Whats the difference in rering kits?

[Wollfen]

I have been looking online at the different re-ring kits available for the 440 engine and I am wondering what parts are different in the 1966-74 engines as opposed to the 1974- 1980 engines that the kits are listed under? Does anyone know?

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Later engines have bigger thrust bearings other than that should be same

 

[Wollfen]

Okay cool, does that mean they are thicker and wont fit the earlier engines because of their steel crank?

 

[70bigblockdodge]

The machined surface on the block is bigger to accept the taller/larger thrust surface. Maybe the cast cranks were wearing faster?

 

[Wollfen]

I would be curious to know if the later thrust bearings will still fit the early engines, I note that the re-ring kits for the early engines are about $40 more on average.

 

[Wollfen]

Well obviously not, I may find an old thrust bearing shell and see how much difference there is between them.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Let us know what you find.

 

[Badvert65]

I have used the smaller diameter thrust bearings on the engines machined for the larger one. That works just fine, not so much the other way around. You could probably have a block machined for the larger thrust bearing but it would probably be easier and cheaper to just use the smaller thrust bearing.

 

[commando1]

Ummm... isn't using the correct thrust bearing more betterer and wiserest.

 

[68plymouth383]

I believe so.

 

[Badvert65]

I am not saying I recommend this, I am just saying that using the smaller thrust bearing is possible and no different than if it was an older block. Personally, I would prefer using the correct parts. You can't go wrong there. However, I have put the later crank in the earlier block with no issues and the 440 in my pickup has the earlier bearings in a later block. That motor now has over 200,000 miles on it. Now, these were engines for my own use but, all things being equal, if I were building an engine for someone else, I would use the bearings specific to each application. As I said, you can't go wrong there.

 

[Wollfen]

Yah, it seems strange that since the pre 74 440 engines are far more common you would think that would be the cheaper kit but no.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Its called profit taking, you need it, you gonna pay.

 

[commando1]

Nobody ever got fired for installing the correct bearings...

 

[Wollfen]

It just busts my nut that I have to spend an extra $40 to buy a set that has a thrust bearing with less material in it.