I resolved the rope seal with the Felpro Ford neoprene two piece. All went well, but I just want to confirm that the seal lip riding on those grooves works......?

I’ve seen some older posts saying it’s OK and it seems lots of these have been installed.

Just seems weird.

Joe

 

I have done a few and never had an issue. There are some engines (Chrysler and Ford) that came from the factory with "rubber" seals and the grooves in the crank.

 

I've never removed the grooves either. They are there to act as a slinger to move oil away from the seal.

 

I pulled neoprene seals with quite a few miles, no abnormal wear.

 

You do NOT want to remove the groves. They're pretty deep. Grinding them all the way off will leave that journal way too undersized.
If anything, take a strip of emery cloth (like used for sweat fitting copper) and polish around that journal (and JUST that journal!). That will knock down any sharp points, ridges or high spots. Make sure to clean the crank really well afterward.
But like the guys said, it's not necessary.