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crank bearing brace
Posted: October 30th, 2011, 10:40 am
by dzrtrataz
If I decide to use the main bearing brace. What should be the clearance between the piston rods and the brace.
Thanks
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: October 30th, 2011, 5:23 pm
by Missourian
Based upon what I've read and images shown on various STROKER threads /sites, that is to be two flat washers stacked to provide proper clearance.
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: October 30th, 2011, 6:30 pm
by 5-90
dzrtrataz wrote:If I decide to use the main bearing brace. What should be the clearance between the piston rods and the brace.
Thanks
0.100" to 0.200" should be plenty to allow for material stretch - two flat washers is about right for absolute minimum clearance.
Are you retrofitting one, or fabricating one?
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: October 31st, 2011, 5:27 am
by dzrtrataz
The motor I'm using is from a 98 and already had it. So figured I use it since I have it. So I guess I will get some washers in the morning.
Thanks
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: November 3rd, 2011, 3:44 pm
by btownxj
sorry to steal the thread but im new here. i have a 92 block and is the main bearing brace a swap besides changing the main bolts and stacking the washers? thanks!
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: November 3rd, 2011, 6:43 pm
by SIXPAK
Correct btownxj.
QUESTION...
Not sure about this guys but are the later 4.0 oil pans a bit deeper to allow for the brace or are the pans the same? I DO know that if you use a 258 deep sump pan (and the corresponding pickup for the pump) the brace hits the pan you have to relief it with a BFH a bit.
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: November 3rd, 2011, 7:12 pm
by SilverXJ
They aren't. And the fit varies between pan. I had to massage my pan a bit to get it to fit with the spaced out girdle, particularly at the front.
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: November 4th, 2011, 12:29 pm
by SIXPAK
On the front of a 4.0 pan SilverXJ?
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: November 4th, 2011, 1:11 pm
by SilverXJ
Yes, where it starts to curve up. That is where most of the bending was. IIRC someone on here has an image of where he heated it up bent the pan that way.
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: November 4th, 2011, 8:12 pm
by SIXPAK
Wow, would have not guessed that one. But then again I have never compared the two pans side by side either.
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: April 26th, 2013, 6:09 pm
by Desertjr
Bumping this as well vs creating new. Picked up a running 98 motor for 100 bucks

ill be using the head on it and was curious about grabbing main girdle and using it in my 88 block? Outside of making sure there's clearence its bolt on and go right?
Also Chris? Silverxj..can you host those pics of your windage screen you did off the girdle?
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: April 26th, 2013, 6:19 pm
by SilverXJ
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: April 26th, 2013, 9:05 pm
by Desertjr
Look like some 1/8"x1" wide strap? And some expanded metal? Would you do anything differently if you could do it a 2nd time?
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: April 27th, 2013, 5:42 am
by SilverXJ
Yes, its 1/8" x 1", might be 3/4" can't recall. It is a form of expanded steel, but they are more like small directional louvers. I want to say its a Morso screen.
Re: crank bearing brace
Posted: April 27th, 2013, 9:30 am
by Desertjr
SilverXJ wrote:Yes, its 1/8" x 1", might be 3/4" can't recall. It is a form of expanded steel, but they are more like small directional louvers. I want to say its a Morso screen.
Alrighty. Looks like the stuff that's on my satellite in the back yard...the fiancé would kill me
How did you connect it all? I know you formed and welded the strap. I think I see a few tacks but it almost looks rolled at the edges? Am I seeing rivets?
Would you do it another way if you could?