Main/rod bearing brands & sources

[Shoebox]

I've been bouncing around on some of the usual (but not all yet) sources for flathead parts, looking for 8ba main and rod bearing sets. I have a Merc crank that is still std., willing to roll the dice and figure we'll end up at .010 undersize and buy while things are still available. I have liked Cleavite stuff over the years and recently picked up cam bearings of that brand. Just wondering what brand and from whom you guys that have built an engine in recent times went to for these things?

Thanks guys!

[cadillac512]

I used "King" brand bearings when I built my Merc flathead two years ago. Good quality bearings with aluminum/silicon content that wears well. Several sellers on Ebay and Speedway Motors sells them as well.



Terry

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by cadillac512

I used "King" brand bearings when I built my Merc flathead two years ago. Good quality bearings with aluminum/silicon content that wears well. Several sellers on Ebay and Speedway Motors sells them as well.



Terry

Terry, Thank You for the response. Haven't heared of that brand but will keep that in mind. Numerous places list "bearings" but don't state the brand or show generic packaging. Hoping to hear from others.

[Bob C]

Rock Auto has Mahle/Clevite rod and main bearings but they are out of stock
on .010 mains.

[tubman]

King bearings were made in Israel, who used French-made trucks for their military. The are most likely mil-spec and high quality.

[flatjack9]

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I have used King bearings many times. Bought from Speedway.

[Bored&Stroked]

I've used pretty much all of the major brands - they're all good quality stuff. What is important is to very accurately validate your clearances - as you'll find some variances in one brand (and even box) to another.

The right way to do this is by putting the bearings in the block/rods, tightening to the torque spec and using a precision 3-point bearing dial-bore gauge to determine the exact dimensions. Few guys have these mics at home - a good machine shop will have them (just bring your parts to them BEFORE they or anybody grinds the crank).

I used to have my cranks ground BEFORE I bought my bearings - based on the standard undersize I was going too. Recently I've changed my procedures and I mic the new undersize bearings - then give the exact journal sizes to the crank grinder. This is the only way that I've been able to accurately achieve the clearances as I want them. Clearances are a big deal . . . period.

If you just have the crank grinder do the normal regrind (without checking the actual bearings you're going to use), your bearing clearances may not be what you want/need.

My new procedure takes a bit more planning and time, but I'm a stickler for clearances and the above procedure is the right way to do it.

Best of luck!
B&S

[Shoebox]

This procedure makes total sense,....and doesn't even cost more. Thanks Dale.

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by flatjack9

I have used King bearings many times. Bought from Speedway.

......Heading to Speedway website!

[Shoebox]

Just got off the phone with Speedway, main bearings on BO till late April, .010 rod bearings in stock but can't verify manufacturer, branded Speedway. Might pull the trigger on the rod bearings just to see what they are, but going to keep checking around.

[51504bat]

I bought everything I needed to rebuild the 8ba in my '39 p/u from Red's Headers. The bearings were King and the Gaskets were Best. Can't remember the pistons and rings but all top quality stuff. Nice guy to deal with as well.
https://www.reds-headers.net/

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by 51504bat

I bought everything I needed to rebuild the 8ba in my '39 p/u from Red's Headers. The bearings were King and the Gaskets were Best. Can't remember the pistons and rings but all top quality stuff. Nice guy to deal with as well.
https://www.reds-headers.net/

Yes, have bought from Red's in the past, getting exhaust pipes, mufflers and tailpipes from them this month. Will call them Monday regarding bearings. I see that they (Red's) make a point of mentioning "New manufacture" regarding their bearings, is this a plus, if available would one hesitate buying some nos bearings? Just wondering. Thanks guys.

[marko39]

Nos bearings would be my first choice but not as easily sourced like they were 20 years ago.

[Desoto291Hemi]

The bearings I found are NOS,,,,,got really lucky,,,,they look beautiful .
The rod bearings brands are Johnson Bearings,,,the front two mains are Johnson Bronze,,,,,and the rear is a Ford original .
They are all .002 under,,,,.I got lucky,,,,,my crank polished out at that,,,,,,saved me from having to grind it to .010 undersized .
I was gonna post pics,,,,but it won’t take my pics,,,,,,sad,,,,!
Tommy

[Ken/Alabama]

Anyone ever used Ertyl brand bearings ?

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by marko39

Nos bearings would be my first choice but not as easily sourced like they were 20 years ago.

Just be careful buying old bearings wrapped in cosmoline cloth. Over time, that cosmoline eats away and pits the surface of the bearing, rendering them useless.