I was finally able to get the engine down from the engine stand and on a dolly to get inside the rear of the crank to do some measurements. the bearing retainer sticks out past the front of the bell housing approx. 1". I took a straight edge and laid it across the back of the engine and it came in right behind the back of the flange on the rear of the crank giving me the position of where the bell housing would be. I had approx. 2 1/2 " from there to the back of the hole in the crank. so I should have about 1 1/2" of play. Does the needle bearing need to be put in the freezer overnight to allow it to go in easier and is it best to tap it in with a hammer and a piece of 2x4 flush with the back of the crank.
