Rod and Main Bearings 351W

[04mustang70]

Going to hae my engine out this winter for some detail work and figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to put new rod and main bearings in it. Problem is I have never done anything like this. My question is what steps need to be takin to insure I get the correct bearings in it and also the correct installation technique. This is my first post but have been lurking for a long time You guys are great!! Thanks for the info

 

[rbohm]

while the job is fairly easy, there are a few things to understand;

1: most guys replace the rod bolts each time they replace rod bearings as it is cheap insurance to prevent breakage. this does require a press though, and having the big end resized as well.

2: you will need a torque wrench to properly torque the bolts down evenly.

3: i also recommend replacing the main cap bolts, again cheap insurance. you should also have the mains checked for proper roundness.

there are people who just install a fresh set of bearings and dont have a problem, and i was one of those people, but i have since learned my lesson as a result of others having problems of breakage doing just what you plan.

 

[04mustang70]

When the engine was rebuilt years ago I had ARP rod bolts installed. They were installed by an experienced machine shop. Would I still need to replace the rod bolts or could I reuse the ARP ones with no concerns?

 

[brianj5600]

If it was rebuilt a year ago, I would not touch the inside.

 

[rbohm]

what i would do is check to see what kind of play you have before you try to replace the bearings. ARP bolts are good quality, and i would have fewer reservations reusing them, than factory bolts, but i would still replace them myself. but check the amount of rod bearing play you have first. if very little, and if oil pressure have been good, then i agree, dont replace anything.