Posted by Joe Lorenzino on Monday, February 07, 2005 at 6:56PM :
In Reply to: OT: How do you tell the difference between a Cast and Forged posted by Will (in MI) on Monday, February 07, 2005 at 1:15PM :
If it is the original crank in the original engine, it should be a Forged Steel one. All of the Mopar engines prior to 1972 (I think) had forged steel cranks. As stated below, there is a difference in the "parting line" where the mold sections or forging dies met. the cast ones have a 1/8" wide line that forms sort of a peak down its length. The forged steel ones have a line usually about 3/8" wide, with a flat top, that may have grinding marks visible from when the "flash" was trimmed off. Forged cranks are usually considered a better unit, but they are more expensive to build, and so fell out of common north american production in the 70's. A forged steel one that is out, and not cracked, WILL ring like a bell when hit. A cracked one, or a cast iron piece will make a much duller sound. Steel cranks can be built up by welding when required. J.V.L.