Rear main seal Please help!

[Touring29]

I have our car (29U) torn down and the bell housing, flywheel & seal holder bracket thing removed. I have a rope seal that came from Best Gaskets. The seal seems a lot thicker in all dimensions than the old seal and although I haven't tried yet it seems like it will be impossible to get it crammed in placece in that cheesy bracket in the limited space between the flange on the crank & the back of the engine. I looked at the old threads and some mention dropping the pan. I don't see how that would help anything as the seal holder bolts to the back of the rear cap and the back of the block. Someone also mentioned using a neoprene split seal. I have tried to find a seal that would fit with no luck. Anyone have a part # for said seal?

[Articifer Tom]

The rope seal, I believe is used to make the first seal with the two bearing half caps. Thus removing pan and cap and crank to work new one in to groove ,with wood dowel . The part you have off is back-up seal . A flange with cork seal . Cork is noted my truck MPB but not the Ply MPB . I just had my lower end apart 2 years ago . Cannot yet find any good pics of . You can call to discuss 570-401-5868 .

[29UJohn]

The neoprene seal is a split seal the military used on the six cylinders, but to use it properly, the opening must be modified by a machine shop. Recommend sticking with the rope seal.

There are two sizes of rope seals that were used, as well as a cork seal.

If you think your new rope seal is too thick, check with Felpro, Napa, or Then & Now Automotive and ask for the smaller diameter one.

Although you can replace the rope seal without removing the pan, and lowering the rear bearing cap, it is a challenge. The trick is to allow a little bit of rope to stick out on both sides, so when you install the lower half the ends mush up against each other.

There is an old tool used to install the upper half ( I think I may have one) but never tried using it.

Sad to see this forum is going away at the end of this year.