So im hoping everyone knows what the front main bearings are. I have been having difficulties changing my main bearings. I got all the old ones out, but the new ones i got just don't work. I bought the standard size. #'s 3, 4, and 5 fit, but #'s 1, and 2 don't. Is there a way to make the space the bearing goes in bigger by loosening something else? Maybe i just need to get the next size smaller.

PLEASE HELP. I have run out of ideas and am not sure what else to do besides take it to a shop and have them fix it for me.

 

I assume you are laying on your back and replacing bearings with motor in the truck?

You can loosen all the mains and drop the timing gear off the cam, retain chain on sproket, and slip the transmission back about two inches. The crank will lower itself as you loosen the main bolts. You may have to enlist a long screwdriver to dislodge the bearing from the block. Are you doing the rod bearings too because now is the time not to cut corners. And, with them out, the crank will be easy to reposition. Best of luck and use lots of patience.

My $0.02

 

yes, the motor is in the truck.

i have all the bearing out. the top bearings are in on #'s 3, 4 and 5. I just have to figure out how to make #1 and 2 lose so i can get the front ones in.

I will give your idea a try. Thanks.

 

if you can, pull the front crank pulley and oil pump off. that should let the crank drop enough to get the bearings in. the chain has enough slack in it to let the crank drop a few thousandths but the oil pump may be suspending that end.
and i'd plastigauge the new ones to make sure they're not too tight.