Originally posted by MapOfTaziFoShoââ??¢:
I am trying to give the kid the benefit of the doubt and have him plasti gauge it.



Not sure he is a kid; but at any rate the plasti-gauge requires new bearings be on hand. A caliper (even a cheapie) can be used to determine the average journal diameter using statistical samples taken at random points along the bearing journal surface. This can be compared to the actual manufacturing tolerances listed in shop manual.

As far as experience, I have a masters degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan where I graduated in the top 5 percent of my graduating class. During the course of my studies, I picked up an ASME certificaion, although I've not kept it current, I suppose I could take the recertification exam at any point and pass.