input shaft needle bearing orientation

[gjz30075]

Pictured are two spigot bearings I have and I think they are from different manufacturers but I noticed
the needles do not run the full length of the area given to them. As you can see, there is a grease
'trough', so to speak, on one end.

I'm sure this done for a reason (maybe financial?) so which end goes into the crank first? Is there
an engineering reason behind this?

[2cams70]

That's the grease seal. Should face toward the gearbox. In the picture shown both bearing are facing with the seal at the top

[gjz30075]

Thank you!