Flathead crank/rods

I have two flathead Ford cranks, one is said to be out of a 1950 8Ba engine and the other crank is from a 59 AB. Is there a easy way to tell the difference as they look the same to me ? Some people say I cant use my 8BA connecting rods with the 59 crank but I cant see why, as they mic the same dia. and each has two oil holes per rod journal .

 

any casting #s?

 

The un-modified 59 crank would have one oil hole per rod journal for full floating bearings, while the late 8BA would have two oil holes for insert bearings for each rod.
Bob

 

Both of my cranks have two oil holes per journal, so can I use my 8ba connecting rods on either crank as I have a nice set of 8BA rods I want to use . So I need two oil holes per journal for the insert 8BA connecting rods right ? thanks

 

yes you could use both old and new rods with 2 oil holes

 

Someone must have put an 8BA crank in that 59AB engine.

 

flatjack: I do in the 59ab in my dry lakes modified. It was a factory rebuild & came with that setup in it.You need to check with Bruce Landcaster over on the Ford Barn site, as he is one of the guy's to go to.

 

I know where I can get a 4 inch mercury crank that has been turned .030 under. Now can a .030 under crank, be offset ground for the 4.125 stroker and use the small journal 21a rods ? Or will the .030 under size screw this idea up? thanks