Opentracker wrote:

7/8" is the OD of the shafts we use.

 Thanks, Is that the stock size?
 I want to use 6002-2RS bearings for a set I am making,  and use 4 bearings for each perch. The ID of those bearings are 20mm / .787In. and an OD of 42mm / 1.653.

Since the 6004 is .5 wide the shaft coud be turned down and stepped so that  the center of the shaft retains the original diameter and provides a separation between the bearings and the two bearings on each side could be retained with an internal snap ring on the out side.

 By using that size I would not have to cut out the old tube and replace it with the larger diameter ones that are for the bigger bearings used in the ones like you have.
 The reason for all this is that I already have the bearings and tubing required  to do it my way.

Opentracker wrote:

The original Ford perches have a 7/8" OD shaft. 

Your idea for turning down the shaft and using the ID clips to hold the bearings/shafts in place should work fine. With your design, you need to make sure you have enough room to get the shock nuts in place.

 

Thanks. Using the smaller OD bearings the original tube will remain and the clearance for the shock nuts will be as they are original.