This paper studies the nonlinear dynamic behavior and bifurcation of a rigid rotor supported by two relatively short spherical gas journal bearings. The modified Reynolds equation is solved by a hybrid numerical method combining the differential transformation method (DTM) and the finite difference method (FDM). The analytical results reveal a complex dynamic behavior comprising periodic, sub-harmonic and quasi-periodic responses as the rotor mass and bearing number are increased. The results obtained using the hybrid DTM&FDM scheme are found to be in good agreement with those of a hybrid scheme comprising the successive over relaxation (SOR) method and the FDM scheme. Therefore, the DTM&FDM method provides an effective means of gaining insights into the nonlinear dynamics of relatively short spherical gas rotor-bearing systems.