I recently purchased a 1957 26A 345ci Adventurer engine that was disassembled but is mostly complete.  It is missing 4 rods and pistons, the spark plug wire management cap for the valve covers, as well as the dual carbs.  I do have the dual carb intake manifold, engine mounts, clutch, bellhousing, power steering pump, water pump, etc.

I had the block shot peened and I mag'd it myself.  Two things I discovered: 1) the '2' in the S26-A-I3231 stamping was removed from the shot peening, and 2) the block has a crack.

I know that this is a very rare engine, but I have no idea of value.  Here are some questions I have:

1. Can the crack be fixed?  Is it worth fixing?

2. If the answers to question #1 is positive:  I do have a picture of the stamping before shot peening to show it was there.  Is this a problem?  Can it be re-stamped?  Who has the correct stamping tool to match the original?

Any advice is appreciated.

I have some play in my '55s idler. Does anyone have experience with a steering idler repair kit? I would seem to be a viable option but the workshop manual states that replacement is the only repair possible. However new ones are very expensive. Are the kits OK?

All thoughts appreciated 

Clive Rogers 

If I'm reading the parts manual correctly, all 57-58 Mopars (except Imperials and cars with Sure Grip differentials) are part no 1675 448, correct?

Is there a need to look for interchange with any other maker (like Ford, perhaps) or are these axles going to be strictly Mopar?

From one of the posts I've read, it seems that I should not expect to find these new and will have to find a used one, though it does seem the bearings and seals are readily available.  is that correct?

Thanks

Shawn