I've got a set of Crane adjustable ductile iron rockers that I plan to use on the 440 I'm building.

Is there any reason I couldn't/shouldn't run stock rocker shafts? Do I need to buck-up for the hardened shafts? No roller bearings, so I don't see why I'd need hardened shafts.

I have an old set of Erson irons on my 440.Its had the stock shafts for 30 years.No problems.The new hardended shafts with grooves are better but not necessary.Rocky

If you're going with a larger than stock cam you might want to consider hardened shafts because your valvespring pressures will increase.

Check the shafts and make sure they aren't worn if you are reusing the original hi mileage shafts. Also check the fit of the rockers to the shaft , I ended up running a brake cyl. hone thru a few.

Make sure they all have the oiling hole that goes thru to the top , a couple of the new ones I bought didn't have those either , rehone the inside to remove any burrs.

Check the adjustment screws. I have found through experience that Crane used off shore parts and that the screws were not hardened. Take each screw and run the ball over a file. If you get metal they are junk. I run 273's with soldid lifters and always replace the screws with Smith Brothers screws. Real good insurance.

Been runnin them on the 56 for 3 years with no problems..crane ductile iron rockers and stock shafts..cam lift 530..

Thanks dart4forte

Here's a cheap alternative ... TRW shafts. They're thicker, better machined AND inexpensive. The problem with stockers is that they can go oval from overtightening, etc.. Once this happens the rockers will bind and gall.

Dynamit my old man had a 56 almost like that.It was black and yellow.He paid 120 bucks for it with tax drove it 2 years then sold it for 35 bucks because it needed exhaust.Those were the days.Rocky