Per both the 1955 and 1957 Ford service manuals, the maximum amount of timing chain deflection is ½” at which point it’s recommended to replace the timing chain and gears as a set.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I was watching the Mummert video in the rear seal replacement.   Is there something I can do to center the timing cover/seal to the crank?   I have no access to a lathe to make a tool to center this

In lieu of having a centering sleeve to assist in installing the timing cover on the Ford Y, it’s typically adequate to simply install the timing cover so that the oil pan gasket flange at the bottom of the cover is parallel or level with the same oil pan flange (rail) on the block.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)