Hello. I have a 1968 Skylark 350. I am in need of a new crankshaft. The thrust bearing is over specs at .013 and the man who is doing my engine says this may be the cause of the noise . It basically has a light annoying knock noise. Engine was rebuilt over a year ago. Its now torn down again It sounded like it was coming from the front cover. Eccentric OK, he put in new timing gear and chain, same issue. He took off oil pan, bearings ok, but he found the thrust over specs. He says he has seen this issue before and it can cause noise. Everything else looks good. I searched and searched and can not find that oversized thrust bearing. He says driveshaft and torque convertor ok, and is sure it was a error by machine shop. So I am looking for a crank, TA performance does not have any at this time. My question, will any crank from a Buick 350 work? or does it have to be 68-69. I searched and can not seem to get a definite answer. Thanks for any help
Any year Buick 350 crank will work. How about this one, http://www.cleggengine.com/68-81-buick-350-5-7l-v8-crankshaft-kit.html BTW, check the transmission cooler lines and cooler for a restriction. That will push the crank and wipe out the thrust too. You might want to fully fill out your profile so that your location comes up as well. That can help a lot when looking for parts.
While the statement in bold is true that any year sbb 350 crank will fit, but they are NOT all balanced the same. The '68 to '72 sbb 350 used lighter rods so the crank has deeper balancing holes in the throws while the '73 to '81 cap screw style rods are heavier so the holes in the throws aren't drilled as deep. Also the later year cranks have the #1-2 rod journal partially drilled to lighten the balance further for the heavier rods. If your engine was a stock rebuild that didn't require re-balancing then you will want to get the '68 to '72 replacement crank. GL Derek
