connecting rod question

[86lxhatch]

So I was installing my new forged pistons on my old rods the other day. I was pressing the wrist pins onto the rods with the shop press when I noticed I bent the wrist pin end of one of my rods a little (1/8" maybe...). I removed the piston and pin, then pressed the rod back straight. Should I use this rod, or replace it? The motor is probably only going to make around 260hp or so n/a...

 

[txstang84]

Replace it...stock rods are cheap...I had to buy a new rod for my first build. I think I paid all of about $25 at the time. If you scoured eBay listings, you could probably find a whole new set for $100 or less...

 

[Jason 302]

Get another rod. Did you freeze the wrist pin before pressing it in? I've heard it makes a difference.

 

[86lxhatch]

I just pressed them in. I bent the first rod I tried because I was learning. After that one, I lubed up the wrist pins with motor oil, and they pressed right into place with no problems. Do any of you guys have a good stock 5.0 rod laying around? I'll pay shipping!

 

[txstang84]

I wish I did-I'd be glad to help, but I'm mostly out of all my 5.0 stuff. I think the machine shop I used to take my stuff to heated the small end of the rod and then pressed them in-lubed of course like you mentioned.

I actually bought mine from a auto parts store/machine shop that was local to me at the time. You might wanna give your local shops a call just for S&Gs...

 

[txstang84]

here ya go...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Small-...pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

...even better-new rod bolts...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Ford-3...pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

 

[txstang84]

here's a couple of spares if you need them....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-302-RO...pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

 

[86lxhatch]

Thanks tex, I'll look into those!

 

[Rick 91GT]

The new rod will have to be weight matched to the others or youll be out of balance...VERY IMPORTANT

If you swapped pistons I hope you had the entire assembly balanced...

 

[86lxhatch]

The pistons came as a weight matched set. I understand I need to match the rod weight...do the rods have to be weight matched to the pistons, or is it that all the components(rods, pistons) together need to weigh the same? I hope this makes sense...I think I'm starting to confuse myself!!

 

[txstang84]

Rods matched to each other-rods all need to be within a certain weight...e.g, 1-458.6, 2-459, 3-458.2, 4-459.1, etc etc. Your machinist will know what to do.

good call Rick...wasn't thinkin'...just wanted to help the man find some rods.

 

[Rick 91GT]

rod, crank, wrist pins, rings and bearings all need to be a specific weight based on the weight of the crank... THEY all have to be balanced together if any part is changed.