but even randy reports difficulty with them. He changed the bearing on his own 2.6 back in the early days and it seized. Very precise work to get that in right.
I have done several without issue, and I know a lot of others that have replaced them successfully. The running clearance on them is quite large, basically a glorified cam bearing. If you are replacing a set of bearings that were wiped out and the next set goes, you missed an obvious problem or created a new one.
I made my own bearing press tools, it was pretty simple. Most balance shaft bearings can be reused and are in perfect shape. I replace them just because its easy.
I have run with and without balance shafts. The vibration without them is annoying and yes that was on a balanced motor.
I used Randy's Hastings rings.
Hastings does not make a moly ring for the 2.6 and Randy did not have custom rings made. For that matter, he mentions in several posts (Starquest board) that for stock pistons he sells chrome rings and that they work really well. I'm not sure what you have, but something does not add up.
Downside is the more you deck the block or head, the more out of time the timing chain becomes and only solution is an adjustable cam gear for $200.
The other solution is to make an offset cam bushing. It's simpler and more reliable. That and a .020" deck cut does not result in a noticeable change in cam timing.
Engine Rebuild:
Three things I would look at.
1: Budget
2: Intention
3: Condition of your existing motor.
The right way is to tear the engine down and evaluate its condition. That's going to determine how much you need to spend to get a reasonable amount of service out of the engine.
Anyone can make a perfect motor by throwing money at it, the hard part is knowing what is still serviceable.
Also, knowing how the motor died (assuming it died) and how it ran before you tore it down can help narrow down your search.
A visual on the bore is a start, measuring them is the right way to do it. Out of spec means you need to bore the motor over sized. Same goes with the rod ends and the crank.
My recommendation is to get a fresh set of stock bolts, reuse your cam (assuming it looks OK). Most cam damage is a wiped out journal and will be obvious.
ACL make a good pistons, same with sealed power. I have never used ITM. The Sealed Power look to be really good for a stock type rebuild.
