List, the IDs for both are 20mm.  The OD for the 6004 '97 front bearing is 42mm (width 12mm) and the OD for '98 & up is 47mm (width 14mm).  So, it looks like the '97 wheels are different. 

How did you get the larger bearings in your '97?

The reason I'm curious about all this is I recently bought a second set of wheels to polish and mount new tires to and don't know if I have a '97 or later front wheel.  I guess I'll find out when it comes home from the powder coater.   

[MP]

I did not explain very well.  I put a newer wheel on the 97, which uses the larger bearings.  All fits fine.  Sorry for not explaining very well.

MP

[Disco]

The good news is the wheel is 98 & up so I don't have to investigate spaces etc.  The bad news is the powder coat had a bunch of trash in it so I rejected them and they're doing them again.