HB206-FF T-Top Bearings Breaking- Is There A BETTER Alternative?

[bud45]

In the past, I have found that the BCA brand of HB206-FF hanger bearing- the bearing itself, in the T-top configuration- has lasted longer than others. The second to last one lasted 6 years, but I finally had to replace it in November because it finally rusted away right at the "T". NOW, this latest bearing, less than two months old, BROKE at the "T". I noticed that this latest hanger bearing's metal in the bracket is thinner. It now has the "Federal Mogul" name splashed on the box, but still in the BCA box.

My question is- and I can't deviate from the T-top style without a LOT of retrofitting (this is a daily driver)- IS there a GOOD, beefier T-top hanger bearing out there I can try? At over $50 a pop, I don't have the resources to try several of them.

I don't hot-rod the truck- in fact, my wife claims I drive like a grandpa (which I am!); daily mileage is 26-30 miles per round trip and is mostly pavement, with 1-1/4 mile of maintained dirt road per round trip. It is a 3-on-the-tree and the clutch is in good shape. About every 6 weeks or so, I load up some scrap metal & haul it about 10 miles for recycling. So, this truck is definitely NOT abused in any way.

Years ago, before I found the "good" BCA bearing, I was changing hanger bearings about every 6 months or so, but these mainly had bad bearings themselves and the hanger's frame itself seemed thicker.

Any suggestions, please? Or am I doomed to be cursed with shoddy materials due to the "free market"?

Thanks, one and all. Bud