I'd say probably not too close but to be safe you might first drive it for a while, stop and feel the bearing. Then idle it (like at a stop light) for a while and feel the bearing.

If you think the bearing is too warm you could you somehow fasten a shielding piece of sheet metal between the bearing and the muffler. Or maybe you could put crooks in the exhaust and tail pipes to move the muffler away a little bit. That might take new exhaust and tail pipes.





1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet

34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.