The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Chevy 216 #4 rear main bearing width

Sometime back I came across some info that said the #4 rear main bearing came in two widths, which was a standard or narrow width for automatics and a wide width for standard trans. The wider one appears to be about a 1/4" wider than the other. Now that I looked at the bearings I got on ebay, the #4 bearing is the narrower one, but I need the wider one. First, does anyone have a 216 0.010 #4 wide main bearing (1 5/8"). Secondly, can I use the narrower bearing instead of the wide one. The bearings are for a 216 in a 50 Chevy 3100 1/2 ton pickup with standard trans. The truck will only a slow moving putt-around-town truck.

I ended up with a rear main bearing that was about 1/4" short in width. I was advised on here that it varied between manufacturers. I used it with no problems. I also replaced the rear main seal and it actually does not leak. I am wondering if my good fortune has something to do with the narrow bearing.

Thanks Truckernix. I have a friend that has a lot of repair knowledge for the 216. He said we needed to do some thrust bearing measurements, and maybe some other measurements, to determine if the bearing will work. I bought a full engine gasket set, which has new seals and new rear main rope seals, so hopefully we can start puting the engine back together.