The 216 "Babbitt pounder" is what you should have stock. The bearings are Babbitt, and not easily replaced like modern insert bearings. Modern bearings still have a thin coating of Babbitt, or a similar alloy. It's just the old ones are harder to work on and don't last as long unless you keep them adjusted, but that's a lot of work.
When they are out of adjustment they quickly "pound" themselves out, as in once they get a little loose they quickly get really loose.

Grigg

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-