just wondering as I am getting a new crank made (...still..).. does the 440 crank use thicker thrust washers..? if so is there any difference between the thrust journal width of the hemi/440 crank or is the block different?


May as well get better thrust washers as I will be running a reasonable dual-plate clutch (RAM) & I hear the thrusts can take a beating.

they are the same. u could get a wider thrust bearing if u have too much end play. i'd kick up the extra cash for the coated ones. better crank protection after it sits a long time. seeya.

The information I have (and have confirmed on 440 blocks) is that big block Mopars changed the thrust bearing diameter in 1974:

1973-older use the smaller thrust bearing (such as Clevite MS-877P)
1974-newer use the larger thrust bearing (such as Clevite MS-1277)

You can put the smaller bearings in the newer blocks, but you can't put the larger bearings in the older blocks. And weren't all the 426 hemi's old blocks?

thanks Jim, I read somewhere that the 440's had thicker thrusts, maybe they meant wider and/or larger diameter. Anyway, thats good to know I am ordering a new KB block and will check it accommodates the larger option. I assume the crank journal that the thrust is on is the same width.
thanks again

Check with KB, there is no reason they couldn't machine the #3 thrust area of the block for the later, larger dia, thrust bearings. Like I said, a block like that could run either thrust bearing. And the larger dia thrust surface could help what I think you are doing.

I run the Clevite MS-1277HG bearings in my block. This is the performance bearing (H), full groove 360 degree (G), and has room for cranks with radius fillets.